I became a permanent resident of Canada July 30 2009 . It has taken many hours filling the seeming endless paperwork involved. I finally applied in April 2009 and it was accepted July 30. I was expecting many more months of waiting for this. I will retain my USA citizenship but will be able to apply for Canadian citizenship in 3 years. We will think on that at a later date

I applied for the Ontario health insurance card .It will become effective on October 30 and I have a  SIN # now ( Like a Social Security number). I am waiting now for the credentials to come in the mail.

I am so happy !