Canadian PR studying overseas: Can I sponsor my common law partner?

[pxlxyp]

Hi everyone!

I received my PR in Dec last year but have been accepted into a uni in London prior and started in Jan this year. Hence I’ve been living in London since I received my PR. My course is due to finish August 2019. I’m currently living with my boyfriend of 4 years and have just started living together since I moved here, he is currently working freelance here in London.

I’ve done some research and noted that PRs are only allowed to sponsor partners if they are residing in Canada. But as I am only a student here and have definite plans to return to Canada after I finish, is there anyway I can start sending my application while being in the UK? We were planning to submit the package around Feb 2019, after we have lived together for a year. As the approval process takes about a year we don’t wish to be separated while waiting for his PR to be approved.

Thank you for your time and any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Bip31]

I think you have to be in Canada if you are a PR from the day you send your application until it is approved.

 

[canuck78]

You have to be in Canada to sponsor no exceptions.

 

[pxlxyp]

Thank you Bip31 and canuck78 for your responses.

So if I reside in Canada, and my partner comes to Canada with me (he is Singaporean and doesn’t need a visa to visit Canada max 3 months), and we apply inland.. is he able to apply for an open work permit and stay in Canada while waiting for approval?

Many thanks again!!

 

[screech339]

Thank you Bip31 and canuck78 for your responses.

So if I reside in Canada, and my partner comes to Canada with me (he is Singaporean and doesn’t need a visa to visit Canada max 3 months), and we apply inland.. is he able to apply for an open work permit and stay in Canada while waiting for approval?

Many thanks again!!

Yes he can.