Information Needed on PR

[Vee Khan]

Hey!
I am a British Citizen but ive lived in Pakistan all my life. My husband is a Canadian national but right now we both are living in the States on a TN/TD visa. I want to apply for my PR asap so that once he shifts back to Canada, i dont have to go back to my country and live there until the process is done.
In my opinion, having a British Passport should definitely help in one way or the other.
Can someone please guide me as to when and what i should apply for and what can be the quickest way for me to get a PR.
Thank You.

 

[Leon]

Your husband would have to sponsor you for PR. You can find a lot of info on the family class section here: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/family-class-sponsorship-b5.0/

As you are living abroad, he would have to provide some proof that you both are planning on moving to Canada once you get your PR. This could include having a job offer, having arranged housing etc. You could also leave it until he actually moves to Canada. With a British passport, you are visa exempt and can go with him as a visitor and apply for your PR then. It would be best for you to use the outland application (not officially living in Canada) even if you wait to apply until you are there. Current processing times are 66 days in Mississauga, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-fc.asp and after London takes about 8 months to process 80% of the cases, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm/fc-spouses.asp#europe so you will most likely be faster than that. If you apply while you are living in the US, you can also opt to go through Buffalo but they are slower than London.

 

[Vee Khan]

Thank you for the prompt reply!

As a British citizen I am exempted for 6 months, what about the rest of the time period? Do you think it is possible for me to stay in Canada for more than 6 months? i.e. when the first six months are over, can I exit the country for a few weeks and re-enter again?
Another query I had was, if we are still living in the US while my PR is in the process, will I be able to visit Canada for holidays?

 

[Leon]

You can apply to extend your visit visa before your time is up. They will usually allow it if you are applying or have applied for sponsorship. Even if not, if you mail your application in, the processing time tends to be 4-5 months during which time you would have implied status and can stay because you have applied even if you have not heard back yet.