divorcing & remarrying my boyfriend who is Scottish-getting him over here quick!

[Lasha]

Hoping someone can shed some light for me on this:


I previously lived in the UK , now live in Canada and am married to a UK citizen, however we are going through a divorce.  We've been separated for over a year, and I have a boyfriend from the UK who I have been dating since my separation.  We are planning on getting married pretty much as soon as the ink dries on my divorce papers (can't wait)!!

Since I'm living in Canada, and he's in the UK, we have been trying to decide the best place to live.  My only fear is the amount of time it will take to process our spousal application from the UK.  We have already lived apart for 6 months, and will endure most likely an additional 6-8 months until my divorce is final, and then have to endure additional time until for the application to go through.   

My boyfriend has a daughter who he does not see or support (the mother of his daughter does not communicate with him, they were never in a relationship per se.

I have a few questions I am hoping you might be able to help me with.

1)  Can I sponsor him as a conjugal partner even though we lived together back in the UK, but his name was not on any bills or lease?  Or is it just easier for us to get married and do a spousal application? (We both very much want to get married, however would prefer a proper wedding rather than a justice of the peace type)

2)   Approximately what is the length of time it would take to start an application from beginning to end.

3)    Can he come and visit me while the application is being processed?

4)   Is it best for him to make the application from the UK

5)  What form would he use and where would he send it to

6)   Would it be him filling out the application or me, or both of us.

I know it's a loaded question, sorry about that, but I'm mind boggled too.

I will be so grateful for any advice you can offer.
Sincerely

[Karlshammar]

1. Since there is no immigration barrier a conjugal partner application would be a hard sell. Your call.
2. www.cic.gc.ca
3. Provided that the border officers admit him, yes.
4. Outland applicatins are usually faster than inland, if that is what you are asking.
5. www.cic.gc.ca
6. Both of you fill out separate parts of it; www.cic.gc.ca

When I posted www.cic.gc.ca the answer to your question is very easily accessible on that site. I assume you weren't aware of its existence, however, it's the official site with all the information.

You did not state this, but I assume you know you have to be a PR or Canadian citizen to sponsor him.

[Leon]

There also might be a problem with his daughter.  He has to list his daughter on his application.  Since he is not in contact with her, I assume she will not be having a medical.  This will bar him from ever sponsoring her in the future.  He will have to include some data stating that he realizes that etc.

[Lasha]

Thank you for your response.  I should have mentioned that yes, I am a Canadian citizen.

My boyfriend's daughter will have to be mentioned on the application, but sadly, she will stay in the UK with her mother.  The application is strictly for my boyfriend to come over.  Surely there would not be any need for her to have a medical???  Since he has absolute no contact with her, does he need to mention her on the application?

I think that our best bet is to get married and then apply from the UK (outland) under the spousal category.  Do you happen to know how long these applications are taking these days?

He's been to Canada twice already, once with me and my son when the 3 of us came to Canada on vacation, and the second time in August to visit us for 22 days after my son and I moved back to Toronto.  Would there be hassles for him to come and visit while waiting on application to be processed?

Thanks again...
my heart is aching as is everyone elses who is separated from their loved ones due to borders!!  It's crazy.

[Karlshammar]

I think that our best bet is to get married and then apply from the UK (outland) under the spousal category.  Do you happen to know how long these applications are taking these days?

Sounds like a good plan!

The processing times are available on www.cic.gc.ca