I’m unaware of such a link. We’re fixing to order GCMS notes. If things move before they arrive to us, fine. If they don’t, then at least we will have some idea where things stand when the notes are provided to us.
Sponsoring Same-sex to be spouse (Outland)
- Thread starter Shosanna
- Start date
You've been in the relationship for eight years, do you also live together? Look at the application forms, since recently married I believe you will also be providing info on that and other aspects. You could probably even apply as common law (although being married makes app even more simple).
In this context, having a small ceremony with just friends will not look that sketchy. Just a short letter of explanation that eg parents did not attend because [etc].
I wouldn't worry too much, this is not that unusual for same sex relationships in Canada as well. (And not rare for heterosexual relationships either, actually, if parents disapprove ie from different religions).
The documentation of large traditional weddings and associated customs with family attending can be critical for applicants with much shorter relationships, arranged marriages, and who did not know each other before the marriage (esp from some very traditional or religious societies) or who mainly know each other online and have never lived together.
Having some of your family attend might be helpful but it will be the whole application that will matter.
In your case if you are applying from abroad, the more difficult part may be showing seriousness of your intent to move back to Canada. (Not same sex issue at all). Spend some extra time looking at how to document that.
Yeah I could apply as common-law but I actually really want to get married to her and it is somewhat planned.
The intent to move back to Canada.. That is also another big BIG problem I have. I have no ties to Canada at all, all my family is in Portugal, no Canadian friends. I really don’t know how I’m gonna do it, how I’m going to prove it.
That will definitely be your biggest hurtle. As mentioned previously, you’ve already been together eight years and it’s common for couples who have been together that long to choose elopement. My husband and I were eight years as well when we eloped.
Have you got any plans for where you’re going to be living, any job offers, that sort of thing? Best to start building that now and creating a solid plan for when and how you’re coming to Canada and how you intend to support yourselves. They want you to show them that you have every intention of making Canada your forever home, so to speak.
I don’t have any really outlined plans. I am now finishing my M.Sc thesis and after that I think probably my best chance is to try and apply for a job from Portugal and if I get a job offer go immediately. Then after getting there immediately apply for the outland sponsorship.
Of course I wish we could both go together but I really don’t see how I can prove my intention of moving back. If I am already in Canada when I submit the outland application it’s easier right?
Of course I wish we could both go together but I really don’t see how I can prove my intention of moving back. If I am already in Canada when I submit the outland application it’s easier right?
Yes, if you apply from Canada, at least you won't have to try to prove your intent to return, and that is the most challenging part of your application. Ideally you would have a job of some sort/some savings - even if there is no formal income requirement, you are expected to show you can support yourselves. A note on this, it is normal to show that your spouse expects to work too.
You could even look at spouse visiting and applying inland but you'd have to look at requirements of that carefully, assuming spouse is from Portugal and doesn't need a visa, just ETA.
At any rate, it sounds like proving the substance of your relationship will not be an issue - small civil ceremony should be fine. Start going through the application package and identifying what documentation you need, it's easier if you start early collecting and note anything you will need later.
Just circling back here on the proof of intent to return.. my parents are both Canadian citizens (not by birth) but also living in Portugal. Would it be a significant help having letters from them stating they also intent to move back to Canada once they reach retirement (about 5 years from now) to join me and my wife and establish our family there?
it would be great as evidence of relationship, also they can state they support you and your wife.
Well, all evidence in support is better than nothing, but some carry more weight than others. Personally I doubt this would carry much weight - sounds like your parents have been out of Canada for a long time and they're planning on moving back too, but five years from now? Doesn't sound at all convincing, not sure I'd even include that, unless they also had a house in Canada you were going to stay in.
Yeah no house or nothing like that.. guess that’s also not an option Thank you so much you’ve been really really helpful
Oh, and I don't mean to discourage you from applying outland-to-return, if that's what you need to do (for example). It shoudl be possible with a lot of work and documentation, maybe apply to schools, professional qualifications, jobs, know where you're going to live, etc. It's just the weakest part of your app for the reasons you spelled out. Going to Canada first may be more practical in a lot of ways.