Hello
My partner recently moved to Canada (Ontario) as he was granted asylum and is getting permanent residence (should be getting the PR card in the next month or 2). He could not get asylum in my country (appeal would take years, if lucky) as an LGBTQ activist. With extremely limited access to practically all services and unable to get any government document (EG learner driving permit) apart from a asylum seeker permit, in my country, he grew frustrated as he could only realistically work in the informal sector and subject to abuse. As our relationship was still less than a year at the time of applying for asylum in Canada, he did not list me as a family member or common-law partner, etc. A further complication was his passport was taken when applying for asylum in my country and never returned.
We a few months after he got to South Africa, started dating and he started staying at my house almost permanently by the end of the 2nd month (poor and unreliable electricity in the room he rented, in winter). By the end of the 3rd month, he signed a rental agreement with me, so he could use that as proof of residence when trying to conduct anything involving business or state. He lived with me permanently for 13 months before leaving for Canada. During his time living with me, he became unemployed so I looked after him in terms of medical/dental (still have receipts/invoices), clothing, etc.
I live in South Africa (citizen) and have a decent job (IT manager), with properties etc which will I liquidate accordingly (clear remaining mortgage and have startup capital). I am also in my mid to late 30's. We are both HIV+, being treated and undetectable, but otherwise in reasonably good health. I have traveled for work and family (Central Africa, Europe & USA for work; New Zealand to visit family), so I have little doubt I can get a temporary visa to get to Canada. English is my home language and have limited French ability (some ability to read/write/speak but little listening)
In spite of being half a world apart, we still talk and text everyday and have maintained the relationship. Recently, during one of our phone calls, he asked if I would marry him -- given what we have managed to stay together through good times and nightmares, it was a genuine yes.
Due to him getting sponsorship to get to Canada and subsequent living stipend, we understand his immigration sponsorship loan also has an effect on his ability to be a sponsor to me -- although I have still assisted financially for things like dental and medication while he gets registered on the various programs -- until he has paid off the loan and (I assume) he has stable/livable income and residential address (currently staying in a sponsored accommodation in a small town).
We are very afraid that we get denied and are forced to be half a world apart. We want to continue our lives together, and he is making progress with learning to drive in Canada and getting booked to attend conferences. He is also looking for seasonal work in the meanwhile.
Any advice how to proceed?
My partner recently moved to Canada (Ontario) as he was granted asylum and is getting permanent residence (should be getting the PR card in the next month or 2). He could not get asylum in my country (appeal would take years, if lucky) as an LGBTQ activist. With extremely limited access to practically all services and unable to get any government document (EG learner driving permit) apart from a asylum seeker permit, in my country, he grew frustrated as he could only realistically work in the informal sector and subject to abuse. As our relationship was still less than a year at the time of applying for asylum in Canada, he did not list me as a family member or common-law partner, etc. A further complication was his passport was taken when applying for asylum in my country and never returned.
We a few months after he got to South Africa, started dating and he started staying at my house almost permanently by the end of the 2nd month (poor and unreliable electricity in the room he rented, in winter). By the end of the 3rd month, he signed a rental agreement with me, so he could use that as proof of residence when trying to conduct anything involving business or state. He lived with me permanently for 13 months before leaving for Canada. During his time living with me, he became unemployed so I looked after him in terms of medical/dental (still have receipts/invoices), clothing, etc.
I live in South Africa (citizen) and have a decent job (IT manager), with properties etc which will I liquidate accordingly (clear remaining mortgage and have startup capital). I am also in my mid to late 30's. We are both HIV+, being treated and undetectable, but otherwise in reasonably good health. I have traveled for work and family (Central Africa, Europe & USA for work; New Zealand to visit family), so I have little doubt I can get a temporary visa to get to Canada. English is my home language and have limited French ability (some ability to read/write/speak but little listening)
In spite of being half a world apart, we still talk and text everyday and have maintained the relationship. Recently, during one of our phone calls, he asked if I would marry him -- given what we have managed to stay together through good times and nightmares, it was a genuine yes.
Due to him getting sponsorship to get to Canada and subsequent living stipend, we understand his immigration sponsorship loan also has an effect on his ability to be a sponsor to me -- although I have still assisted financially for things like dental and medication while he gets registered on the various programs -- until he has paid off the loan and (I assume) he has stable/livable income and residential address (currently staying in a sponsored accommodation in a small town).
We are very afraid that we get denied and are forced to be half a world apart. We want to continue our lives together, and he is making progress with learning to drive in Canada and getting booked to attend conferences. He is also looking for seasonal work in the meanwhile.
Any advice how to proceed?
