Quick Question??

[Pokopoko]

Hello, I've been browsing this section of the forum for a little over a month now. I've also looked at the immigration requirements; ect.

I just have one question ; once I do get PR status, will I be able to attend college in Canada?

Story : I'm in a long distance relationship ; a little over a year now. Both of us are still in school / but are looking for jobs soon. I'm thinking a few years ahead and trying to plan all of this so we can get married when I'm above the legal age of 18. (I'm hoping to get married at 19.)

I plan on taking the 'Spouse/Marriage' route. While I know red flags will come up if it's just an internet based relationship, we are planning to visit each other a few times before getting married. It all depends on whether we can get jobs and get the money for it.

I'm hoping to visit him a few times; spreading out the 6 month visa time I can. I also hope he can visit for as long as possible; but still in small amounts. Towards the last little bits; when I'm 18/19, I'm hoping we can get married in the US. Nothing fancy; just nice and simple so we can get this all over with. A year after that for procession fees is quite a long time and I'd rather live with him the fastest way.

Anyways; for the proof, we plan on
1)Pictures, lots of pictures
2)Skype chat / video records
3)Marriage documents
4)Letter/ postage receipts
5)Anything else I can think of. (Recommendations?)

Now, say this works and I'm able to come to Canada and live with him. After turning into a permanent residence; will I be able to attend college there?

Also ; I don't plan on doing the whole 1 year common route. Marriage seems easier to me. And I also feel like I'm going to get judged for being a teenager and getting into a long distance relationship. I actually feel pretty silly posting this; but I've known the man for 2 years and we are in skype video calls for 11+ hours a day when we can and it's just.. ugh so hard having to wait all these years to be with the person I love.

But for one additional question; Before all of this happens I have to tell my parents at some point. I'm a bit scared. I've never had a talk with them about relationships or boys or dating.. and it's really awkward. I'm afraid they would judge me for it not being a physical relationship.

Thank you for reading; any suggestions or answers are lovely.

 

[frege]

I would also suggest proof of travel to visit each other, once you have it.

You can certainly attend college or university once you're a permanent resident. You'll be treated just like a Canadian citizen for this. In fact, if you apply "inland", you can even get a study permit once you have "approval in principle". Furthermore, I believe most provinces will give you in-province tuition from that point. Certainly, that's the case in Quebec if you're immigrating to Quebec.

 

[Pokopoko]

Ah, totally forgot about that ! I'm hoping the boat from ME, USA to NS, CA will be open or started again. I'm lucky enough that the one way plane time is just a little over an hour ! Although my anxiety acts up during take off and I can't breathe.

No, I won't be in Quebec. I'll be in Nova Scotia. I'll more than likely be applying outland. I don't want to be stuck in the country if something happens to my parents. But anyways; that is great. The whole study permit as a foreigner was a bit.. over whelming since I would have to pay twice as much. (Which I probably wouldn't be able to get on my own.) Thank glad I'll be able to attend like a citizen. Thank you for the information.

If any other people have feedback, that would lovely as well !

 

[amikety]

Hello, I've been browsing this section of the forum for a little over a month now. I've also looked at the immigration requirements; ect.

I just have one question ; once I do get PR status, will I be able to attend college in Canada?

Story : I'm in a long distance relationship ; a little over a year now. Both of us are still in school / but are looking for jobs soon. I'm thinking a few years ahead and trying to plan all of this so we can get married when I'm above the legal age of 18. (I'm hoping to get married at 19.)

I plan on taking the 'Spouse/Marriage' route. While I know red flags will come up if it's just an internet based relationship, we are planning to visit each other a few times before getting married. It all depends on whether we can get jobs and get the money for it.

I'm hoping to visit him a few times; spreading out the 6 month visa time I can. I also hope he can visit for as long as possible; but still in small amounts. Towards the last little bits; when I'm 18/19, I'm hoping we can get married in the US. Nothing fancy; just nice and simple so we can get this all over with. A year after that for procession fees is quite a long time and I'd rather live with him the fastest way.

Anyways; for the proof, we plan on
1)Pictures, lots of pictures
2)Skype chat / video records
3)Marriage documents
4)Letter/ postage receipts
5)Anything else I can think of. (Recommendations?)

Now, say this works and I'm able to come to Canada and live with him. After turning into a permanent residence; will I be able to attend college there?

