Bringing a loved one to Canada

[medena]

Hi i have a boyfriend that is currently in Croatia i am wondering what is the best route of going around to bring him here
the fastest we want to get married but i do not know if it is better to get married or engaged whats the way that will give the least amount of trouble. Thanks

[msgomez]

If you're already planning on getting married, then do that before sponsoring him. It's much less hassle. Read through this sponsorship guide:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/3900ETOC.asp

...and gather all the necessary information on your end and have him start on his end. When you do decide to get married, bring all the applications with you to Croatia so that you can fill them out while you're there. Saves you alot of time!

FYI, it's much quicker to sponsor your husband from abroad than within Canada.

Good luck!

[medena]

How much is it to sponsor someone into canada all the papers and about how long do you think it takes for the process.

[msgomez]

Well first off just the fees to CIC to sponsor; the sponsor fee, the permanent residence fee and the prinicipal applicant fee come out to $1,040.00. That's not including the cost of, of course, travel expenses & all the extra costs of legalizing & translating all your husband's documents. You're looking at spending a few thousand dollars in the least.


Not only is this a lengthy process but it's costly and hard on the heart - you need to be patient and throrough when completing all the necessary paperwork.

I hope all works out for you! Best of luck!

[RobsLuv]

A Croatian national's application will be processed through Vienna.  They are currently finalizing spousal applications in 2-6 months.  Add to that 4-6 weeks for your part of the application (as sponsor) to be assessed at the Case Processing Centre in Mississsauga. 

That said, your bf is not eligible to be sponsored by you unless you get married, or you have lived together in a common-law relationship for at least one year (and you can prove it).  If you marry and sponsor him you will have to demonstrate that the marriage was not entered into just to facilitate his entry to Canada.