Long Distance Romances to Common Law Spouses

[JosephM]

I'm a US citizen and current resident and have been in a long distance relationship with am Canadian man that I met online over 6 year ago. We have finally decided that we want to live together in Canada and for him to eventually sponsor me for PR as common law spouses don't want to formally get married.
There is a lot of great stuff here and some of the threads are massive in length. I'm trying to reach out and hear of some relationships that went from several years of being long distance to common law spousal sponsorship in Canada. Answers to any of the following questions or any other details anyone would like to share would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Although varied and unique these personal stories here give lots of insight into the entire process which helps so much.

What were the circumstances of living together for 12 consecutive months (work, study, or visitor visa or lived together abroad)?

For those US partners that lived in Canada with only visitor status how did you pass the time if unable to work or study?

How much of your personal items had to be sold, or stored in the US or were things mailed, shipped, or carried to Canada in person before PR app was complete?

 

[commonlawsponsor]

I do not speak from experience but from reading the forum I know that:

Many couples establish common law but coming on a visitor visa and extending it online. You can't work or study, but it can be difficult to get a work visa and expensive to study in Canada as a foreign student. However, some people get really bored not working or studying for a year, so if you studying is something you would like to do it can be a great way to keep busy and meet other people.
Regarding passing the time - you also have limited options for volunteering because you can't do any volunteer work that could possibly be a paid position. However, you could possibly work remotely - for an American company online let's say. (Or I know there are many online language courses that would welcome native English speakers as teachers).

Living abroad is also another valid option. You can establish common law living in another country. However, your partner will also have to include proof of his intent to return to Canada if he is living abroad. This seems difficult to do and it stresses a lot of applicants out but it can be done quite easily.

Before PR is complete you aren't allowed to move to Canada - only visit. That means you can't mail, ship or carry too many personal items. Only what would be needed for a "visit". If the border agent thinks you are moving - this can cause problems. A lot of people store their personal items and then go pick it up later.

 

[JosephM]

Thanks commonlawsponsor!