Canada:

Причины, по которым я подумываю об эмиграции, следующие:
# хочется улучшить "качество жизни". В частности, там где я живу на Дальнем Востоке - производства минимум, а воздух грязный. Вода не лучше. Ипотека 12%. И т.д.

OK, IT is still running (but a lot of recession talking), air and water is good, especially in suburbs. Mortgage ~5%.

# свобода передвижения. Хотелось бы чтоб на уикенд с семьей сесть в машину и съездить в другую страну или просто к океану.

OK. USA Mexico, Cuba, Atlantic, Pacific, lakes, nature -- all here or near. Europe is relatively far -- 5-7 hours flights from Montral/Toronto

# денег чтоб нормально зарабатывать
(последние 2 пункта могут друг друга компенсировать)

Oracle DBA/Dev with 2-10y == 60-120K/y, vary by position, city, company

(далее из мелочей)
# скучновато стало. Работаю начальником, надоело чего-то. Дальше если только свой бизнес, но больше хочется не головняков, а спокойной работы.

In general, IT is not always exiting -- a lot of boring routines. But with
more opportunities you will be able, probably, to find something

# мир бы посмотреть

Your money -- your vacation -- go anywhere

# жена зиму очень не любит. Хотя я сам вполне мирно отношусь.

Here is some problem. Montreal is rather snowy, Toronto is a bit better, Vancouver is rainy but not cold. Calgary/Edmonton are chilly/windy winter time. Summer is excellent everywhere in Canada.

(As they say) Immigration to Canada is rather easy nowadays -- I have several fresh families telling fantastic stories about 5-12 months turnaround. I can not guarantee this, but looks like people with *right* education/experience can arrive fast.

After 3-3.5 years in Canada you are getting citizenship and can go (if you want) work/live in USA.

Going to USA can be harder. They do not have same *skill worker* immigration process. You can look at green card lottery. Or, you can arrive to USA having job offer. Only by holding on this job for 5 years (or finding next job very fast) you can apply for permanent staying in USA. (people from USA will tell you the process better).

Good luck!

Yup, but then it will be a big problem:

brat' zontik ili ne brat' zontik? ))

in fact, it was subtle joke about *zontik as most important criteria* for immigration