Also ; I don't plan on doing the whole 1 year common route. Marriage seems easier to me. And I also feel like I'm going to get judged for being a teenager and getting into a long distance relationship. I actually feel pretty silly posting this; but I've known the man for 2 years and we are in skype video calls for 11+ hours a day when we can and it's just.. ugh so hard having to wait all these years to be with the person I love.

But for one additional question; Before all of this happens I have to tell my parents at some point. I'm a bit scared. I've never had a talk with them about relationships or boys or dating.. and it's really awkward. I'm afraid they would judge me for it not being a physical relationship.

Thank you for reading; any suggestions or answers are lovely.

I have a feeling your boyfriend has also posted questions on the forum

Internet is not a big deal with American-Canadian couples. The two countries are on the same continent, share a large border. Honestly, the average Canadian/American doesn't think of the other nationality as a "foreigner" but more of a cousin. A lot of people are surprised at the requirements we have to go through for immigration (same as anyone). Because of the large border, there are many, many American/Canadian couples. (As you may know, there are many towns in New England that are both in the USA and Canada.)

As far as your questions, I can discuss both with you. I was in a similar situation when I was 19 with an internet based relationship. Now, I'm immigrating to Canada with my husband, who I also met online (by accident!).

Honestly, your parents will probably try to discourage you. Why? Because they care. Sounds weird, I know. But the truth is, they do care, which is why they will ask you 1000 questions and second guess you. Don't take it personally... they are trying to help. You can aid the situation by being open, honest, and answering their questions unless they become too private - just let them know that's personal and you're happy to discuss other things. Standard of living is about the same.

I would suggest you, your parents, your boyfriend, and his parents arrange to meet sometime before the wedding. That way everyone can get to know each other. Maybe all take a nice trip to Niagara Falls or something like that.

You should also be prepared to answer your parents' questions about immigration and life in Canada. You can tell them, in general, tuition is cheaper in Canada. Once you have your PR, you can travel back and forth to see them when you wish.

If you get married and apply when you're 19, you'll have 2 more years worth of relationship proof than me when I applied. As far as being young, yes you are young. The only thing that will change that fact is time (and don't rush it!). When you write your application, you can write a relationship essay. In there you can explain even though you're young, this is going to be the relationship for the rest of your life. You'll get a chance to explain your intentions and whatnot. But don't worry about that now. It's far, far in the future and who knows how the rules will look by then. For right now, focus on taking care of you, your boyfriend, and start figuring out how to deal with your fear of telling your parents.

Btw, my dad didn't believe in Internet relationships either........ it was hard, but that's the past.

Let me know how else I can help you.

 

[scylla]

Definitely visit each other several times (as many as you can) before you get married. The evidence you have mentioned to prove your relationship is genuine is good - but there's nothing like actually spending significant time together and being able to prove that you have done this when you submit your application.

 

[Pokopoko]

I have a feeling your boyfriend has also posted questions on the forum

Haha, nah. I saw the other persons post before making this.
And thank you for the advice ! I do send out letters and packages to him every few months; but somehow my parents automatically thought he was a girl and I've been too scared to say a darn thing about that. I gotta work that out next time I send something. (Which will be in a few days.)

The arrangement advice; thanks. I can only hope that will happen while he's here. Hopefully his parents will come for that. He doesn't exactly have a good relationship with them; and their situation isn't the best in terms of money. I guess if things don't work; I can have my parents and myself fly over there for a quick visit.

This whole thing has been a bit stressful in relating to school. I'm homeschooled now and my mother wants me to go to a good college. I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to if I did this; but I was willing to sacrifice it. College seems hard; and I have an anxiety problem so college doesn't look too appealing.. but I hope that college degree is worth it. I've also thought of doing an apprenticeship; but I don't know if the certificate of trade would be worth anything in Canada.

 

[frege]

Ah, totally forgot about that ! I'm hoping the boat from ME, USA to NS, CA will be open or started again. I'm lucky enough that the one way plane time is just a little over an hour ! Although my anxiety acts up during take off and I can't breathe.

No, I won't be in Quebec. I'll be in Nova Scotia. I'll more than likely be applying outland. I don't want to be stuck in the country if something happens to my parents. But anyways; that is great. The whole study permit as a foreigner was a bit.. over whelming since I would have to pay twice as much. (Which I probably wouldn't be able to get on my own.) Thank glad I'll be able to attend like a citizen. Thank you for the information.

