Long Distance Relationship

[austinino12]

I am Currently just looking for some help and advice about my future.

My girlfriend and I met a couple years ago while on vacation and we have been doing a distance relationship for that time (she lives in England and me in Canada) visiting one another when we have the chance. we are both 18 and the idea for the future is for her to come and stay here but we are both curious about the process and application i am aware of the common-law partner, and conjugal partner sponsorships but am looking for advice on the best method we could take for our future.

Thanks everybody

 

[Zarilenth]

I am Currently just looking for some help and advice about my future.

My girlfriend and I met a couple years ago while on vacation and we have been doing a distance relationship for that time (she lives in England and me in Canada) visiting one another when we have the chance. we are both 18 and the idea for the future is for her to come and stay here but we are both curious about the process and application i am aware of the common-law partner, and conjugal partner sponsorships but am looking for advice on the best method we could take for our future.

Thanks everybody

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking this far in advance.. I wish I had done so If you're certain you'll be sponsoring her in the future, than I would advice just to casually start collecting all the relationship evidence that you'll eventually need for your application - for example, go out of the way to take photos of you two with friends, family, etc, as well as casual photos (for example, wearing pj's so it looks like you're comfortable with each other!). Save your call histories and texts, as you can use those as a great example of your relationship.

If you can move there, or she can move here, that would be great to prove a common-law relationship where you live together for a year non-stop (but you can both go on vacations together, for example). Just one thing to note is if you do apply as common-law, you'll need to have been together for at least a year when you submit the application. You can't submit the common-law app after you've moved apart from each other!

One thing to note is you will not be able to apply as conjugal partners - that is only for people who are unable to get married or be together based on immigration laws between countries/religious reasons. Being from England, she is able to come visit you, or apply for a work visa, as are you to go to England. I believe your best bet is to continue your relationship as it's going, and make sure to keep records as proof. It doesn't have to be anything serious now like getting a house lease together or sharing a bank account, but if you can prove you've had a long distance relationship from now until the date you apply (whenever that may be), it'll really help your case.

When you do apply, you can either apply as common-law like I've stated before, or you can get married and apply as spouses. Either way, the processing time will be the same, but you'll need more 'official' proof to sponsor as common-law, such as joint bank accounts, life insurance/benefits, shared utility bills, etc. You will have to provide strong evidence that you've lived together for the year prior to applying - such as mail in both of your names to the address you provided for each month you lived together, a shared lease agreement, a notarized letter from your land lord, and letters from friends and family.

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

[austinino12]

Hey there! It's great that you're thinking this far in advance.. I wish I had done so If you're certain you'll be sponsoring her in the future, than I would advice just to casually start collecting all the relationship evidence that you'll eventually need for your application - for example, go out of the way to take photos of you two with friends, family, etc, as well as casual photos (for example, wearing pj's so it looks like you're comfortable with each other!). Save your call histories and texts, as you can use those as a great example of your relationship.

If you can move there, or she can move here, that would be great to prove a common-law relationship where you live together for a year non-stop (but you can both go on vacations together, for example). Just one thing to note is if you do apply as common-law, you'll need to have been together for at least a year when you submit the application. You can't submit the common-law app after you've moved apart from each other!

One thing to note is you will not be able to apply as conjugal partners - that is only for people who are unable to get married or be together based on immigration laws between countries/religious reasons. Being from England, she is able to come visit you, or apply for a work visa, as are you to go to England. I believe your best bet is to continue your relationship as it's going, and make sure to keep records as proof. It doesn't have to be anything serious now like getting a house lease together or sharing a bank account, but if you can prove you've had a long distance relationship from now until the date you apply (whenever that may be), it'll really help your case.

When you do apply, you can either apply as common-law like I've stated before, or you can get married and apply as spouses. Either way, the processing time will be the same, but you'll need more 'official' proof to sponsor as common-law, such as joint bank accounts, life insurance/benefits, shared utility bills, etc. You will have to provide strong evidence that you've lived together for the year prior to applying - such as mail in both of your names to the address you provided for each month you lived together, a shared lease agreement, a notarized letter from your land lord, and letters from friends and family.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Thank you! that was actually really great and helpful! just one final question when she comes to visit i know she can stay up to 6 months and then we have to apply to extend it to a year correct?

 

[Zarilenth]

Thank you! that was actually really great and helpful! just one final question when she comes to visit i know she can stay up to 6 months and then we have to apply to extend it to a year correct?

You're very welcome I'm not an expert with extensions as I've never filed one with my husband but I do believe it's pretty easy. I think she is able to request a 1 year visa when she crosses over. If they only grant her the 6 month one, then she can file for an extension either online on through the mail.

 

[taffy7]

If your girlfriend is coming for an extended visit like 6 months ,make sure she has nothing on her that will look like she is coming to work here or is coming to stay .Have you thought of her coming on a student work visa .This is a one year visa , then you would be able to get your common law status.They only allow so many every year. Keep all your flight booking both of you . Keep paper trails. Also if she does come for 6 months and they stop here they may ask her how she is going afford to live here. Good luck ..

 

[Avadava]

Thank you! that was actually really great and helpful! just one final question when she comes to visit i know she can stay up to 6 months and then we have to apply to extend it to a year correct?

She can come as a visitor and get a 6 month visa first. 30 days before this visa expires, you can apply to extend it mentioning you are trying to establish common law.

 

[commonlawsponsor]

I also think your best option is with a working holiday visa. They are easy to get and then she can work and live in Canada so you can establish common-law partnership.
Here's the link. It seems the places are gone for this year already though.
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/experience_canada_experience/working_holiday-vacances_travail.aspx

Or you can also go live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.



Also, I'm not sure but I don't think it would be possible for you to apply as conjugal partners. I think common-law or as a married spouse would be your only options, so you will need to live together for at least a year for the common-law part.

 

[Jamesdavid3]

Hey,

I was in the EXACT situation when I was long distance.

I came to Canada on a 2 week Holiday back in August 2010, I met my Canadian girlfriend there and then and we decided to keep things going..

For 1 year we both travelled too see each other,I would say I went to Canada about 4 times that year and she came to England twice.

I then applied for the IEC working holiday visa which is a 1 year work permit to come to Canada and you can do it for a maximum of 2 years.

I arrived in Canada on January 2012 and have been here with us since. my 2nd year IEC expired back in Janaury but we have submitted my permanent residence application.

 

[Gumper]

I also think your best option is with a working holiday visa. They are easy to get and then she can work and live in Canada so you can establish common-law partnership.
Here's the link. It seems the places are gone for this year already though.
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/experience_canada_experience/working_holiday-vacances_travail.aspx

I agree. I've actually recommended that route to a few of my French acquaintances looking to emigrate to Canada. Three of them found good jobs during their stay & their company helped get them work / permanent resident visas thereafter. One of them has been there log enough now that she is applying for CAN citizenship (and is still single). Wo ein wille ist, ist auch ein weg!

 

[austinino12]

Thank you everyone!