common-in-law sponsorship

[bennieben]

Hello,

Im a Canadian citizen who has been living and working in Germany for the past 4 years and have been in a common-in-law relationship with a german citizen girlfriend for 2 years. We are considering moving back to Canada to live and work.

My question is this:
Is it a Problem that I have been living outside Canada for the past 4 years even though I have duel citizenship (German-Canadian)? Do I Need to be living in Canada for 6 months before I can have my girlfriend apply for Immigration to Canada?
What is the easiest way for my german girlfriend to apply for a visa? (i.e. canadian consulate, Immigration Canada Website, Immigration lawyer)
Which type of visa would fit best? (common-in-law?)
Approximately what would the cost be?

Many Thanks in advance.

 

[wilson]

If you have sufficient proof to support your Common law relationship with your girl friend, you can sponsor her.
Please visit the CIC website for complete details. Being a Canadian citizen, you can submit your application to CPC, while you are Germany.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/spouse.asp

 

[Ponga]

Further to that, if you and your partner were to move back to Germany (or anywhere for that matter), she could have the days spent with you there count towards her required 730 days (2 years) out of 5 to maintain her PR status. Since you are a Canadian citizen, her days count as long as you are living together...anywhere!