Sponsorship through marriage

[YouthTree]

Hey guys. I currently going through a PR application through semi skilled worker but am not sure it will work and am looking at other avenues. My girlfriend who is Canadian said she would be happy to sponsor me, however we havent lived in the same country for nearly 2 years now and would rather avoid marriage if possible (neither of us really believe in at and are not religious). I understand you can go through the process as girlfriend and boyfriend but you must live together for a year first which is also a little bit difficult seeing as I can't afford to live in Canada without a job until I got a visa.

What I'm asking is if we got married how easy is that route? We met about 3/4 years ago and have messages to prove this, but we without getting too personal we are both fairly free spirited and probably don't have the same sort of evidence as other couples. How much would we be scrutinized or is marriage a fairly easy route as long as you can prove you haven't just met recently with the intent of obtaining a visa?

Thanks!

 

[canuck78]

Hey guys. I currently going through a PR application through semi skilled worker but am not sure it will work and am looking at other avenues. My girlfriend who is Canadian said she would be happy to sponsor me, however we havent lived in the same country for nearly 2 years now and would rather avoid marriage if possible (neither of us really believe in at and are not religious). I understand you can go through the process as girlfriend and boyfriend but you must live together for a year first which is also a little bit difficult seeing as I can't afford to live in Canada without a job until I got a visa.

What I'm asking is if we got married how easy is that route? We met about 3/4 years ago and have messages to prove this, but we without getting too personal we are both fairly free spirited and probably don't have the same sort of evidence as other couples. How much would we be scrutinized or is marriage a fairly easy route as long as you can prove you haven't just met recently with the intent of obtaining a visa?

Thanks!

Yes you have to have decent proof. How much time have you spent together in person? It helps if you are from a country where there would be less concern about i migration fraud. You need things like records of conversation. Putting each other as beneficiaries for insurance plans, time spent together with pictures, etc.

 

[YouthTree]

Not alot of time to be honest, lots of conversation over the past few years though. If it helps I'm from the UK. Sounds like it's probably not solid enough, I'm also worried they will see I have a past attempt at a visa and will find it odd I am now trying a different route...

 

[canuck78]

Not alot of time to be honest, lots of conversation over the past few years though. If it helps I'm from the UK. Sounds like it's probably not solid enough, I'm also worried they will see I have a past attempt at a visa and will find it odd I am now trying a different route...

Yes having some time in person is highly recommended. I assume you are not from a culture or religion where arranged marriages are typical. If not most people visit a few times before getting married or visit a few longer stretches. Sponsorship does have some serious implications like being financially responsible for repaying back any welfare if you split up. I would read through more examples on this forum to see what others have submitted as evidence.

 

[YouthTree]

That's true, I forgot alot of people would get PR through arranged marriages, they must have a hard time showing any evidence. I guess ideally we will live together for a year, maybe outside of Canada where I can work and then we will see what happens.

 

[canuck78]

That's true, I forgot alot of people would get PR through arranged marriages, they must have a hard time showing any evidence. I guess ideally we will live together for a year, maybe outside of Canada where I can work and then we will see what happens.

Not sure how old you are but have you looked into IEC? You could still get married or f you wanted to but visit in person at least a few times.

In arranged marriages IRCC is looking at marriages observing all the normal cultural and religious steps and ceremonies. Most arranged marriages are sponsored Outland and many have interviews so there is time to see how the relationship develops and if they’ve met in person since then.

 

[YouthTree]

Yeah, did IEC a few years ago, wish I could do another!

 

[Hurlabrick]

What I'm asking is if we got married how easy is that route? We met about 3/4 years ago and have messages to prove this, but we without getting too personal we are both fairly free spirited and probably don't have the same sort of evidence as other couples. How much would we be scrutinized or is marriage a fairly easy route as long as you can prove you haven't just met recently with the intent of obtaining a visa?

So you are similar ages, a Brit and a Canadian, known each other for 3 / 4 years and can prove it? If you get married, spousal sponsorship should be pretty straightforward. What they are looking for is 'marriage fraud', where people are getting married with no romantic intention, just to get PR (usually one is paid for this service), then divorce immediately after getting in to Canada. You sound a million miles from this so don't worry.