Moving to Canada after Graduating from US College

[TX2ON]

Hi, all!

I am a 20-years-old third year undergraduate university student studying in Texas.

I am an American citizen, and my boyfriend is a Canadian citizen.

My boyfriend lives in Ontario, and we have been together for over a year now.

I want to find a way for me to eventually live with him after I graduate.

Since I plan on graduating in 2018, I want to start thinking now about what I need to do to make living with him happen so I have a solid plan by the time I graduate. I have done a lot of reading on my own about how I can get a permanent resident card, but I have some questions, and I would really appreciate the opinion of someone with a lot more experience.

I stayed with my boyfriend for a week during the summer and had a wonderful time, and now I plan on spending my winter and summer breaks with him so I can spend as much time as possible with him while also staying in school.

I do not plan on marrying my boyfriend until I am able to live with him for one continuous year, which I understand also fulfills the requirement for common-law partner status. I want to be sure CIC has plenty of evidence for the validity of our relationship. I also want to be certain that living with him is worth the headache we will have to go through with CIC before I marry him.

I am little confused about what to do after I graduate, though.

Here is the gist of my plan:

After I graduate, I plan on living with my boyfriend for one continuous year so I can fulfill the requirement for common-law partner status.

Once I fulfill the requirement for common-law partner status and feel ready for it, I will marry my boyfriend to reinforce the validity of my relationship.

Then, I will apply for a PR card.

However, I’m not sure how to go about this.

I went through the forums to get inspiration for good questions to ask, so some of these questions may look like questions other people have asked. I have marked questions that I have adapted from other people.

(Adapted) Is there a way I can legally stay with my boyfriend in Canada for a full year? Could I stay in Ontario for almost 6 months, hop over to New York, stay there for a week, and then return to Canada and stay there for the rest of the year?

(Adapted) What should I say to CBSA when I go to stay with my boyfriend for a year? (Adapted) Should I act like I am there for a regular visit? (Adapted) Who should I tell that I want to extend my stay to fulfill the requirement for common-law partner status?

Is there a monetary requirement outside of what the application would cost? Would it make more sense for my boyfriend to stay with me for the year so I can work and earn enough money? (Adapted) Is it legal for me to remotely work for a US company in Canada?

After I marry him, should I initiate an outland application for a PR card?
Can I apply without a sponsor? Would it be helpful for my boyfriend to apply to be a sponsor?

If I apply outland, can I stay with my boyfriend in Canada while it processes?

How can I apply as a married couple?

What can I do to improve the likelihood of being approved for a PR card?

Thank you for reading, and thank you for your help.

 

[ChaCol927]

First of all, I would like to mention I am in a very similar scenario as you. I plan on living in Canada with my girlfriend (lives in Alberta) after I graduate at the end of 2017. We have known each other for 3 years and have been dating for a year and a half. I actually was thinking about doing the SWAP program to be able to work and live in Canada for a year (which I will live with my girlfriend for that 1 year to satisfy the common-law relationship) and then I will apply for outland spousal sponsorship.

Is there a way I can legally stay with my boyfriend in Canada for a full year? Could I stay in Ontario for almost 6 months, hop over to New York, stay there for a week, and then return to Canada and stay there for the rest of the year?

Yes, I don't know the specifics but as a US citizen we are allowed to visit Canada for 6 months (only if the officer approves of it) and then when the 6 months is almost up, we can apply for an extension online. Like I said I don't know the specifics, but it is it possible.

What should I say to CBSA when I go to stay with my boyfriend for a year?

I was actually worried about the same thing. Since I planned on doing the SWAP program should I say I am staying with a friend or should I tell them it is my girlfriend. I don't know if they would deny my entry because of me being in a relationship making them think I am staying permanently.

Who should I tell that I want to extend my stay to fulfill the requirement for common-law partner status?

As I stated above, from what I read we can apply online to extend our visitor visa, although I'm not 100% sure how this works.

Is there a monetary requirement outside of what the application would cost? Would it make more sense for my boyfriend to stay with me for the year so I can work and earn enough money?

Under the SWAP program you have to prove that you have access to 2,500 CAD and I would be able to work while living here. However, I believe if you are just visiting you need to prove that your boyfriend will be capable of supporting you while you are staying in Canada.

Is it legal for me to remotely work for a US company in Canada?

I've seen this question before and I'm pretty sure it is legal as long as it doesn't affect the Canadian workplace then you are allowed to work remotely.

I don't know the details on applying for sponsorship once you are classified as common-law partners. A lot of people suggest apply outland because it is a lot shorter processing time and you are allowed to leave Canada and re-enter. Applying inland allows you to get a work visa after a few months, but you are not allowed to leave Canada and I believe you must be living with your significant other.

If you are married, I do not believe you need to be living together for 1 year, however the process is the same thing as a common-law partner. You will just need to apply for the outland spousal sponsorship.