Hi everyone!
I just had my medical tests done today, and my husband is going to be sponsoring me as his spouse
My most recent entry into Canada was Dec 29, 2011 and I was granted a TRP that will expire Jan 13, 2013. I have been with my partner for almost 4 years. We found out that we were pregnant in June and decided to get married. So we had a civil ceremony in Ottawa earlier this month and he will be sponsoring me as his spouse.
My questions are:
- I'm British, so I plan on applying as an "outland", because the processing time is shorter, and as a Brit, I can stay here with my TRP (which hopefully will get renewed, as my due date is January 31, 2013...!!! and I want to have my baby in Canada, with my husband present). Can I use the address that CIC has on file for me - which is my Canada address - if I'm applying as an "outland spouse"? On the CIC website it says that I can come and go as I please, since I'm from a "visa exempt" country.. but can I keep the address as my Canadian one?
yes no problem, you can file outland even if you have a canadian address. The only problem is that if you are asked for an interview you will have to fly back to the UK but that's unlikely
- After the "eligibility review" can I then take that letter and apply for OHIP? We've already spent a small fortune on medical costs, and I'm still a little under halfway through my pregnancy. While we are prepared for the cost of the baby's birth, it would be much better if we didn't have to pay $10,000. I'm hoping the eligibility thing will come in quickly.. :s
no - you won't have access to medical care after the first stage, that's only for inland process - and the first part of inland is 11 months, so not an option for you. So - you will really have to plan for something for your delivery - you won't be covered by medical insurance in Canada
- Also, I noticed in the guide, it states:
Quote
If you are married
You can sponsor the person as your spouse if your marriage is a legally valid civil marriage. If your spouse is of the:
- opposite sex and your marriage took place outside Canada, the marriage must be valid both under the laws of the jurisdiction where it took place and under Canadian law;
- same sex, the marriage will be recognized for immigration purposes, where the marriage:
was legally performed in Canada, or
if performed outside of Canada, the marriage must be legally recognized according to both the law of the place where the marriage occurred and under Canadian law.
So does this mean that since our marriage took place INSIDE Canada, that I am not able to apply as an outland person? Which seems strange, as this is not the case for same-sex marriages..?!
you can apply outland even if you are in the country, no problem. It's even encouraged on CIC website if you are in Canada and from a visa-exempt
- And finally..
Will the London office need my passport? I realise that I may have to go home for an interview, but if they have my passport, will they keep it for a long time? Can it just be mailed to them or do I actually have to physically present my passport to them?
no - you don't need to send your passport or attend. Since December 2011, visa-exempt nationals don't have to send their passport anymore, you might have to send a copy of your passport, and you will get the COPR (confirmation of PR) sent to the address you indicate on your application - so in Canada for you. Then you will have to officially "land" - exit the country at the nearest US border, and re-enter to complete landing formalities. Apparently sometimes it can be done at an international airport, but information on that is confusing, so call ahead to check. Other option is to take an appointment at a CIC office and complete the procedures there (but only possible if you can get a date before your COPR expires).
Good luck on your application, and congratulations on your pregnancy!
Sweden
I really appreciate any help or advice any of you can provide.
Good luck with all of your applications! It's been awesome seeing how fast the turnaround time has been for some of you with the London VO!
