Best Option for Unmarried Couples

[Pori]

Hi,

I just got my PR last week, and I'm planning to do my first landing in March.

I have a boyfriend that is an Iranian national currently residing in Iran.

We've been in a relationship for almost 3 years, however it was a long distance relationship 97% of the time.

We're planning to get married in Canada after I've settled there.

What would be the best option for us?

I'll appreciate if you'll indicate as well the timeline of the process.

Thank you so much!

 

[Landagirl]

There really are only 2 options that will work for you under family class. Marriage or common law. He will have to travel to Canada and live with you for a year if you choose common law or you there for a year. With marriage you can apply Outland and he can either stay where he is or join you in Canada under a visitor visa if required. Inland he would have to stay in Canada until the end of the process, but can also apply for a work permit.

As for how long it will take depends on what way you decide to go. The website is saying most will get processed in 12 months but it depends on how strong your application is and if there are any red flags or errors.

 

[Pori]

Visit Visa can be applied through TRV right?

Is there a high chance of approval if the reason for the visit is to get married?

 

[scylla]

Visit Visa can be applied through TRV right?

Is there a high chance of approval if the reason for the visit is to get married?

Yes - a visitor visa and TRV are the same thing.

Extremely high chance of refusal if you say the visit is to get married. To be approved, the applicant needs to prove they have very strong ties to their home country and have no plans on remaining in Canada long term.

 

[Pori]

Yes - a visitor visa and TRV are the same thing.

Extremely high chance of refusal if you say the visit is to get married. To be approved, the applicant needs to prove they have very strong ties to their home country and have no plans on remaining in Canada long term.

I understand. The process is a little discouraging, but we don't have a choice do we?

 

[wait_so_long]

I understand. The process is a little discouraging, but we don't have a choice do we?

There is still option B that Landagirl mentioned. Get married in your girlfriend's country and submit an Outland application.

 

[Pori]

There is still option B that Landagirl mentioned. Get married in your girlfriend's country and submit an Outland application.

You mean I should get married in my boyfriend's country and apply for out-land spousal sponsorship, is that right?

This can be done after I get my PR card, correct?

 

[katdanger]

You mean I should get married in my boyfriend's country and apply for out-land spousal sponsorship, is that right?

This can be done after I get my PR card, correct?

Yes, you can get your PR, then visit your boyfriend in his country to get married, but then I believe you have to return to Canada because PRs must be living in Canada during the sponsorship process. About one more year of long distance and then you can live together in Canada!

Try not to be discouraged! Focus on the end result!

 

[Landagirl]

Yes, you can get your PR, then visit your boyfriend in his country to get married, but then I believe you have to return to Canada because PRs must be living in Canada during the sponsorship process. About one more year of long distance and then you can live together in Canada!

Try not to be discouraged! Focus on the end result!

Yes PR needs to be in Canada throughout the whole process. If he is able to get a visa he can join you in Canada while you wait, he just won't be able to work if you apply Outland.

 

[Pori]

Yes, you can get your PR, then visit your boyfriend in his country to get married, but then I believe you have to return to Canada because PRs must be living in Canada during the sponsorship process. About one more year of long distance and then you can live together in Canada!

Try not to be discouraged! Focus on the end result!

I understand, thank you for the encouragement. We've been in a long distance relationship for almost 3 years now. And yet again, we need to wait for another year.

But like what you have said, it's the end result that's important.

Thank you!

 

[Pori]

Yes PR needs to be in Canada throughout the whole process. If he is able to get a visa he can join you in Canada while you wait, he just won't be able to work if you apply Outland.

He's planning to get a TRV. He already consulted someone I believe. I just hope this will work for us. So that we can get married in Canada instead.

 

[Landagirl]

He's planning to get a TRV. He already consulted someone I believe. I just hope this will work for us. So that we can get married in Canada instead.

I wish you both luck

 

[Pori]

I would just like to ask...

Would this be an option for us...

Get married outside of Canada, in the Philippines let's say...

and apply for a married spouse sponsorship?

Would it be possible even if we haven't really lived together continuously for a year?

 

[katdanger]

I would just like to ask...

Would this be an option for us...

Get married outside of Canada, in the Philippines let's say...

and apply for a married spouse sponsorship?

Would it be possible even if we haven't really lived together continuously for a year?

Yes, I believe you just have to live together for a year to get common law status, but if you're married you just have to prove the genuineness of your relationship and that you'll live together in Canada when the application is approved, but you don't have to live together. As a PR yourself, you have to live in Canada during the sponsorship of your husband, so if your husband can't get a visa you have no choice but to live separately.

 

[Pori]

Yes, I believe you just have to live together for a year to get common law status, but if you're married you just have to prove the genuineness of your relationship and that you'll live together in Canada when the application is approved, but you don't have to live together. As a PR yourself, you have to live in Canada during the sponsorship of your husband, so if your husband can't get a visa you have no choice but to live separately.

so again, just to clarify... there is a chance that after marriage we can apply for the Out-land Sponsorship and get approved?

I'm not sure about their rules and when to consider that the married is valid or not.

Isn't one of the requirements that we should have lived continuously for a year as a married couple before we can apply for Out-land sponsorship?

Thank you!