Hello. I am new to this forum and a bit overwhelmed by the information so I am probably just repeating a very common issue.
Basically here is my situation. I currently live in Detroit and have met a woman from Ontario whom I would eventually want to marry once I finish school or perhaps earlier than that.
What are the steps I would need to take at this point? Should I apply for any applications now? How long would it take for the entire process to finalize?
If I married her in Canada, would I be able to live with her immediately or would I still need to continue waiting? I am a bit confused by all of this.
Your girlfriend will have to sponsor you in order for you to be able to live in Canada. Marrying her alone will not give you the right to live in Canada.
In order for your girlfriend to be able to sponsor you as a spouse or common law partner, you either have to be married or you must have lived together for a minimum of one year.
The sponsorship process is outlined here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/s...spouse.asp
Application processing times are here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information.../index.asp
I hope this helps as a starting point and good luck. Also, make sure you read up on the differences between inland and outland sponsorships. When you submit the sponsorship application, you will have to decide if you want to go the in or outland route (there are different pros and cons to each). Most people will tell you that outland is the best option since the processing times for this route are the fastest (and because it allows appeals).
Thank you for the reply. I am sure I will have additional questions in the future but for now you have been a big help. It is just somewhat frustrating having to deal with the wait time and all the necessary paperwork.
Dtastoria -
Yes, the wait can be frustrating and the paperwork is overwhelming when you first start. I would also recommend that you start looking at the paperwork now. There is a great deal to collect, fill out and complete. More specifically, I would try to start collecting the supporting evidence now. (I'm going through the process now with my American husband.)
The one thing to keep in mind is that Canadians sponsoring Americans typically have it much easier than Canadians sponsoring spouses from other parts of the world (especially developing countries). The Buffalo processing times are fairly short and an American can visit a Canadian (and vice versa) without a visa very easily. I am a member of another board which discusses Canadian immigration. When I read about the challenges faced by some non-American spouses who are trying to immigrate to Canada (longer processing times, not allowed to visit), it makes me realize how lucky I am. Some of these spouses only see each other once or twice a year and for only very brief visits. I honestly don't know how they do it...
One last comment... I know I said this before, but make sure you thoroughly research inland vs. outland applications. There are many discussions on this board that cover this subject.
You can also look around on this and other message boards for information on how you can 'visit' your fiancee for six months or longer (as long as you extend your visitor's status in Canada if you are there longer than 6 months). So you can basically 'live' there, but just be sure to make it out like you are just visiting when you cross the border. Although you can't work, at least you can be together while you wait. This is the reason that most Americans do 'outland' applications, since they are faster and you can still be with your honey!
(04-12-2010 05:59 PM)dubv2tdot Wrote: [ -> ]You can also look around on this and other message boards for information on how you can 'visit' your fiancee for six months or longer (as long as you extend your visitor's status in Canada if you are there longer than 6 months). So you can basically 'live' there, but just be sure to make it out like you are just visiting when you cross the border. Although you can't work, at least you can be together while you wait. This is the reason that most Americans do 'outland' applications, since they are faster and you can still be with your honey!
One thing though... I am an American whose application is now in Buffalo, but still doesn't show any status yet online, because they haven't started "processing" it yet. I am dismayed by the thought that it has been almost four months now since I actually began this process and it could be at least another four. I cannot work while I am here on my temporary visitors record visa. This is an extreme hardship financially, wiping out savings, running up credit card bills, etc. I wish they would take a more sensible approach and allow you to work while awaiting approval.
They do, if you file inland
As an outland applicant you could have stayed in your home country & worked until your visa was issued and you came to land
(06-11-2010 07:33 PM)iamlabfromchi Wrote: [ -> ] (04-12-2010 05:59 PM)dubv2tdot Wrote: [ -> ]You can also look around on this and other message boards for information on how you can 'visit' your fiancee for six months or longer (as long as you extend your visitor's status in Canada if you are there longer than 6 months). So you can basically 'live' there, but just be sure to make it out like you are just visiting when you cross the border. Although you can't work, at least you can be together while you wait. This is the reason that most Americans do 'outland' applications, since they are faster and you can still be with your honey!
One thing though... I am an American whose application is now in Buffalo, but still doesn't show any status yet online, because they haven't started "processing" it yet. I am dismayed by the thought that it has been almost four months now since I actually began this process and it could be at least another four. I cannot work while I am here on my temporary visitors record visa. This is an extreme hardship financially, wiping out savings, running up credit card bills, etc. I wish they would take a more sensible approach and allow you to work while awaiting approval.
Right.. that part is very frustrating but it is something that you should know going in. I am 'visiting' now until my application is approved and we are prepared financially for me not to work for up to a year. Hopefully it won't be that long, but if you are thinking of being a visitor during the PR process, you should know that while some people are approved through Buffalo within 3-4 months, some people wait much longer. There is really no way of knowing, unfortunately.