COMPLICATED

[MissLorax]

Hi,
I'm just wondering.. Originally, I am from Slovakia, but I live with my Canadian boyfriend (born in Slovakia as well) in Australia (I have a student visa and he's getting sponsored by the company he works for). Most likely we will stay here for two years but we'd like to apply for common-law so we could go to Canada together. The question is... where should we send the application? Do we have to apply from Slovakia or from Australia?
If you know the answer, I'd be really glad!
Thanks!!

[CharlieD10]

Having been (legally) admitted to Australia initially for more than a year, then you may opt for your application to be processed in Australia, yes.  You may also go through Slovakia, but if an interview is required you will have to travel there for it.

[missmini]

right now, u could go through both: either the country of birth or of residence; later on, make sure u'll still be able to reside in Australia during the application (in case of an interview); as CharlieD said same for Slovakia, make sure u could attend the interview there also...

since it looks that u'll have more options i guess the processing times could play a role in ur decision; but both Sydney and Vienna look pretty close; u might also like to check the regional specific guidelines for each visa office and some threads specific to each visa office: learn their way to process (do they prefer more proof, less proof, etc)

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm/fc-spouses.asp

[rjessome]

Hi,
I'm just wondering.. Originally, I am from Slovakia, but I live with my Canadian boyfriend (born in Slovakia as well) in Australia (I have a student visa and he's getting sponsored by the company he works for). Most likely we will stay here for two years but we'd like to apply for common-law so we could go to Canada together. The question is... where should we send the application? Do we have to apply from Slovakia or from Australia?
If you know the answer, I'd be really glad!
Thanks!!

If you are planning to stay in Australia for 2 years, do not apply for PR to Canada yet.  One of the things you have to prove is intent to settle in Canada once the application is approved.  You cannot do that at the moment.  Start considering an application for Canada about one year before you are ready to move to Canada.

[MissLorax]

Thank you, guys!
It helped a lot. We are not going to apply for PR now. We would like to wait one year or so. We want to prepare the application very thoroughly and maybe hire an immigration lawyer to help us with the application. Do you have any idea where to find such a lawyer? Do you have any experience with immigration lawyers here in Australia (Sydney)? I am starting to feel positive about applying from Sydney!

Thanks again!!

[MissLorax]

aaand..... do you think it would be better to say that after we arrive to canada we would like to settle down and start a family (have kids) or find a job or go to school? because i would like to have kids but i'm also considering other options.
thanks.

[missmini]

aaand..... do you think it would be better to say that after we arrive to canada we would like to settle down and start a family (have kids) or find a job or go to school? because i would like to have kids but i'm also considering other options.
thanks.

just be honest!! put all if u want, it's normal plans for a family

as for lawyer i have no idea and i don't have experience with Sydney embassy either...but if ur case is not complicated (no child custody, no past sponsorship, no divorces, no criminal record) then i would prepare the application myself and just have it revised by a lawyer/consultant if possible....i read so many bad stories abt lawyers here that i would go for one only in extreme situation....read the guides and also this forum will help u a lot but u need a lot of free time too

good luck preparing!