If any other people have feedback, that would lovely as well !

You can leave the country with an inland application - it's just that if you're not let back in, you have to drop your application. That's serious, but not particularly likely, especially after approval in principle, which takes 6 months. I haven't been able to determine whether Nova Scotia allows in-country tuition for applicants with "approval in principle". An outland application will take 8 to 13 months in most cases.

 

[Pokopoko]

Ah; I'm fine with outland still. I don't mind waiting; it'll be worth it. Regarding the approval in principle; I don't mind waiting to get full status for PR either. (If it comes that I can't while in that approval stage.)

 

[amikety]

Haha, nah. I saw the other persons post before making this.
And thank you for the advice ! I do send out letters and packages to him every few months; but somehow my parents automatically thought he was a girl and I've been too scared to say a darn thing about that. I gotta work that out next time I send something. (Which will be in a few days.)

The arrangement advice; thanks. I can only hope that will happen while he's here. Hopefully his parents will come for that. He doesn't exactly have a good relationship with them; and their situation isn't the best in terms of money. I guess if things don't work; I can have my parents and myself fly over there for a quick visit.

This whole thing has been a bit stressful in relating to school. I'm homeschooled now and my mother wants me to go to a good college. I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to if I did this; but I was willing to sacrifice it. College seems hard; and I have an anxiety problem so college doesn't look too appealing.. but I hope that college degree is worth it. I've also thought of doing an apprenticeship; but I don't know if the certificate of trade would be worth anything in Canada.

Apprenticeships depend on what's called the "Red Seal" in Canada. If they fall under Red Seal, you typically make a decent salary.

You also have the option of attending online university in the USA while living in Canada. (That's what I do.) A lot online schools have a work at your own pace style program (although there is a minimum, which is usually peanuts). That might work out better for you if you have anxiety. You can even attend online school while "visiting" in Canada and waiting for your PR. (Once again, I'm doing it.) Also, if you're married to a Canadian, you don't have to declare his income on your USA taxes, meaning you can qualify for more Federal funding....... >.>

While I encourage you to tell your parents, tell them when you're ready. Don't pressure yourself to do it too soon.

One thing you may care to know, so you can explain it to your parents. Canada and the USA have different meanings for college.

Canada - College = Technical college/Junior College. You get a 2 or 3 year diploma, which is similar to an associates degree. A 4 year degree (bachelor's) comes from a University. We are used to them being interchangeable terms, but in Canada, they mean something different. (A Canadian college is cheap - compared to the USA, it's dirt cheap - and you can make decent money.)

There are plenty of options. Right now, just let it all sit. While it's great to make plans, you have a busy part of life ahead of you.

One thing you will need to figure out before doing sponsorship (and hopefully before you're married or try to come to Canada) is finances. For one, it's just plain stressful to be broke and barely scrapping by all the time. It will put a lot of pressure on your relationship and make things crappy. (Speaking from experience.) However, to sponsor, he will also need to show capacity to support you. There isn't a minimum income requirement right now, but he will also sign an agreement with the Canadian government to support you. He will be expected to show proof of this support. So keep that in mind for the future.

 

[Pokopoko]

By visiting, do you mean doing the inland application? I don't mind doing an online one; but are the costs the same as if I were actually attending college in person? I don't really want to go inland. Although; that would be a great idea once I get my full status.

I've never thought about the taxes. Thank you for bringing it up. I actually haven't learned much about taxes, ect, so I'm a bit clueless right now. If you could; could you explain your sentence about it a bit more?

As for the income; I've thought of that. One reason for getting a job for myself was to see if I could save up money when I come there. (In-case something like scrapping by happens; we'll have spare money at-least for a while.) With no minimum income; I assume if he just had a job and he could support both of us with his money, we would be fine? By showing proof; does that just mean to show that he can take care of himself and that he is willing to take me in ; being fully ready for it?

 

[amikety]

By visiting, do you mean doing the inland application? I don't mind doing an online one; but are the costs the same as if I were actually attending college in person? I don't really want to go inland. Although; that would be a great idea once I get my full status.

I've never thought about the taxes. Thank you for bringing it up. I actually haven't learned much about taxes, ect, so I'm a bit clueless right now. If you could; could you explain your sentence about it a bit more?

