Non-Canadian immigrating to Canada with Canadian citizen as common-in-law

[bennieben]

Hello,

Im a Canadian citizen who has been living and working in Germany for the past 4 years and have been in a common-in-law relationship with a german citizen girlfriend for 2 years. We are considering moving back to Canada to live and work.

My question is this:
Is it a Problem that I have been living outside Canada for the past 4 years even though I have duel citizenship (German-Canadian)? Do I Need to be living in Canada for 6 months before I can have my girlfriend apply for Immigration to Canada?
What is the easiest way for my german girlfriend to apply for a visa? (i.e. canadian consulate, Immigration Canada Website, Immigration lawyer)
Which type of visa would fit best? (common-in-law?)

Many Thanks in advance.

 

[Rob_TO]

You should post in the family sponsorship section of this forum.

If you have lived together 12 months and can prove it, you can apply immediately while you are still in Germany for her PR. You just need to show intent to return to Canada once it's approved.

While her PR is in process (could take 8-12 months) she can always go to Canada as a visitor with you, but she just won't be able to work.