On November 8, 1951, Chris signed an Agricultural Labourer's Agreement with the Department of Colonization of the CNR, in Copenhagen. It bound him to work for one year for a Canadian farmer.

In late November, having purchased a 1500-Kroner ticket (about $200 Canadian at the time), Chris travelled third class from Copenhagen aboard the SS Oslofjord. Eight days later, on December 6, 1951, he landed in New York City. That evening, he boarded an 8 p.m. overnight train to Buffalo, New York.