common law eligibility; or other possibilities

[sfcoxinhe]

I'm from Brazil and I've been dating a Canadian for a year and a half, long-distance. We met when I was studying there for a year (exchange program) and we've been able to meet a couple of times since I left (she came here, I went there). However, we couldn't afford staying for very long.

Now I'm planning to go and stay longer... maybe six months and, if I can, apply for an extension to be eligible for common-law. However, we are both in our mid-20s and work in the film industry, so we don't have stable employment. Would that be an impediment? What is the best way for us to be together?

Also, could I work on the internet (receiving money through paypal) while I'm staying as a visitor in Canada? Is that illegal in any way?

 

[Ponga]

You already seem to understand that you must live together (anywhere in the world) for at least one full year to qualify as a Common-Law couple for sponsorship by your Canadian partner.

Yes, if you are successful in entering Canada, you can apply to extend your visitor status before it expires, citing that you are trying to meet the required one year of `living' together...even though you are only legally able to `visit' your partner in Canada. Ah...the beauty of semantics!

You can work remotely without a work permit, via the internet, so long as you do not work for anyone in Canada and you are not remunerated in Canada.

Good luck!

 

[sfcoxinhe]

Thank you so much for your reply!

Just a few more questions, if you can help me...

Do you think it would be a problem to tell them, when I'm applying for my tourist visa, I'm visiting my girlfriend?
And, would it be legal to volunteer while I'm there? I'm thinking film festivals and some charities.

 

[CDNPR2014]

Thank you so much for your reply!

Just a few more questions, if you can help me...

Do you think it would be a problem to tell them, when I'm applying for my tourist visa, I'm visiting my girlfriend?
And, would it be legal to volunteer while I'm there? I'm thinking film festivals and some charities.

1. no, if that is the purpose of your trip, that is the purpose of the trip. the last thing you want to do is lie about why you are applying for a visitor visa.

2. as long as the opportunity is marketed to the public as a volunteer opportunity it is fine to do. what is not ok to do is "volunteering" for a position that the organization/company would otherwise hire and pay a canadian to do.