I really need some advice, very worried.

[cait321]

I am a Canadian citizen and have lived here all of my life. Last year I visited the UK for the summer and met my boyfriend; we have been in a long distance relationship since I have arrived home. He recently came to visit and I am now pregnant.

He has proposed to me and we are determined to make this work. However, I do not know what visa he should apply for or where to start in general. He will need to work when he's here because of the baby.

Do we go to city hall first and then apply for a sponsorship or could I sponsor him because he is the father of my child? I feel trapped, I can't do this alone.

Any advice would be helpful. Thank you so much.

[scylla]

You can only sponsor him if you are either married or common law (common law = have lived together for a minimum of one full year). It sounds like marriage will be the more realistic option of the two for you.

There are two ways you can apply: inland and outland. Since he's from the UK, it would make more sense to apply outland (much faster processing). More information about these two options is available here:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/spousal-sponsorship-t46995.0.html

He won't be allowed to work just because you are married. If you apply inland, he will be able to work after about 9-10 months. If you apply outland, he will be able to work once his application is approved (could be as little as three months - could be longer). If he wants to work sooner, he will have to find an employer who is willing to offer him a job and apply for a Labour Market Opinion (required to show that the employer could not find a Canadian to fill the role and therefore had to hire your boyfriend). If the LMO is approved by the government, your boyfriend will then have to apply for a work permit.

[cait321]

But is it legal for me to just go to City Hall and get married? Without him having a visa/residency ? I don't want to do anything illegally I want everything to run smoothly.

Thank you so much for your help.

[scylla]

Yes - you can get married.

[cait321]

Should he come for temporary residence and then we get married and apply for sponsorship?

[scylla]

Assuming you plan to get married in Canada (rather than the UK), it would be easiest for him to come as a tourist. UK passport holders are allowed to visit Canada for up to six months without a visa.

[cait321]

Thank you for your help!!