As for the income; I've thought of that. One reason for getting a job for myself was to see if I could save up money when I come there. (In-case something like scrapping by happens; we'll have spare money at-least for a while.) With no minimum income; I assume if he just had a job and he could support both of us with his money, we would be fine? By showing proof; does that just mean to show that he can take care of himself and that he is willing to take me in ; being fully ready for it?

You can apply Inland or Outland while living in Canada. I've applied Outland and was approved in 5.5 months. (Similarly if I had applied Inland, I would still be waiting for Stage 1 to be done.) However, I have had legal visitor's status the entire time. It'll be 2 years tomorrow and I haven't left Canada a single time. You can extend your visit either online, by mail, or going to the US border.

Your Canadian husband presumably doesn't have a SSN, which means you claim your non-citizen spouse as a non-resident alien. You leave everything else blank. Then when you do financial aid, it will electronically pull from the IRS. It may ask you to verify the information, but once you confirm, you'll be accepted with a NRA spouse. Then his income doesn't count towards the requirements for the Pell Grant.

Some universities in Canada are also Title 9 accepted, meaning you can apply USA financial aid towards their tuition. These tend to be major universities.

CIC will want to see he has enough income to give you shelter, food, and provide other necessities such as medicine. Think about a minimum of rent, food, and some money for additional expenses. CIC will also consider your ability to work. When the time comes, you can access the situation and decide how to proceed.

 

[canadianwoman]

I'm hoping to visit him a few times; spreading out the 6 month visa time I can. I also hope he can visit for as long as possible; but still in small amounts.

Spend as much time together as you can before marrying. You are not limited to 6 months, and you don`t need a visa. You can visit Canada without a visa (if you are an American citizen); if the border agent does not give you a date by which you have to leave, you can stay 6 months. You can apply to extend this time if you want. You can also just come in and out of Canada, visiting every weekend if you live nearby, or however often you can afford to. Usually Americans don`t have any problems, though the border agents can sometimes refuse entry if they do not believe you will leave Canada. You should always have proof with you showing your ties to the USA - they don`t often ask for them, but it is better to be safe.

Americans are not usually refused a PR visa when married to a Canadian - they are not suspected of marrying just to immigrate to Canada. But if you have rarely met in person, and your friends and family don`t know of the relationship, that may raise the suspicions of the visa officer. So I would tell your parents about him, and try to have your family and friends get to know his family and friends.

 

[MistahFixIt]

If it helps any, here's what I included as 'evidence of relationship legitimacy'

One (1) letter envelope, containing: boarding passes, plane itineraries, bus tickets, luggage claim cards and baggage tags from the various visits my wife and I have had, back and forth. (Some of these visits were two or three months at a time.)
Shipping labels from parcels sent from her to me.
One (1) Manila envelope, containing: a ninety-four (94) page selection of a 374-page Skype .xml call log, detailing calls from the present all the way back to April of 2011. (This log also has a 'gap' in it, between early June and late August of 2011, which coincides with my last trip to see her)
One (1) Walmart Photolab envelope, containing photos of the two of us.
Photocopies of three selected handwritten letters sent by her to me, in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Like canadianwoman said, I was told US-to-Canada PR applications are mostly bulletproof (members of this forum add up to an 85% approval rating, if I recall the spreadsheet correctly) but even still, I worry like hell XP

- - -

Oh, and as an added bonus, my wife and I got married when we were really young too. The problem lay in my not being in a good position to sponsor her until just recently.

 

[amikety]

Approval ratings for all VOs is about 84%.

You can view Open Data for better break downs on approvals. www.data.gc.ca

Search for "immigration" then subheader under Citizenship and Immigration Canada as the "author." Scroll to: Permanent Resident Applications Processed Abroad and Processing Times. This shows approval rates. Move down the page to "Family Class" then "Spouses, Partners, and Children." Exactly 84%

If you go to the 4th tab over (look at the bottom of the screen - that took me FOREVER to figure out), you can see Family Class > Spouses, Partners, and Children has an approval rate of 94% through CPP-Ottawa. (I set my view preferences for Spouse, Partners, and Children, so it was easy for me to find.)

This is also the same place you can view the breakdown of how fast applications are processed. If you're nerdy like me, it's full of lots of information you may never need!

Now you know!

 

[MistahFixIt]

Well gee thanks amikety, that's a wealth of information that'll help set my mind at ease.

And hell, 94% approval rate through CPP-O? I'll take dem odds!