Just starting out (US to CA)

[donut]

My fiance doesn't have an account here yet but I've started one just to get us a leg up. He's an animation student in Ontario, and I work administration in Seattle, but hopefully sooner than later I'll be up with him (and, with any luck, properly married over this winter break!). This is all new to us so it's kind of overwhelming, even just the basic stuff (inland vs outland, for example). We've been dating for almost three years now, most of it online but we've been lucky enough to spend almost nine months physically together (not all at once, unfortunately, but we take what we can get), as well as talk extensively on Facebook and Skype, as well as copious amounts of photos and videos so we at least have plenty of evidence!

Anyways, I guess mostly I'm curious to know if others have had any particular roadblocks or successes doing the same thing we're doing? right now we're just trying to gather information, but there's so much of it! Are there any really good beginner's guides?

 

[andrew-brit]

Hello and welcome!

First off here is a good thread where an applicant provides details on what they provided in their application. There is a lot of detail there so it should give you a lot of information. Personally I never followed it, I found it a bit crazy in terms of the proof/amount of proof but I know a lot of members swear by it.

As you have not lived together for a year+ you do not qualify as common-law so your best bet is to get married. Once married you can apply for PR. I suggest applying outland. As you are an American your application will be processed in Ottawa. The current trend for Ottawa applicants is 6-10 months to get PR. If your application has red flags then it could take a lot longer.

You can visit Canada for the duration of the process if you wish or you can stay in Seattle and wait until it is approved. If you wish to stay in Canada I suggest applying, waiting until you have sponsor approval (currently takes 62 days from the date your application is received) and then cross the border. This way you have proof that your application has been received and it will help you in the unlikely event you are grilled at the border crossing/immigration.

If you have any specific questions just ask!

 

[KelseyTVS]

I definitely recommend getting married and then applying outland. This is the whole application, just so you can familiarize yourself with the forms and the documents you'll need:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp

 

[Ineffable]

My fiance doesn't have an account here yet but I've started one just to get us a leg up. He's an animation student in Ontario, and I work administration in Seattle, but hopefully sooner than later I'll be up with him (and, with any luck, properly married over this winter break!). This is all new to us so it's kind of overwhelming, even just the basic stuff (inland vs outland, for example). We've been dating for almost three years now, most of it online but we've been lucky enough to spend almost nine months physically together (not all at once, unfortunately, but we take what we can get), as well as talk extensively on Facebook and Skype, as well as copious amounts of photos and videos so we at least have plenty of evidence!

Anyways, I guess mostly I'm curious to know if others have had any particular roadblocks or successes doing the same thing we're doing? right now we're just trying to gather information, but there's so much of it! Are there any really good beginner's guides?

Hey, donut. I just wanted to let you know that I was in a similar situation where my now-spouse and I were long distance for quite some time, and we were just approved this week.

Gathering the evidence of communication while you're apart, and taking the opportunity to explain on the IMM5490 form you'll send in will give the CIC all they need to fill in the gaps of you two being apart.

If I get a chance today, I'll try typing up a rough beginners guide, though I suspect there's something already like it for Outland Applications floating around on this forum.

Good luck!

 

[fruitball4u]

My fiance doesn't have an account here yet but I've started one just to get us a leg up. He's an animation student in Ontario, and I work administration in Seattle, but hopefully sooner than later I'll be up with him (and, with any luck, properly married over this winter break!). This is all new to us so it's kind of overwhelming, even just the basic stuff (inland vs outland, for example). We've been dating for almost three years now, most of it online but we've been lucky enough to spend almost nine months physically together (not all at once, unfortunately, but we take what we can get), as well as talk extensively on Facebook and Skype, as well as copious amounts of photos and videos so we at least have plenty of evidence!

Anyways, I guess mostly I'm curious to know if others have had any particular roadblocks or successes doing the same thing we're doing? right now we're just trying to gather information, but there's so much of it! Are there any really good beginner's guides?

Hi donut, welcome! What andrew-brit said pretty much hits the nail on the head so I wont' touch that any more, but just wanted to say hello! I'm American and my fiance is Canadian. We dated long distance (met online in high school and were friends for like ten+ years) for about six months and then I moved from Miami to Seattle so that we could see each other more often (he was in Vancouver). We did that for another year and I luckily got a job as a nanny in Canada so was able to move in with him. We've since gotten engaged and are waiting on our application to be approved!

It IS possible and there are many, many happy outcomes here! If you're remotely organized, the application will be a breeze. Luckily we both save everything, so we had tons of proof and it was quite easy. Just go through step-by-step and take one form at a time, and it won't seem nearly as overwhelming!

 

[rockgurl1965]

My suggestion, when you fill out your application, make sure you double and triple check everything. Mistakes will cost you valuable time and extra heartache. Get your FBI clearance done before you send in your application, and also your medical. It takes 13-16 weeks for FBI clearance. On an average. Lastly, come here , volumes of information from people who are more than willing to help. Pray for a smooth application time frame.