Looking to marry my gf and move her to Canada from the US
- Thread starter T1000
- Start date
I found this site really helpful in answering a lot of my questions as I went along. https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spousal_Sponsorship-Canada and this https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spousal_Sponsorship-Canada/FAQ_-_New_Application_Forms
Another thread from this forum was this one: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/how-best-to-prepare.541235/
Note that this application process has had a lot of updates in the past few years so sometimes things online aren't updated, best to always double check in the Complete Guide. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5289-sponsor-your-spouse-common-law-partner-conjugal-partner-dependent-child-complete-guide.html
I personally read through the Complete Guide probably 10 times over the course of two months as well as spent many hours reading on this forum and others before actually even starting the process. It's a very confusing process when you're just getting started.
Yes, there is no need for a immigration lawyer. Just take the time to first read everything so you have a better idea what is needed then fill forms as you go. I took 1 month to fill everything and collect everything needed before I sent it. the forum here is IMHO the best place to find informations about everything.
Yes you are all wonderful folks and have been a huge help to educate my ignorance. I appreciate every bit of info you all have fed me.
1 month ago, I was in the same position as you but research and reading helped me a lot and I'm now able to help whenever I can as we are all in the same boat
I would recommend going through the application first, before considering wasting money on a lawyer.
Get married. First and foremost.
Here's the thing. Being that she's american, "Most" Americans are being approved in 5-7 months for clean-cut cases for OUTLAND ( clean background checks, no divorces, ect)...
If you want to apply OUTLAND - but live together, she can come here on a Visitor record and stay for 6 months. You can apply to extend that stay for another year by asking to stay while PR is being processed. However, during her time as a visitor, she cannot work. She is essentially that. A visitor.
INLAND cases take a year.. and 3-5 months just for the Open Work Permit. So that being said - please know all your options and their timeline.
If you're aplying INLAND, your Girlfriend / Wife can again come here on a visitor record. However, you need to get your App in ASAP to make sure it is accepted and she falls under "Implied Status" - this meaning she can stay in Canada during the duration of the process.. She shouldn't leave Canada at all during that time. Along with her INLAND application she can apply for an Open Work Permit - it takes 3-5 months for that to be received.
I'm in the middle of the process... An American.. I ran in to a few hiccups and would suggest that if Marriage is in your future, just cut to the chase and do it now. Just make sure you have enough proof of your relationship prior.. and try and invite a few friends and family to the ceremony. Take lots of pictures. Seriously. Document EVERYTHING. That piece of mail that someone sent addressed to both of you - keep it. It sounds silly, but seriously, document every aspect of your relationship. It makes things easier in the long run..
Here's the thing. Being that she's american, "Most" Americans are being approved in 5-7 months for clean-cut cases for OUTLAND ( clean background checks, no divorces, ect)...
If you want to apply OUTLAND - but live together, she can come here on a Visitor record and stay for 6 months. You can apply to extend that stay for another year by asking to stay while PR is being processed. However, during her time as a visitor, she cannot work. She is essentially that. A visitor.
INLAND cases take a year.. and 3-5 months just for the Open Work Permit. So that being said - please know all your options and their timeline.
If you're aplying INLAND, your Girlfriend / Wife can again come here on a visitor record. However, you need to get your App in ASAP to make sure it is accepted and she falls under "Implied Status" - this meaning she can stay in Canada during the duration of the process.. She shouldn't leave Canada at all during that time. Along with her INLAND application she can apply for an Open Work Permit - it takes 3-5 months for that to be received.
I'm in the middle of the process... An American.. I ran in to a few hiccups and would suggest that if Marriage is in your future, just cut to the chase and do it now. Just make sure you have enough proof of your relationship prior.. and try and invite a few friends and family to the ceremony. Take lots of pictures. Seriously. Document EVERYTHING. That piece of mail that someone sent addressed to both of you - keep it. It sounds silly, but seriously, document every aspect of your relationship. It makes things easier in the long run..