When should I apply to sponsor my US spouse? Just got married.

[springbok]

Greetings,

I reside in Canada (citizen). My spouse resides in US (citizen). We got married very recently.
Our wedding was officiated by a pastor and there were witnesses. The ceremony was small.

We have no dating history, but have known each other for about 7 months prior to getting married. We were counselled extensively for 6-7 months by our pastor, about marriage and family, from the bible standpoint.

We did speak via electronic means with each other. On the day we met in person, was the day we married. Our pastor played a huge role in teaching us. (I guess; in loose terms, my pastor played a role in bringing us together )

My question is: do I submit the paperwork now for spousal immigration (OUTLAND), or should I build a history of our relationship and submit paperwork in about 6 months? We plan on visiting each other frequently in respective countries over the next while.

Additionally, we are having a wedding reception in October, where family will attend.

Thoughts and comments appreciated.

 

[MaryL]

From what I have seen. You can do it two ways. Outland. Or inland and apply for an Open work Permit.
Go on the forum here and look for the American thread. There's usually a couple somewhere on this first page.

 

[canadianwoman]

Getting married the first day you meet in person is a huge red flag for CIC. Accepted in cultures where arranged marriages are the norm, but in the USA and Canada this is not the norm. If in your religion this is normal, then certainly explain so in the application.
Usually it is better to apply soon after marriage (unless the couple is living together), since CIC expects the couple will want to be together as soon as possible. However, since you have no history together in person, waiting six months or so seems like a good idea to me. Visit each other a lot, keep all proof of your visits, and try to start setting up a home together, so you will have the kinds of proof that CIC wants, such as a shared lease or joint home ownership, joint bank accounts, joint credit cards, utility bills in both names, insurance policies with each other as beneficiaries, wills, etc.

 

[browning911]

Congrats on your wedding.

IMHO, take a look at the new requirements of the update spousal sponsorship application (apply Outland as this is faster for American citizens) and as long as you can provide the necessary for the application to be accepted, submit it.

After you submit the application continue to build on the evidence to prove that the relationship is genuinef. You can submit additional proof as you get it via CSE on IRCC website.

Proof of Relationship
joint bank account (even though applying outland)
proof of communication via e-mail and telephone messages
joint insurance (even though applying outland)
letters from family and friends that show support and knowledge the relationship
letter from pastor/counsellor
proof of trips to visit each other
2nd Wedding reception photographs (October 2016)

Best of luck.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Greetings,

I reside in Canada (citizen). My spouse resides in US (citizen). We got married very recently.
Our wedding was officiated by a pastor and there were witnesses. The ceremony was small.

We have no dating history, but have known each other for about 7 months prior to getting married. We were counselled extensively for 6-7 months by our pastor, about marriage and family, from the bible standpoint.

We did speak via electronic means with each other. On the day we met in person, was the day we married. Our pastor played a huge role in teaching us. (I guess; in loose terms, my pastor played a role in bringing us together )

My question is: do I submit the paperwork now for spousal immigration (OUTLAND), or should I build a history of our relationship and submit paperwork in about 6 months? We plan on visiting each other frequently in respective countries over the next while.

Additionally, we are having a wedding reception in October, where family will attend.

Thoughts and comments appreciated.

You definitely need to hold off on applying.

You really should try to spend an extended amount of time together instead of just visiting. Living together for at least several months will go a long way to overcoming your red flags.

 

[springbok]

You definitely need to hold off on applying.

You really should try to spend an extended amount of time together instead of just visiting. Living together for at least several months will go a long way to overcoming your red flags.

If she came to stay with me for a while as a visitor to Canada from the US; would this suffice?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

If she came to stay with me for a while as a visitor to Canada from the US; would this suffice?

It would definitely be a benefit.