Hi everyone!
I'm in the process of starting to put together our application to sponsor my common-law spouse (boyfriend), who is a UK citizen. From what I've read, I think that Outland is the best option for us, and reading all about your experiences here on the board have really cleared up a few things for me and given me some hope.
I was hoping for some advice, though:
My boyfriend is currently lives with me in Canada on a Work Visa that expires on June 14th 2015. He hasn't been working since July 28th 2013. It's long story about how the job he came here to do was not at all what he expected and we've had trouble finding someone who will submit an LMO, which is why we're finally going to go the spousal sponsorship route.
He is currently back in the UK for a visit to sort out some of his affairs, so I'm getting our application sorted out and might even send it in while he's still there.
So, once we file the application, should he change his visa to a Visitor Visa before he returns since he's not actually working? I do want him to be able to come back and live with me while the application is being processed, but I'm worried they won't grant him entry back in on the work permit. Also, would you recommend him having a return ticket for a few months later upon his return? Just so CBSA doesn't think he's a risk? Officially, we refer to him as "retired" on the application, since he's financially stable and doesn't really need to work (he been my happy homemaker these past months ;D). But if he doesn't have a job to go back to in the UK, will that be suspicious? Or am I just overanalysing things?
I know that we can apply online for the visitor visa, but I'm just thinking about what will happen at customs when he tries to come back to Canada in a month or so...
Thanks for any help and advice!!
MissLissa