Common-Law Sponsorship

[sdub]

Hi
Am planning to apply for common-law sponsorship. My girlfriend and I will have been living together in Edmonton, AB for a full year on April 10th although, we have been dating for over 3 years. She is a Canadian citizen and I am an international student. I have a few questions about the application process.

-Can I apply earlier than April 10th?
-Approximately, how long would it take for me to get a work permit since they provide one while waiting for the application result?

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

- No, you can't apply earlier. You must wait until you have lived together for at least one full year. Unless you get married - then you could apply once you're married.
- Assuming you apply inland and you're in status in Canada at the time you apply (and you include an OWP with your application), you'll receive the OWP approximately four months after you submit the application. Depending on where you're from, it may be far wiser to apply outland.