EXTEND STAY TO ESTABLISH COMMON LAW SPOUSE HELP!

[Romay]

Hi Everyone
I need some advice about the best way to proceed with my application to extend my stay in Canada so my boyfriend and I can establish common law spouse and he can then sponsor me for Permanent Residency. This is our first time doing anything like this and want to cover our basis to avoid any complications. I know I have to extend my stay at least 30 days before my status expires, which will be soon. I also know I need to have a
Letter of Explanation which I already drafted up basically stating that I want to extend my stay so my bf and I can establish common law spouse. I stated how long we've been together and have copies of our passport stamps with visits to each other. He prepared a letter also stating that he has been taking care of me financially since I've been here and he will continue to do so. He also got a job letter but not the paystubs will this be a problem?
Should I asked for a year or should I leave it out and see how long they will grant it for if they do?
When I entered Canada I had a round trip flight but changed it once I got here. Should I send that ticket or re-book a new flight to depart before my 6 months status expires so they see I have a valid return flight home?
How do I upload all of the supporting documents in one file?
I also own a vehicle back home should I include this?
Lastly We are currently staying with his parents but are in the process of purchasing a home. If we file the extension using his parents address and then change addresses before the extension is approve how do we notify CIC?

 

[krishnalynn]

I wouldn't say in the letter that you're staying so you can establish a common-law relationship to get PR. To me, that indicates that you are trying to stay permanently (which you are) and that's against the idea of being a "visitor".

 

[bluecanary]

I wouldn't say in the letter that you're staying so you can establish a common-law relationship to get PR. To me, that indicates that you are trying to stay permanently (which you are) and that's against the idea of being a "visitor".

I thought the explanation of working toward common-law was a sufficient enough reason in CIC's eyes to grant extensions, and that most people going this route do this.

Can anyone else weigh in?

 

[sashali78]

I wouldn't say in the letter that you're staying so you can establish a common-law relationship to get PR. To me, that indicates that you are trying to stay permanently (which you are) and that's against the idea of being a "visitor".

Legally, it is ok as dual intent is allowed, I.é. If officer is satisfied that OP will be bound by the terms of his/her visitor visa and will leave the country by the time of visa expiry, the fact the OP is pursuing also a permanent residence in a country should not prevent for issuing a visitor visa. Practically, it may be an issue though.

To the OP, it will be up to CIC discretion whether to grant you an extension or not, nothing can be guaranteed. For me personally, unless I was missing just a month or so for the common-law relationship to be established, I would try to think of other reasons to get a visitor extension.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I thought the explanation of working toward common-law was a sufficient enough reason in CIC's eyes to grant extensions, and that most people going this route do this.

Can anyone else weigh in?

Yes, establishing common-law status it is a perfectly valid reason for a visitor extension. Provided you have sufficient proof of funds to cover your stay, you should have no issues.

 

[Romay]

Thank you!!!! My bf wrote a letter stating that he would be supporting me for the time that I am here in Canada.

 

[schonkatze]

PS:
Don't forget to start collecting evidence to support your application
Photos, bills statements and anything else that you will be giving as proof of your cohabitation and relationship.

 

[fruitball4u]

We merged all of our documents into a PDF and then sent that.

You'll have to put the actual application separately though, because it is security featured and won't be accepted if it's been "tampered" with. I believe we included the PDF of all our other documents in the "supporting evidence" portion online.