spousal sponsorship outside Canada

[jumeauxmom]

Hi:

I am a Canadian married to a Russian man ( married in Canada) but we have been living in France for 12 yrs. We would like to move to Canada but I am confused about what process is best for us. We have four children who are Canadian citizens. I would like to apply outside of Canada but I do not have funds to sponsor my husband. He is the one who works and provides for the family. Which route is the best for us? The best would be to stay here in France right up until we have to leave. Especially for the children who are 10, 8, 6 and 6 yrs of age in school. I also work part time here.

Any advice would be helpful,
thanks

 

[Farfelu]

Have you been married for 12 years or ONLY living in France for 12 years?

Anyways, you should start by reading Leon's post (http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/spousal-sponsorship-t46995.0.html), which describe in general terms your options and gives some general advise on how to make your choice.

In few words, you should show plenty of proof regarding your relationship: how it started, how it developed over the years, and most importantly, how both of you plan to establish yourselves and make a living in Canada, for example showing proof that you have a job secured in Canada or steps you have taken to search for a job and start severing your ties to your current place of residence.

Also, download the application package for Spousal sponsorship (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp) and read the Guides.

Then you may come back to this forum and ask more specific questions before or while you complete the application forms.

 

[Leon]

You do not have to show a specific amount of funds to sponsor your husband. Just write a letter stating that he is the family breadwinner and show his proof of funds. Immigration just want to know that you will have a way of supporting yourselves in Canada and not end up on welfare. If he is the one working, they will be fine with that.

 

[jumeauxmom]

Thank you, we have been married and living in France for 12 yrs.

 

[jumeauxmom]

How long does it take for the entire process? Especially if my husband has a job offer the company is only willing to wait for a decent amt of time not yrs.

Thanks

 

[chipits]

At the moment you're looking at one month or so for Stage 1, and around 9 months for stage 2 in Paris, so 10 months in total:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm/fc-spouses.asp

 

[Leon]

How long does it take for the entire process? Especially if my husband has a job offer the company is only willing to wait for a decent amt of time not yrs.

If he has a job offer, they will get him a lot faster if they apply for an LMO for him so he can apply for a work permit. If you move with him to Canada, you can also sponsor him inland and he could then possibly have an open work permit in as little as 6 months.

 

[shronak]

How long does it take for the entire process? Especially if my husband has a job offer the company is only willing to wait for a decent amt of time not yrs.

Thanks

Hi jumeauxmom ,
I'm in a very similar situation to yours (canadian married 15 yrs with 3 kids, living abroad).
The proccessing times depends on your visa office.
Regarding the funds, for spouse you don't need to meet the requirements, but you do need to provide proof that you are employed for at least 12 months prior to the request.
Also, you need to provide some proof that you are planing to move back to canada.
I would suggest that you send an email to your visa office about your specific situation, they will probably give you an answer that is specific for you and not the general guidelines that they have.

Best of luck,
Sharona