Marrying Canadian GF in Canada on a Tourist Visa

[sevenseconds]

Hi There,

I have following this forum for quite some time and it has been very helpoful. I have couple of questions regarding marrying my Canadian GF could you please help.

My GF is a Canadian and I am an asian. I hold a multiple entry Tourist visa to canada for the next 1 year. I plan to get married in Canada shortly.

With that said...here are my questions

1. What are the documents I need to carry along with me before I enter Canada ( Docs like unmarried certs or no objection ...etc)

2. When I enter Canada, if the IO at the port of entry asks me if I plan to get married in Canada. What should I say YES or NO ??

3. If the IO at the port of entry asks me if I know anyone in Canada ... What should I say YES or NO.

4. What are the docs my Canadian GF has to get for the marriage in canada and where to get them.

5. My parents will not be present for the marriage....is that OK ?

6. Once our marriage is complete what are the docs that we need to apply for spousal sponsor for me.

7. Please advise if we need to take more pics of our marriage or something to prove that we are genuinely married.

8. I am presently staying in the UK... Would any of you recommend me getting married in UK or will Canada be the best.

I am thankful to you for your time and great help

Allen

[RobsLuv]

The most important thing for us to consider in advising you is whether you are from a visa-exempt or non-visa-exempt country.  If you are from a non-visa-exempt country, you'll need a TRV to board transport to Canada, and it will be impossible to get one if you mention a fiance in Canada or plans to marry because, more than anything, you need to prove your intent to return to your country of residency when your authorization to visit Canada ends.  You won't be able to do that if you're getting married here.

So, there are not simple answers to your questions.  Basically - NEVER admit that you're coming to Canada to marry, even if you're visa-exempt.  Any time you attempt to enter Canada you need to be able to demonstrate that you intend to leave at the end of your authorized stay - so you should be able to show ties to your country of residency and return itinerary, at the very least.  Understand that marrying does not mean you're authorized to stay - you must be sponsored after your marriage for permanent residence.  How you go about that depends on many factors.  There is an application that the two of you need to file - fees to pay, a medical exam you have to undergo, criminal clearances you have to obtain and submit, etc.  Your marriage will be scrutinized to be sure that it is a genuine marriage and not one entered into just to facilitate your entry to Canada - so you will need to submit evidence of your developing relationship, proof that you correspond regularily when apart, pictures of you on visits to one another, (yes, definitely) pictures of your wedding, etc.  It's always important that parents support your marriage and attend your wedding - this is not always possible, but if that's the case, you need to have a good explanation. 

As far as getting married in Canada v the UK - just depends on your situation . . . how easily you can get into Canada, etc.  Marrying in Canada is not an advantage as far as "proving" your marriage to be legal or genuine.  Don't know what docs your gf would need to get for a marriage in Canada - I'm sure either of you could do a google search on marrying in (Province) and find a website that will give you the info you need.     

[med]

excellent robsluv i do agree with you