Question about spouse/common law sponsorship

[johnnyhypr]

Hello everyone,

I am a US citizen 40 years old with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, and 10+ years of experience in the technology field (I know right now they aren't looking for tech guys in Canada at the moment). I was planning on moving up to Alberta to be with my girlfriend late as April 2025, from what I've seen online the best option is for me to stay for 6 months then apply for an visitor extension then another 6 months so we can apply for common law or spouse sponsorship which ever might come first at that point. I know I would not be able to work during that period, I have enough in savings to support myself and my girlfriend is able to support us as well, but is there anything else I should have on hand document wise when first arriving? I'll be flying into Edmonton and have done it in the past but only stayed a few weeks at a time which the CBSA officer only asked me one or two questions like where I was going and for how long, I'm just worried this time I'll get grilled with questions if I tell them I plan on staying for 6 months and I'll get denied entry.

Thank you.

 

[Copingwithlife]

Hello everyone,

I am a US citizen 40 years old with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, and 10+ years of experience in the technology field (I know right now they aren't looking for tech guys in Canada at the moment). I was planning on moving up to Alberta to be with my girlfriend late as April 2025, from what I've seen online the best option is for me to stay for 6 months then apply for an visitor extension then another 6 months so we can apply for common law or spouse sponsorship which ever might come first at that point. I know I would not be able to work during that period, I have enough in savings to support myself and my girlfriend is able to support us as well, but is there anything else I should have on hand document wise when first arriving? I'll be flying into Edmonton and have done it in the past but only stayed a few weeks at a time which the CBSA officer only asked me one or two questions like where I was going and for how long, I'm just worried this time I'll get grilled with questions if I tell them I plan on staying for 6 months and I'll get denied entry.

Thank you.

Just don’t bring up your whole life’s belongings

That’s a sure fire way of bringing attention to yourself

They want to see that if things go sideways in the relationship you have a life to return to in the United States.
If things go sideways you leave or you find your own pathway to immigrate

Remember always , you’re visiting , you’re not moving
Repeat you’re only visiting .

 

[johnnyhypr]

Thank you for the reply, that's reassuring to hear. I had planned on packing how I normally would during one of my visits and anything else I would leave with family until I was able to come back to the states for it.

 

[armoured]

You should look at the provisions for professionals under the NAFTA (whatever it's called now) - eg if you can qualify as computer systems analyst and get a job offer, you can get a work permit more or less on the spot (at border, i.e. you'd have to leave and come back). Sure, there is a downturn in hiring for tech spots, but there's always been continuous turnover too.

https://moving2canada.com/work/work-permits/usmca-work-permits-canada/

There are other programs as well you might qualify on.

If that type of arrangement doesn't work, give some thought to whether getting married so as to get the spousal sponsorship in sooner rather than waiting to hit common law. Up to you of course.

 

[Ponga]

You should look at the provisions for professionals under the NAFTA (whatever it's called now) - eg if you can qualify as computer systems analyst and get a job offer, you can get a work permit more or less on the spot (at border, i.e. you'd have to leave and come back). Sure, there is a downturn in hiring for tech spots, but there's always been continuous turnover too.

https://moving2canada.com/work/work-permits/usmca-work-permits-canada/

There are other programs as well you might qualify on.

If that type of arrangement doesn't work, give some thought to whether getting married so as to get the spousal sponsorship in sooner rather than waiting to hit common law. Up to you of course.

Isn't that flagpolling? If so, that ended on Dec 23rd.

 

[armoured]

Isn't that flagpolling? If so, that ended on Dec 23rd.

That's a good question; I don't think it applies to the NAFTA-type visas, my logic being that Americans have no way to do it otherwise than going to USA and returning (I vaguely recall there's a slightly different regime for Mexican citizens because visa rules are different). But I have no basis to think this other than logic.

Which, you know, is a great tool, but can fail one when it comes to some parts of immigration rules.

At any rate, good point, don't know, we can leave that as an exercise for the OP in this thread when they look into it.

 

[johnnyhypr]

That's a good question; I don't think it applies to the NAFTA-type visas, my logic being that Americans have no way to do it otherwise than going to USA and returning (I vaguely recall there's a slightly different regime for Mexican citizens because visa rules are different). But I have no basis to think this other than logic.

Which, you know, is a great tool, but can fail one when it comes to some parts of immigration rules.

At any rate, good point, don't know, we can leave that as an exercise for the OP in this thread when they look into it.

First of all thank you for this information, I knew of this program but didn't think I could apply for it. The wording is a little confusing on canada.ca about the updates on this process, it appears that I could apply for this while in Canada. I'm still reading through all of it, but you are right this is an exercise for me and I'll make sure to share what I learn.

 

[armoured]

First of all thank you for this information, I knew of this program but didn't think I could apply for it. The wording is a little confusing on canada.ca about the updates on this process, it appears that I could apply for this while in Canada. I'm still reading through all of it, but you are right this is an exercise for me and I'll make sure to share what I learn.

There are sub-forums here about moving to Canada from USA that should have relevant info, incl about the NAFTA-CAMUSA programs work permits, I just don't follow closely.

 

[Ponga]

That's a good question; I don't think it applies to the NAFTA-type visas, my logic being that Americans have no way to do it otherwise than going to USA and returning (I vaguely recall there's a slightly different regime for Mexican citizens because visa rules are different). But I have no basis to think this other than logic.

Which, you know, is a great tool, but can fail one when it comes to some parts of immigration rules.

At any rate, good point, don't know, we can leave that as an exercise for the OP in this thread when they look into it.

Agreed; it doesn't appear to be crystal clear...which is par for the course. LOL! Since the OP would have already entered Canada as a visitor...this may apply:

https://www.canada.ca/en/border-ser...for-work-and-study-permits-at-the-border.html

Ending flagpoling for work and study permits at the border

Immigration services at the border are meant for individuals arriving in Canada, not for those already in Canada.

Applications and renewals for work or study permits need to be submitted through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

---
But then there's this that adds to the mix:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...sitors-apply-work-permits-within-country.html

Ottawa, August 28, 2024— Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended a temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada, effective immediately.

While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.

 

[Ponga]

Hello everyone,

I am a US citizen 40 years old with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, and 10+ years of experience in the technology field (I know right now they aren't looking for tech guys in Canada at the moment). I was planning on moving up to Alberta to be with my girlfriend late as April 2025, from what I've seen online the best option is for me to stay for 6 months then apply for an visitor extension then another 6 months so we can apply for common law or spouse sponsorship which ever might come first at that point. I know I would not be able to work during that period, I have enough in savings to support myself and my girlfriend is able to support us as well, but is there anything else I should have on hand document wise when first arriving? I'll be flying into Edmonton and have done it in the past but only stayed a few weeks at a time which the CBSA officer only asked me one or two questions like where I was going and for how long, I'm just worried this time I'll get grilled with questions if I tell them I plan on staying for 6 months and I'll get denied entry.

Thank you.

You can work remotely as a visitor:
https://www.thewayimmigration.ca/im...guide-to-remote-work-and-canadian-immigration