While I don't know much about Canadian immigration law, I hear they are rather strict. Of course being an American or Scandinavian helps when applying but it is still no guarantee. Practical things like good education, no criminal record and things like that definitely help.

Iceland has really stupid immigration laws IMO, but one has to apply for work permit while not in the country. Citizenship is awarded after a few years of living. Even so, as a taxpayer one gets all the benefits of a full citizen. Citizenship isn't that big a deal, but with Icelandic citizenship you really get Nordic citizenship. Meaning you get automatic work permit (and all other rights of citizenship) within the Nordic countries. (Sweden <shiver>, Norway (yay!!), Denmark (beer+cheeses!!), Finland (vodka+sauna!!) and Iceland. The Faeroe Islands and Greenland are included in the Nordic council with Denmark.

I'd like to move to Canada (or the US) sometime in the future myself. Vancouver BC preferably.

If you come to Iceland MPC, we'll buy you a beer!