There in my heart. .

[angel770]

Me and my sweetheart met online Nov 2012. We started becoming serious about meeting each other around Mother's day 2013 or so and met in person August 2013. He's from Victoria B.C. and I am a US citizen. I've been there 5 times since then and he's making arrangements to visit me, meet the parents. I know our formal engagement and marriage are not far off. We are looking forward to our future. Once we are married, obviously we have to start the process of sponsorship and my pr applications and such. . Is outland the best? Should an attorney be involved? What are things that cause problems with the process? Does it take a long time? Thanks for any advice, it's appreciated! ♡

 

[Ponga]

Outland is definitely the better choice for an American because it is substantially faster (currently ~ 6 months for an American)!

You cannot legally live in Canada with your husband (until you become a PR), but you can certainly `visit' him while your Outland application is being processed. After you arrive, you need to simply extend your visitor status before it expires, which is pretty simple to do for those from a visa-exempt country, while awaiting your PR application to be processed. However, you would not be able to work in Canada while you are waiting.

If you are close to the same age, can provide evidence that your marriage is genuine and have no criminality issues, you should be fine.

Using a lawyer is a personal choice, but if you have a straightforward application, this forum will give you a lot of help if you decide to do it on your own.
It's really not as daunting as it must seem to you right now.

Good luck!

 

[angel770]

Thank you

 

[blueangel371115]

I agree, the usual timeline for outland US is about 6-8 months for a straightforward case while inland is 2-3yrs so I would advise against it. If you use a lawyer or a consultant( personally I wouldn't, I have not heard any good things) don't let them push you into applying inland as they have for many US couples, it really isn't the best option. When you are going to apply get your medicals and police checks done right around the time you apply that way you won't have to wait for them to request and process them later. During this time, gather your 'proofs' pictures, boarding passes, receipts etc., of your relationship as it progresses to show it's genuine. But be warned, you likely won't get the originals back so if you want to keep some of them as souvenirs, send copies instead.

 

[angel770]

So glad I found this forum! !

Can I get the fbi check, medical and proof. . And he send all at the same time with the sponsor papers and p.r. papers?

Also, I'm not sure how long getting marriage certificate and renewing my passport with his last name. .hmm something I can research. .

 

[blueangel371115]

So glad I found this forum! !

Can I get the fbi check, medical and proof. . And he send all at the same time with the sponsor papers and p.r. papers?

Also, I'm not sure how long getting marriage certificate and renewing my passport with his last name. .hmm something I can research. .

Most definitely get all of it first and send it all in one package. You can send the medicals and police certificates later but I STRONGLY would not recommend it. People's whole files and paperwork are being lost or misfiled so I'd send it all at once.

 

[shahmad]

So glad I found this forum! !

Can I get the fbi check, medical and proof. . And he send all at the same time with the sponsor papers and p.r. papers?

Also, I'm not sure how long getting marriage certificate and renewing my passport with his last name. .hmm something I can research. .

For US Citizens ....it is a walk in the park ..... you can visit your husband anytime and even live with him as a visitor while your application is in process ..... the processing time is 6-7 months ..... yes prepare all the docs police clearance, medical, marriage certificate etc.... and send the whole package ...... you are not required to have your husband name as your last name in the passport.

 

[angel770]

Thank you♡

 

[blueangel371115]

For US Citizens ....it is a walk in the park ..... you can visit your husband anytime and even live with him as a visitor while your application is in process ..... the processing time is 6-7 months ..... yes prepare all the docs police clearance, medical, marriage certificate etc.... and send the whole package ...... you are not required to have your husband name as your last name in the passport.

However if you are changing your name, do it before you file it saves a lot of time and headache. I went to a passport agency and it took three days with the expedite fee. You just need a copy of your marriage certificate.

 

[angel770]

I appreciate that information, I will do that, the expedited service will get it back quickly, I did it with my passport and had it in less than 2 weeks. Thank you for the information.