Bringing my girlfriend and her son to Canada

[Grakaron]

I've been in a long term relationship with my girlfriend for over a year, the issue is that she and her son are US residents and currently live in Florida. I am a Canadian citizen, born here, currently living in Alberta, though I do have access to dual citizenship with the US through my mother if it would help.

My girlfriend and I have been trying to find a way for us to be together in the same place, and have been looking into how to bring her and her son up here so we can actually start being a family. I've been looking through the process and am honestly quite confused where to even begin with sponsorship, canadian citizenship and residency, not to even mention how to get her son into schooling here and for her to be able to get a job.

I am honestly quite confused on what to do, I care for them both very much, but not sure what to do so we can start being together here in Canada. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Hurlabrick]

I've been in a long term relationship with my girlfriend for over a year, the issue is that she and her son are US residents and currently live in Florida. I am a Canadian citizen, born here, currently living in Alberta, though I do have access to dual citizenship with the US through my mother if it would help.

My girlfriend and I have been trying to find a way for us to be together in the same place, and have been looking into how to bring her and her son up here so we can actually start being a family. I've been looking through the process and am honestly quite confused where to even begin with sponsorship, canadian citizenship and residency, not to even mention how to get her son into schooling here and for her to be able to get a job.

I am honestly quite confused on what to do, I care for them both very much, but not sure what to do so we can start being together here in Canada. Any help would be appreciated.

In order for her (and her son) to qualify for spousal sponsorship, you must either:

1. Satisfy IRCC's definition of Common Law and apply as that
2. Get married and apply as married

For 1. you must both live together for 12 continuous months and have proof of this as well as 'financial entanglement' (joint accounts, sharing bills etc.). CIC have a clearly defined set of proofs you will need clearly described in the online help file and the forms and checklist you need to download.

2. Get married either in the US or Canada and have proof of relationship that will satisfy IRCC that it is a 'true' marriage and not simply a ruse / fraud to gain PR.

You can apply as 'Inland' or 'Outland'. You can ONLY apply as 'Inland' if you are both living in Canada and do so for the duration of the assessment process (figure on 1 year). She and her son would have to enter Canada as visitors, so not be able to work and I doubt her child would be able to enter school). Outland would seem your best bet, she can remain in the US and visit you or you visit her until approved (figure 6 - 12 months).

Start here and settle in for a LOT of reading!

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...mily-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children.html

 

[Grakaron]

In order for her (and her son) to qualify for spousal sponsorship, you must either:

1. Satisfy IRCC's definition of Common Law and apply as that
2. Get married and apply as married

For 1. you must both live together for 12 continuous months and have proof of this as well as 'financial entanglement' (joint accounts, sharing bills etc.). CIC have a clearly defined set of proofs you will need clearly described in the online help file and the forms and checklist you need to download.

2. Get married either in the US or Canada and have proof of relationship that will satisfy IRCC that it is a 'true' marriage and not simply a ruse / fraud to gain PR.

You can apply as 'Inland' or 'Outland'. You can ONLY apply as 'Inland' if you are both living in Canada and do so for the duration of the assessment process (figure on 1 year). She and her son would have to enter Canada as visitors, so not be able to work and I doubt her child would be able to enter school). Outland would seem your best bet, she can remain in the US and visit you or you visit her until approved (figure 6 - 12 months).

Start here and settle in for a LOT of reading!

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...mily-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children.html

With what I'm reading I'm curious. For the financian obligation of taking care of her and her son when they get here, she would be able to work as well right? or am I reading this incorrectly?

 

[scylla]

With what I'm reading I'm curious. For the financian obligation of taking care of her and her son when they get here, she would be able to work as well right? or am I reading this incorrectly?

Yes - she will be able to work once she is a PR.

 

[Hurlabrick]

With what I'm reading I'm curious. For the financian obligation of taking care of her and her son when they get here, she would be able to work as well right? or am I reading this incorrectly?

What Scylla said.

She would have to be approved for spousal sponsorship PR, then she and the child are issued with CoPRs, then land and declare PR at the Canadian border. Then same day (if she wants), trot along to a Services Canada office with her stamped copy CoPR and other id and ask for a SIN number. Once she has that, yes, then she can work in Canada, but not until then.

For unofficial (but very helpful) reading on outland spousal sponsorship and the stages of the process etc. see here:

https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spousal_Sponsorship-Canada/FAQ_-_New_Application_Forms

She would need written consent from her childs natural father agreeing that she can move to Canada with their child (there is a form for this). But this is a ways down the line.

As her sponsor, you would of course be financially responsible for her and her child for (IIRC) 2 years. If she claims any Canadian benefits in that time, the costs will be billed back to you.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

What Scylla said.

She would have to be approved for spousal sponsorship PR, then she and the child are issued with CoPRs, then land and declare PR at the Canadian border. Then same day (if she wants), trot along to a Services Canada office with her stamped copy CoPR and other id and ask for a SIN number. Once she has that, yes, then she can work in Canada, but not until then.

For unofficial (but very helpful) reading on outland spousal sponsorship and the stages of the process etc. see here:

https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spousal_Sponsorship-Canada/FAQ_-_New_Application_Forms

She would need written consent from her childs natural father agreeing that she can move to Canada with their child (there is a form for this). But this is a ways down the line.

As her sponsor, you would of course be financially responsible for her and her child for (IIRC) 2 years. If she claims any Canadian benefits in that time, the costs will be billed back to you.

Sponsorship undertaking is 3 years for a spouse. For the child, 10 years or the age of 25, whichever is first.

 

[Hurlabrick]

For the child, 10 years or the age of 25, whichever is first.

Wow! Thanks, I didn't know that.

 

[Mitch55555]

What Scylla said.

She would have to be approved for spousal sponsorship PR, then she and the child are issued with CoPRs, then land and declare PR at the Canadian border. Then same day (if she wants), trot along to a Services Canada office with her stamped copy CoPR and other id and ask for a SIN number. Once she has that, yes, then she can work in Canada, but not until then.

For unofficial (but very helpful) reading on outland spousal sponsorship and the stages of the process etc. see here:

https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spousal_Sponsorship-Canada/FAQ_-_New_Application_Forms

She would need written consent from her childs natural father agreeing that she can move to Canada with their child (there is a form for this). But this is a ways down the line.

As her sponsor, you would of course be financially responsible for her and her child for (IIRC) 2 years. If she claims any Canadian benefits in that time, the costs will be billed back to you.

By claiming benefits. I'm curious if she could claim child tax credit as a permanent resident?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

By claiming benefits. I'm curious if she could claim child tax credit as a permanent resident?

She can't claim welfare. Tax credits/benefits are fine.

 

[21Goose]

By claiming benefits. I'm curious if she could claim child tax credit as a permanent resident?

Yes, she can. Child care benefits aren't what they mean - they are talking about welfare funds.