Common Law questions...

[stevorabs]

Aussie living in Vancouver, Canada!

I've been living here for 4 1/2 years (I'm on my 3rd and last work permit) and have worked full time for 3 of those, and I'm in the process of gathering everything for my PR. I live with my common-law girlfriend (Canadian Citizen) (we've been living together for almost 2 years) and she's wanting to sponsor my PR.

Only thing I'm not sure about is how her job situation could effect us. She quit her well paid job last April to go out and start her own business, but in the process hasn't had much cash coming in so far. If her situation still hasn't improved by July, she will go back to full time work. Does anyone know if this will have a negative effect on her application to sponsor me? Does income come into play at all?

Also, I've heard applying outland is better than inland? I'm planning to go home for xmas for 4 weeks, but I'm wondering if I have to stay in Canada during the application process? My work visa expires Dec 2014.

Anyways, this forum is amazing, and thanks for any feed back!!

 

[Rob_TO]

Aussie living in Vancouver, Canada!

I've been living here for 4 1/2 years (I'm on my 3rd and last work permit) and have worked full time for 3 of those, and I'm in the process of gathering everything for my PR. I live with my common-law girlfriend (Canadian Citizen) (we've been living together for almost 2 years) and she's wanting to sponsor my PR.

Only thing I'm not sure about is how her job situation could effect us. She quit her well paid job last April to go out and start her own business, but in the process hasn't had much cash coming in so far. If her situation still hasn't improved by July, she will go back to full time work. Does anyone know if this will have a negative effect on her application to sponsor me? Does income come into play at all?

There is no income requirement for the sponsor, she just needs to show a plan that you guys will be financially secure after you get PR. If you apply this year, she'll need to show her Option C tax form from CRA, which will show her income from 2012. If she made good full time money before, you can just indicate she will be able to make it again and you'll have no problems.

Also, I've heard applying outland is better than inland? I'm planning to go home for xmas for 4 weeks, but I'm wondering if I have to stay in Canada during the application process? My work visa expires Dec 2014.

Ya if you apply outland through CIC-Mississauga/Australia VO you should have a quicker process vs inland. With outland you can come and go from Canada as often as you like during processing. You PR should be done before Dec 2014, so you should have no problems here with visa status.

 

[stevorabs]

Cheers for the feedback, good to know!