American to Canada Immigration - Help Needed Figuring This Out

[ChristianK]

Hello, thank you for checking in on the thread! My future spouse and I are having the worst time trying to understand what would be the best course of action for us, and so I thought it would be best if I inquired somewhere where people seem to generally understand what they're talking about.

First, let me explain our relationship properly: we met through a mutual friend online, and we're friends for about a year and a half before we realized that there were romantic feelings between us. It has since been a year or so since we decided to pursue a romantic relationship, and with four trips back and forth under our belts (She lives in BC, I live in Oregon), we've decided that getting married and moving together is what we would like to do. The intended goal is to have me move up with her, as cost of living where I live is unmanageable, and because she has anxiety that would make an upheaval like that a horrible situation.

Now, for details on who we are: I am 22 years old, employed, and currently taking a year break from finishing my Bachelor's degree, (firstly to recoup my money –I have no debt, as I have been working while going to a commuter school– and secondly to pursue freelance work as well).
She is turning 30 this month, and is currently on disability because of the previously mentioned severe anxiety. (She is working towards getting better actively, attending workshops and the like).

With the explanation of the situation out of the way, I suppose I have a few questions:
1. What would be the most efficient way for us to live together? would it be better if I attempted to apply to a Canadian college and immigrated through that, or if we married and applied through that system? I've been told that Outland is the fastest method, but I would like clarification on that, since I have heard otherwise as well.

2. If we were to get married, and I continued working in the US to save money for the period of time I would be unable to work during when I did immigrate, would my income and assets count against her disability money? This may not be within the realm of this site's expertise, but for the life of me I can't find any information about this anywhere.

3. Has anyone done a similar immigration, and would have any tips or tricks to help expedite the process/ make sure we don't somehow mess it up?

With that, I think those are my initial questions. Thank you to anyone who can help, we've been a bit confused as to what exactly we should do!

 

[US-CAN_Love]

First, congratulations! Are you sure you 100% sure you want to marry? Marriage is a big step and ties you to one another legally and financially in ways that are difficult to undo without spending a lot of resources. You are, after all, 22! Perhaps you'd want to live together a while before making a such a big leap? In such a case, you might think about studying in Canada, or going back to your US studies and doing an exchange. See organizations participating in the International Experience Canada Program ( https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec.html )

1. There is no efficient way, and the circumstances of your relationship are likely to subject you to extra scrutiny. Plan for one year in either case, outland or inland. Yes, it's been said that outland is faster, but not always.

2. Good of you to think this through. I'm not sure, but likely. For other social benefits, the world income of the household is considered.

3. If you have the means, talk to legal counsel.

Without knowing you or your relationship, my advice would be to find a way to get to Canada on student / experience / NAFTA visa, see how you like it here, then after a year consider taking additional steps.Otherwise, haul your butt up here, get married, go for inland with the open-work permit, and provide tons of evidence (e.g., proof of financial linkages, statements from friends).

 

[canuck78]

Not sure where your gf lives in BC but the costs living in most parts is higher than most places in Oregon. Given that you are young and she is on disability there also may be concerns on how you may support yourselves.

 

[monkeys89]

1. What would be the most efficient way for us to live together? would it be better if I attempted to apply to a Canadian college and immigrated through that, or if we married and applied through that system? I've been told that Outland is the fastest method, but I would like clarification on that, since I have heard otherwise as well.

Interesting question and there's trade-offs everywhere. Going to school in Canada will be expensive for you if you're not a PR - we charge international students far too much for university - but it's a way to keep your options open and not get into the legal situation of being married. But you and your partner seem to be very much dedicated to each other per your post, so marriage is potentially easier, plus it doesn't rely on you being admitted to a university where you must pay tuition fees or else lose your visa.

Marriage and outland application is theoretically marginally faster than an inland application. However, your application will raise a large amount of red flags because of your young age, lack of significant personal history together, age difference (it's not much, but 8 years difference when you are 22 is a significant difference), and so on - so your outland application may take longer than others. Inland is an option, and if you cross the border via bus or train or on foot at like the Peace Arch, you're not necessarily likely to get a significant examination, but if you do, the CBSA may raise issues about your lack of education and job prospects and may actually deny you access to Canada.

So, really, marriage is probably a good idea for you and then it may be a toss-up between inland or outland.

2. If we were to get married, and I continued working in the US to save money for the period of time I would be unable to work during when I did immigrate, would my income and assets count against her disability money? This may not be within the realm of this site's expertise, but for the life of me I can't find any information about this anywhere.

That's a super tough question. I believe household income is considered in this calculation, but that would entirely depend upon how CRA interpreted your "household" situation. Be aware that it may also be somewhat retroactive - if you marry partway through a tax year (and unless you marry on January 1 you will), CRA may look back at previous eligible earnings in calculating eligibility for the next year. This question deserves a professional's review, though.

3. Has anyone done a similar immigration, and would have any tips or tricks to help expedite the process/ make sure we don't somehow mess it up?

I don't know but if there is, you'll find them here.

One thing I would say for you - when it comes to putting your application together and making it bullet-proof, be pessimistic and critical. Put on the hat of a CBSA officer whose default position is to believe that your marriage will be a fake one entered into for the reason of entering Canada. Then ask questions of every answer you put onto the forms and look at it from that viewpoint.

Don't sit back and assume that you and your partner's love is self-evident and no one will question it. Assume it will be questioned. And provide proof that answers those questions up front rather than thinking that no one will doubt you.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

1. What would be the most efficient way for us to live together? would it be better if I attempted to apply to a Canadian college and immigrated through that, or if we married and applied through that system? I've been told that Outland is the fastest method, but I would like clarification on that, since I have heard otherwise as well.

2. If we were to get married, and I continued working in the US to save money for the period of time I would be unable to work during when I did immigrate, would my income and assets count against her disability money? This may not be within the realm of this site's expertise, but for the life of me I can't find any information about this anywhere.

3. Has anyone done a similar immigration, and would have any tips or tricks to help expedite the process/ make sure we don't somehow mess it up?

With that, I think those are my initial questions. Thank you to anyone who can help, we've been a bit confused as to what exactly we should do!

1. You would need to show at least $25,000 for a study permit app, so from what you've said, that is not an option. Sponsorship is probably your only option to come to Canada.

2. Probably. She should be able to find out by contacting her social worker or case manager.

3. Follow the guide and checklist and submit a complete app.

 

[canuck78]

Not sure if she is also receiving rental assistance or low income housing but that also could be impacted. In some areas in BC that would make a big difference.

 

[le chat orange]

Going to university might be an option (expensive but not as crazy like in the states), then you can get a post-graduate work permit, then you can apply for family class sponsorship. That way you can live together and have a lot of time to start prepping for spousal sponsorship (being together, joint lease, joint bank account, marriage, etc.). However, you have to prove you're able to financially support yourself, or have your parents say they're willing to support you while you're there.

Doing spousal sponsorship now might be annoying because their job is to ensure you have a real relationship, but if you're solid on things like texts, phone calls, emails, visits, pictures, etc. you should be fine. Another snag might be that she's on disability. That itself doesn't qualify her from sponsoring you, but if she's receiving any other type of social assistance, it would. She has to be able to provide for you, so I could see a potential problem there. That's why, if possible, I'd suggest study permit, then PGWP, then spousal sponsorship; it will give you both time to finish school, get jobs, actually get to be together/be a great support system for each other, and improve mental health.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you and your partner the best of luck moving forward!