Spousal Sponsorship - Is There A Minimum Income?

[Seagulls_13]

Hey there!

I am a British guy with a Canadian girlfriend of 5 years, we are not yet married (hopefully this year tho) but have been together pretty much 24/7 for at least 4 years.

Unfortunately we have never really lived together in the usual way as we both live and work abroad as contract tour guides, so we have no bills or even phone records, tho we do have plenty of evidence in the way of photos, greetings cards, e-mails & Facebook, and lots of family, friends and tourists from our trips who have known us over that time. I figure that we should still count as common-law tho.

The other downside to our work is that we make an extremely low income on paper, probably $5000 or so per year (not including tips and coms in cash).

Is there a minimum income for my girlfriend to be able to sponsor me?
Is it likely to be a problem that she does contract work for a British travel company and is often away from Canada for many months (or even more than a year) at a time?

We were also wondering if it was better for me to apply as Outland, from the UK, or Inland as I am currently in Canada?

Also, would getting married (even if only on paper until we get round to an organised ceremony on a tropical beach somewhere!) be much of an advantage?




Any information or advice that anyone has would be much appreciated.

Thanks Very Much
P

 

[GodSend]

This may be completely wrong. I spoke to an immigration consultant on something similar. (Mine was regarding moving overseas for a year for a common-law relationship, than sponsoring my wife)

1) At some point the sponsor has to be employed in Canada. In other words, I would not have been able to live abroad, then start the sponsorship, and continue to work their for while the paperwork went though the system. I was advised to do the year, come back, and file.

2) That person would need to be able to support you. 40,000 was a number that I was quoted as being "Safe" (although that seems a little excessive). I cant image 5000$ is going to get you far.

 

[Ponga]

Is there a minimum income for my girlfriend to be able to sponsor me?
Is it likely to be a problem that she does contract work for a British travel company and is often away from Canada for many months (or even more than a year) at a time?

We were also wondering if it was better for me to apply as Outland, from the UK, or Inland as I am currently in Canada?

Also, would getting married (even if only on paper until we get round to an organised ceremony on a tropical beach somewhere!) be much of an advantage?




Any information or advice that anyone has would be much appreciated.

Thanks Very Much
P

You have no choice; You have to get married (even the tropical beach wedding) before you can apply for sponsorship. While there are no minimum income requirements, she/you will need to explain how she will support you until you are a Permanent Resident (if applying Inland, primarily).

If you apply Inland you have to remain in Canada for the duration of the process (could be between 1-2 years) and she is not to leave Canada for any extended trips either.

Based on your situation, Outland (faster) might be your better option...after you're married, of course.

Good luck!