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My oldest was recently accepted into an art school in Canada. They (My oldest users they/them pronouns) are starting in September. They also have applied for their study permit, which is no small feat. Most countries require money as an important part of a move. So my oldest had to show that school was covered and that they had like $10k in the bank. This was accomplished with a lot of savings and some parental donations. My oldest lives at home, pays rent and doesn’t have a car. So their living expenses aren’t too high.

My youngest is moving in a week to NorCal for grad school. They also have saved up. They saved and got a car. They also put down their deposit and rent for an apartment they are sharing with a classmate. They have been working remotely all summer for the school and will continue to work and do school remotely.

I began my application for a license in Canada. We decided that was the best entry route because nursing is a high demand job. It’s a lengthy process to get the license so I am starting with that. $650 for the application, plus fees with all of the documents. Official copies of my identity documents, official transcripts, copies of the school curriculum, etc. This process isn’t fast, but it’s even slower in the pandemic. Everything is by mail (and have you heard about the mail lately?).

Eventually, once they have everything, it will be evaluated to meet Canadian requirements. Then I can apply for my license (more $$). Then I can apply for a work permit/job.

In the meantime, we are looking at selling our house. I applied for a job that is work from home through 2020. Its more money because it’s full time, but at least it’s at home.

Will is going back to school. He needs a BSN in Canada for a license, but has been working for the last 20 years as an ADN nurse. So online school it is. And then he will need to do the same this that I have done.

A big kind of process like this is a lot of moving parts and a lot of changes. All along the way I find new challenges and issues to address, but overall I am hopeful. Hopefully next year we will be living up north!