Common Law Advice...

[Teriskier]

Hello out there,
I am looking for a little bit of advice regarding an application to sponsor under the family class, common-law/spouse. My partner and I have been together for almost 2 years, we intend on staying together for the rest of our lives, but marriage is not in the cards right now (we would like to have the opportunity to celebrate "correctly" but do not have the funds to do so right now).

My partner, a current law student and Canadian citizen would like to sponsor me under the common law class. We signed a joint lease in August of 2009 (although I did not begin living in Montreal until September of 2009 since we were travelling together through the summer of 2009). Are we able to apply on August 1st, even though I was not technically living in our apartment until 1 month later?

Additionally, if anyone could provide advice for proving the longevity and legitimicy of a relationship that would be appreciated and I would love to hear any In-Canada timelines (we are applying through QC as we are currently living here and I know that will add additional time, but I am looking for any common law timelines for the time being.

I would appreciate any help I can get, I find myself loosing sleep on a regular basis worrying about the upcoming paperwork only to have it be denied in the end.

-Teriskier (An American Girl who just wants to live in Canada)!

 

[iarblue]

I wouldnt worry too much, you signed the lease in August,even though you didnt move there till sept,im pretty sure you can do it.It says you really cant have a break in the 1 year together but who says you could not go on vaction as such.So you signed the lease and went on vacation.Even though i like everyone to do it as legal as they should,you have been together for two years so whats a one month break.
The biggest reason people get refused in the common law status is proving you have been together.Get all the proof you can of being together even before you applied like last year ,if you have been together for two years it shouldnt be hard gathering proof.
Being on eachothers life insurance is good,a lease is good,joint bank accounts,letters you sent to people cards with both your names on it.

 

[Teriskier]

iarblue,
Thank you so much for the advice, we are in the process of opening a joint bank account this week, even though it is at a much later date it still shows our intention, additionally we will research life insurance policies.

If there is anyone else out there with common law success (or close to success) stories I would love to hear them. Also, if anyone has any advice or information regarding open work permits while a permanent residency application is in process I would love to hear. I will be attending a graduate program at a Montreal University but I would like to work off campus if possible. Thanks for the advice.

-Teriskier

 

[AllisonVSC]

Just to cover all bases, the rental agreement started August 1 or Sept 1? If it is Sept 1 and you apply before then you will need to provide evidence that you were living together prior to Sept. 1. Any hint that you may not have met the one year requirement and you could get your whole application sent back. I wouldn't risk it to send the application in one month earlier. Another thought, are you sure you want to apply inland? You can apply outland even while living in Canada, you know. Allison

 

[Teriskier]

Thanks Allison,

We are exploring all the options for the applying inland, versus buffalo. Even though I am a student I would like to work at the same time which is one of the reasons for contemplating inland (but I know it would be faster outland).

The rental agreement of the lease started on August 1st, I did not arrive in Canada until Sept. 1st.
-Teri

 

[canadianwoman]

Thanks Allison,

We are exploring all the options for the applying inland, versus buffalo. Even though I am a student I would like to work at the same time which is one of the reasons for contemplating inland (but I know it would be faster outland).

The rental agreement of the lease started on August 1st, I did not arrive in Canada until Sept. 1st.
-Teri

Wait a month, then. It is easy to prove you were living together with a lease; traveling together counts too, but is harder to prove.

 

[GT25]

Hi teri! I think we can help each other, I'm in the same situation than you, perhaps I'm from Mexico which makes it harder to make a decition! I did not understand completely your situation. Have you being together for 2 years and living in the same place?

 

[AllisonVSC]

Teriskier,

Did you see this thread?
Allison

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/after-9-months-of-waiting-its-still-so-disappointing-and-discouraging-t47017.0.html;msg344552#msg344552