Visitor Visa then sponsorship as common-law

[Dannberg]

Hi everyone,

I am a german citizen and came to Canada last August with a work visa valid for one year. I met my Canadian girlfriend two years ago in Europe. Ever since I came to Canada we have been living together and we started our own business together as well. I am planning on extending my stay here in Canada with a visitor visa and then the she will apply to sponsor me. Reason for the visitor visa is, that we were told we have to live together for 1+ years to be eligible for common-law partner sponsorship. Would that be the right approach to this?

 

[bellaluna]

Yes, this is the correct way--you will have to apply to change your status to visitor to extend your stay beyond your work permit.

So long as you can show the funds to support yourself during this time period...just be careful about saying you would be getting funds from the business or working in it, as you wouldn't be allowed to work in Canada while on visitor status.

 

[Dannberg]

Yes, this is the correct way--you will have to apply to change your status to visitor to extend your stay beyond your work permit.

So long as you can show the funds to support yourself during this time period...just be careful about saying you would be getting funds from the business or working in it, as you wouldn't be allowed to work in Canada while on visitor status.

Thanks so much

 

[21Goose]

If you're already in Canada, then yes, this is the right way to go about it. When you apply for an extension tell them that you are going to be common-law soon and you will apply for sponsorship as soon as you're common-law.

How long have you already lived together? Did you live together in Europe as well? You may already be common-law.

 

[Dannberg]

If you're already in Canada, then yes, this is the right way to go about it. When you apply for an extension tell them that you are going to be common-law soon and you will apply for sponsorship as soon as you're common-law.

How long have you already lived together? Did you live together in Europe as well? You may already be common-law.

We met in germany in September 2017. But she lived in London, GB and I myself lived in Hamburg, DE.

 

[21Goose]

We met in germany in September 2017. But she lived in London, GB and I myself lived in Hamburg, DE.

Alright. Then since you came here last August, and you've been living together ever since, you're just a few days away from common-law status. Mention this in your application for the extension.

 

[canuck78]

It will be very important not to work until you get OWP which will take 4 months. I would make sure to gather data to show you are not working since if you are starting a business it will be very hard not to work.

 

[Dannberg]

It will be very important not to work until you get OWP which will take 4 months. I would make sure to gather data to show you are not working since if you are starting a business it will be very hard not to work.

Thanks for the heads up. What kind of data are you thinking of?

 

[canuck78]

Thanks for the heads up. What kind of data are you thinking of?

Not sure. It is hard to show you aren’t working. Perhaps be sure not to show any email conversations regarding the business on your computer during that time. Always easier to be proactive in these circumstances versus being asked after the fact. Starting a new business usually requires lots of work and hours but you’re not supposed to work. I always want to be prepared so I can alleviate any concerns the IRCC might have and get the sponsorship done quickly. Best luck.