Few questions: changing status then marrying

[Aussam]

Hi All,
Firstly, I'm Australian and 32.
I've got a couple of questions regarding the legitimacy of this and advice on how to go about it.
I've explored pretty much every way of staying in Canada with my Canadian girlfriend and there is only one way I've got left. Get married and apply for spousal sponsorship.

I'm on a WHP visa which expires in a few weeks, I know I have to change my status to a visitor, what reason do I put on the application for the change? Exploring relationship or putting in PR application and want to stay with her? Even though we haven't married or sent a spouse application yet. Or just simply to change status?

We are in a legitimate, loving relationship and had flirted the idea of getting married later this year but for these circumstances we have to bring it forward. I haven't had an opportunity to propose either!
Does it affect anything on the visitor application if we do get married before they process the change to visitor application? What does she have to include in a reference letter?

We also live together (5 months) but have no joint accounts or utilities etc. I just give her money for my share of everything. Does this affect us in anyway? We have pictures, testaments, phone messages etc.
I can't bare the thought of being apart from her, any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Kiwi12]

If your partner is willing to support you while you stay here on the visitor permit then it shouldn't be a problem with the Canadian Government. In the visitor application it asks you how you intend on supporting yourself if your visitor permit is granted and that answer would be by your girlfriend and she needs to write a letter supporting that statement. If you tell the truth, there shouldn't be any problem. Why don't you simply tell them you have been living with your girlfriend and you would like to extend your stay here in Canada a little longer rather than having to leave her at this time. They are likely to grant you an extension for 6 months. By that time you will have more than one option regarding sponsorship and you will have learned more about each other to be able to make a more permanent decision. Whatever you do, do not let your status run out, no matter what anybody tells you.

Good luck. I am sure it will not be a problem.

 

[Aussam]

Thanks very much for the reply,
I've put "other" and just wrote myself and girlfriend as I have saved funds.
Do you recommend sending online or post with the application? Is having the letters etc a pain putting it through online?

 

[corbs]

I did my visitor extension the night before I went out of status! I did it online and it wasn't too bad as long as you have a scanner. For your pr even if you're staying in Canada look into the processing times for an outland application. They can be a lot quicker, especially for those from visa exempt countries.

 

[Kiwi12]

I recommend doing whatever is the quickest way to get your status renewed. I don't think uploading is a problem. I have always made sure renewal is done 30 to 45 days in advance because I am not a person that does anything at the last minute. If you and your partner are seriously talking commitment then you should start putting together proof of a joint relationship. I realize there are many people who are used to their independence as I was one of them and I gave that up when I married my husband. Partnership or marriage you will need to prove the relationship is genuine. With regard to the previous written statement by corbs there are two ways to apply for a spousal sponsorship, outland and inland. Even if you are living in Canada you can apply outland. The only issue is you cannot work until your PR is granted but you can leave the country to work. If you apply inland, if your sponsorship is approved they will give you an open work permit but it generally takes about six months for this. Make sure before you do anything that you examine carefully what is best for your situation. Also, even though you have your own savings, it is beneficial to show that your partner is willing to support you in any way, whether it be housing or anything else. After all, she is the reason you are wanting to extend your stay. It is not easy living here and being unable to work. I would suggest that you consider an outland sponsorship when the time comes so at least you can go home to work if things get tight. Although my husband and I toughed it out, it wasn't easy. Now my husband wants to go home so we are in the midst of my migration to Australia. This is an excellent forum for getting information so you have come to the right place. Before doing anything I suggest you read the CIC manual regarding spousal sponsorship thoroughly.

 

[Aussam]

Thanks very much guys for the info!
With the applications including visitor, do I need to send every application on the document checklist and just write N/A on the ones that don't apply or just send the one that is applicable?
Also do I send the document checklist with it?

 

[Kiwi12]

Everything except that which doesn't apply. If you are an Australian Citizen at birth then your passport and passport pages will suffice. A copy of your current immigration document. The application plus the checklist and a copy of your online payment receipt. I don't think they ask for any photos for a visitor extension. Good luck.

 

[Kiwi12]

Oh yes and proof that you can support yourself and/or somebody will be supporting you on your extended stay.