Rob_TO said:
Well, technically if you are now separated, then you are supposed to inform CIC. The COPR specifically states you need to inform them if there's a major change in your family situation, and a separation certainly fits that descripton. In this case CBSA would also ask him if there's been any change when he tries to land, so if he says nothing has changed and lands as a PR, that could be considered misrepresentation.
Though in reality, if he lands as a PR and neither you nor him mention anything to CIC/CBSA, then he'll most likley just remain as a PR with no troubles even if you never live together. You really need to check though if "Condition 51" (Conditional PR) is on his COPR. CIC has put this on even with people married over 2 years at time of application.
Finally, if he lands as a PR you are barred from sponsoring anyone else for next 3 years. So in case you happened to meet another foreigner and eventually married them, you may have to wait a bit longer to sponsor them. Not to mention if he landed as a PR and used welfare anytime over the 3 years, you need to pay every penny of it back to the government.
Thank you. I appreciate this. I did check and there are no conditions on my copies of his COPR. So I'm guessing if no one says anything he will just be able to go about his normal life if he signs. I want him to be happy, I care that much, so I want to give him a chance to be happy here. Yet I don't want to jeopardize my own happiness if he doesn't choose to care for himself or respect me. This remains to be seen. He has said he wants to get a job once he's approved, but he is very depressed and may not follow through. I don't *think* he will take advantage of welfare as government channels are not his normal way of doing things (it was hard to even go through the immigration process with him, as he really doesn't like jumping through hoops or filling out paperwork). He has mentioned returning to the States as he doesn't feel he has many friends here at the moment and is struggling. His parents agreed to support him for 5 years after he's landed, due to our shaky finances, and sent a letter to CIC detailing this, but I'm unsure whether they will be held accountable by the Canadian government if they do not uphold their end of the deal (they have been supporting him for many years as he has gone through a lot, and they may grow tired of it if he still won't take responsibility after his PR is granted). Any info on this? If they withdraw their support after promising it, will they be held accountable, or will I be left holding the ball? My parents also sent a letter for both of us, so it will be on their shoulders if I can't afford it and his parents won't come through.
It doesn't seem likely that we will be patching things up anytime soon, though it's hard to say for sure. I realize now we moved too quickly and expected too much, and should probably have remained friends for much longer before a relationship was attempted. One thing I did not mention is that I do have feelings for another American (of course), but I have yet to meet this friend in person and am unsure how things will go. Given how quickly I moved last time, I am cautious now and intend to move slowly, but I feel strongly nonetheless. I would hate to want to bring this person here eventually but have to wait because of my undertaking. However, if it doesn't work out, I might feel I moved too hastily, getting my spouse, whom I still love (albeit in a less romantic way at the moment), kicked out of the country without a chance to make it work on the off chance I might want to sponsor someone else in the next 3 years. Of course this is certainly not the only reason; there are still the problems of his abusive and irresponsible behaviours, which are not small things to me and are the main reason we have separated. I am unsure whether us being apart will be the catalyst he needs for change, or if he will continue to struggle without seeking assistance for his mental health issues. It seems to be a slow-moving process.
Thank you all for the responses. I realize I myself may seem somewhat immature in this situation; I think my heart is just too big for my own good and I often put others before myself (I am learning, slowly). I have a lot of thinking to do in a short amount of time. Any additional input is appreciated.
