Starting (or submitting) Spousal Outland application before actual marriage date

[VermiciousKnish]

Is there anything that can be done in terms of the application for spousal sponsorship before couple is actually married? Couple's wedding date is still 8 months away but spouse from USA wants to start application and have everything ready so that she can move here after her wedding. If she gets medical now it will likely expire before application is processed in 8+ months from now.

Can they submit application early if they were not officially married yet? Can they technically go the common law relationship route? How to prove that you are in a genuine common law relationship? What should they do to get the application process rolling?

 

[kiwi01]

Well have you lived together for at least 12 months at a time?

 

[VermiciousKnish]

No

 

[Aquakitty]

Then there is no other option aside from getting married sooner.

 

[Ponga]

There's no reason why you can't start to assemble the things that you will need, including completing the forms, but realize that this will be `practice' for you. When you are finally ready (and qualified) to actually submit the forms, you'll want to redo all of the forms, because one or more forms will undoubtedly have been updated by then.

And...once again, she cannot move to Canada until she has landed as a PR.

 

[VermiciousKnish]

Thanks fellas. I asked because I once heard of a lawyer who claimed he could apply even before the marriage date. This sounded a little risky to me unless he meant with a common law relationship so I wanted to hear some feedback to confirm that this is ill-advised.

 

[bradybunchmom]

My husband and I got married by an Alberta officiant for the application. Then we sent it in but didn't have our wedding and reception until after. I am assuming they will ask for photos since I included this info in my application.