Marriage after getting PR - Best Time?

[Freestyler]

Hi all,
I have got the PR recently, but have not landed in Canada. My partner has also applied for PR (separately), and her application is in process. Both of us got ITA in the same draw, and there was only a couple of weeks in between my application and hers. However, my application got processed within 20 days or so, which was pretty quick so I have been very lucky. We are looking to get married, and since we would like to minimise the time apart and processing time, wanted to know when it would be best to get married.

I think our best scenario is if her application also gets cleared, but just in case if she gets rejected or since right now there is a chance of refusal, what should we do?

1. Should we go for a quick court marriage or something and quickly tag her application to mine? I am in India, where marriage is kind of a big deal, so relatives and all may not be in favour of this option, and I would have to really push this idea through. This option is not preferable, but if it's the best option, do tell.
2. Should we let things proceed and get married as per our plans and let the application take care of itself? We are planning to get married in February. In case there is rejection, then we go to Option 3.
3. Should I marry before landing in Canada and just inform the authorities? I read from some past topics that that would be preferable. How long will that processing take and will it affect my PR status too? Is there any recalculation of points? I would lose only a couple of points though, I think, and my score was 470.

 

[Asivad Anac]

Option 2.

Even if they get refused (barring health or criminal background reasons), you can add them to your application at any point in time before landing in Canada. Your current PR visa and COPR will be deemed invalid and you will have to submit 'Additional Family Information' form to CIC, that process may take a few weeks, your spouse will have to undergo upfront medicals and provide PCC(s) (or resubmit the same documents if they are less than 6 months old at that time), your points won't be recalculated and eventually you will both get PPR. Or her application will be approved and you will both have to simply inform CIC about change in marital status after your get married and before you land in Canada - even in this case, your existing PR visa and COPR will have to be revised in the light of the changed circumstances - it is a needless administrative delay but those are the rules. The only possible workaround to avoid these delays is by getting married (legally) after you land in Canada - you can certainly have the social ceremony in India and inform CIC after you land in Canada - this is riskier because it is almost misrepresentation, even though it isn't done out of any negative intentions.

 

[Freestyler]

Thanks, Asivad Anac.

Just what I was thinking, but wanted to confirm. However, I tried to find something around this on the CIC website and couldn't find anything. Are there any links referencing this?

Most of the documents she submitted (including upfront Medical & PCC) are dated September. So if we get the marriage certificate quick enough and inform CIC, maybe that will be fine.

 

[Asivad Anac]

Read 'Changes to family composition' here ---> http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/perm/express/refuse.asp

 

[Freestyler]

I have a 3 more queries related to this topic (regarding technicalities), so if someone could help, it would be greatly appreciated.

1. We are yet to set the date, although we have decided on a February marriage. One doubt in our mind is that would we need to resubmit the documents again if marriage happens towards the end of the month and we inform them in the first week of March. All her documents and medical (passed) are done around 9th to 11th September, so would just informing them in first week of March be considered enough, or do I inform them, they get back to me (which might take a few days) and then when I provide Additional Family Information Form, then it will be considered if 6 months have passed or not? Essentially, how many days buffer should we take from informing if we don't want to resubmit everything?

2. If my partner's application (which is in process) gets rejected and we get married, would she have to provide all the documents again (employment letters etc.) or just get a medical done and PCC when she gets added as my spouse and I have the PR?

3. Also, I would like to know how do I add her to my application before landing in Canada in case her application gets rejected. How much time will it take after this to get PR for her too? What is the processing time?

 

[ntwkengg]

I have a 3 more queries related to this topic (regarding technicalities), so if someone could help, it would be greatly appreciated.

1. We are yet to set the date, although we have decided on a February marriage. One doubt in our mind is that would we need to resubmit the documents again if marriage happens towards the end of the month and we inform them in the first week of March. All her documents and medical (passed) are done around 9th to 11th September, so would just informing them in first week of March be considered enough, or do I inform them, they get back to me (which might take a few days) and then when I provide Additional Family Information Form, then it will be considered if 6 months have passed or not? Essentially, how many days buffer should we take from informing if we don't want to resubmit everything?

2. If my partner's application (which is in process) gets rejected and we get married, would she have to provide all the documents again (employment letters etc.) or just get a medical done and PCC when she gets added as my spouse and I have the PR?

3. Also, I would like to know how do I add her to my application before landing in Canada in case her application gets rejected. How much time will it take after this to get PR for her too? What is the processing time?

why are you so much worried that your partner's application will be rejected?

if she gets approval it will be best to just complete your ceremony in home country and do marriage registration in canada to avoid delays.

thanks.

 

[Freestyler]

why are you so much worried that your partner's application will be rejected?

if she gets approval it will be best to just complete your ceremony in home country and do marriage registration in canada to avoid delays.

thanks.

Have to consider the worst case scenario, that's why.

Your second point is very valid and hadn't been considered. Thanks.

 

[scylla]

3. Also, I would like to know how do I add her to my application before landing in Canada in case her application gets rejected. How much time will it take after this to get PR for her too? What is the processing time?

This question makes no sense. It doesn't work this way.

If you get married before you land in Canada and become a PR - then you MUST add her to your application before you come to Canada - and she must go through the medical, security and background checks. If she fails any of these - the entire application will be refused (including your visa). Either you both receive the visa or neither of you receives the visa. If she is refused - so are you. If you want to avoid this situation - then your only option is to get married AFTER you have landed in Canada and become a PR.