PF said:
A quick question:
I can forward copy of passport and photos to london not Ottawa - I'm leaning towards London (not sure why)
Any thoughts?
I think that requests says something like if you're in Canada then send to one spot, if not send to London... I might be wrong. IF you're in Canada, send to Canada. If you're abroad, send to London. Just my opinion.
misslissa said:
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
A few questions.
1) Had you been living together for 1 year before your boyfriend went back to the UK?
2) How long as your boyfriend been back in the UK?
3) When is he coming back to Canada?
To answer some of your questions:
1) If he left Canada, he can enter at the border as a visitor. He must have a return ticket, this is more to be allowed on the flight rather than customs letting him in, but in either case, yes, he should have a return ticket.
2) If you are able to apply for spousal sponsorship BEFORE he returns to Canada, that would be better. Then when yuor boyfriend gets to the border he can show proof that the application has been submitted (receipt to show fees paid, tracking information to show the package was delivered, copy of sponsor approval letter if you have approval before he comes back to Canada). He can tell the CBSA agent he'd like to enter under dual intent (read this: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spousal_Sponsorship-Canada#Can_I_wait_in_Canada_while_my_application_is_being_processed:_Dual_Intent) If he is returning before you apply, then he should have a return ticket and proof of funds for the length of the stay, a letter from you saying he's staying with you, he should say he's visiting his girlfriend not a lie) and show that he will return to the UK once his visitor visa expires. He shouldn't OFFER the information that he is planning to stay permanently, but if he's asked, he should NOT lie. If he is asked, he should say that you are plannig to apply for sponsorship, you are putting thea pplication together and should be filing in [however long], but he understands he can't work and that he has to remain in legal status in Canada, which means applying for a visa extension if rqeuired, or else returning to the UK to wait out the rest of the process.
Hope that helps.
Macanadian said:
Can you add me to the spreadsheet?
Application Received in Mississauga: September 26, 2014
Common Law/Married: Common-Law
Sponsor Approval: November 17, 2014
Processing Office: London but being processed in Mississauga
Thank you
Updated. I need your location please (column N). Thanks!
stephaniemonica said:
Hello All,
I have received a letter to state that my application is in the final stages of processing and that my PR visa can be issued. I have been asked to submit a few documents, including two recent photographs, an updated information chart, a photocopy of the photo and personal information pages of my passport within 30 days. I am wondering if anyone knows how long it will take for the London office to issue my PR visa.
Spreadsheet linked in my signature is the easiest way to tell this information. That's why the spreadsheet is there. It would be great as well if I could add you to the spreadsheet. Please post:
-Date application received in Mississauga
-Whether you applied as Married or Common-Law
-Date of sponsor approval
-Which office is processing Phase 2 of your application (will say on your sponsor approval letter/email)
-Date(s) of any other requests you've had
-Whether or not the principal applicant is non-visa exempt
-Current location of the principal applicant- closest major city is fine if you don't want to be too specific!
Gatawa04 said:
Hi all
Just a quick update. I went for my spousal interview in London last Wednesday 12th October. It wasn't as scary as people had made it out to be. The interview was over in an hour and a half. The focus was on the genuiness of the relationship. At the end of the interview the case officer told me that he was happy with the relationship and that it was a “provisional yes” pending security and background checks. The downside is that I have to do a police check for the 3years I lived abroad after my 18th birthday. This is going to add more time and he thinks I will have my COPR around January. I a in the process now of getting the check done and hopefully things will be sorted soon.
Awesome, glad it went well and you can breathe a bit easier. I've updated the notes column for your line to reflect this. GOod luck and hopefully not much longer now!