Sponsoring my husband to Canada from Ireland...

[kaede1977]

Hello, I was born in Canada, moved to Ireland in sept 2010 met my husband who is from Hungary and got married here in Dublin in Feb 2011...we would like to move back to Canada next year. Can I sponsor him, even though im not currently living in Canada? is it quicker to apply inside or outside of Canada? we have all the supporting documents and photos, emails, text messages etc to prove our relationship. Where will he need to go for his medical and police clearance if we are both living outside Canada? Thanks in advance for all your advice and help

[CharlieD10]

As a citizen you may sponsor your spouse while living abroad.  However, you will be required to show proof of your intention to re-settle in Canada when he is approved for PR.

It would definitely NOT be quicker to apply in Canada if he legally resident in the UK.  London's average time is 8 months for 80% of cases, but many cases seen on this forum are completed in 4-6 months.  Inland is a minimum of 10-11 months for stage one approval in principle, and then another 9-18 months for stage 2 approval, depending on where you would be living in Canada.

Medicals and police certificates for all countries he has resided in for 6 months or more since age 18 should be submitted with the application, yes.  Look up the closest Designated Medical Practitioner to you, any of them is acceptable.

[kaede1977]

Thanks so much for your immediate response...will keep you posted!

[mel_n]

On the CIC website you'll find the procedure for requesting Police Clearance from each country you need, even if outside the country you're requesting for.

[kaede1977]

Ok, great to know thanks! When I mail in my application-do I send in the application to sponsor first? and then wait for a response to send the rest of the documents including generic application form for Canada, spouse questionnaire, travel documents and passports, police certificates and medical exam, photos etc? or do I send it all together in one package...please let me know thanks

[mel_n]

All together as one big package. The more complete the package/application, the faster the process should go.

[kaede1977]

ok great! hopefully it wont take too long...will miss Ireland but Canada is great for our future and nice to have family around again;)

[mel_n]

I know what you mean. My husband and I are leaving a life we've set up for ourselves (friends, semi-decent jobs, furniture) in The Netherlands for a chance at Canada (better working possibilities = language, diff. legal status).

We hope it works out.

BTW: though you will be sending it as one big package, separate both applications within the package.

[kaede1977]

Exactly!! although we just moved to a new flat and bought some furniture but alot of our friends have left already or will be in the next year or so because the economy and job situation is pretty bad here in Ireland. We both completed certificate courses here (my husband in personal fitness and myself in culinary) but the job situation seems pretty bleak with an unstable future so looking to move back...which city are you guys looking to move back to? Were thinking either Calgary where I was born, Vancouver where my family lives and I grew up or Toronto where my husband used to live...

[mel_n]

Well our case is a bit weird. I was born in London, Ontario but only lived there for 6 months. From then on I lived in Maracaibo, Venezuela (where my husband is from as well).

We moved to The Netherlands 3 1/2 years a go to do a Master course and have been here ever since working at jobs we could land, but after a while I lost my job (company went bankrupt) and my husband is doing something completely different than his career. We're under Skilled migrant visa here, but that means that the moment my husband's contract ends, our visa ends (and he works for a a University with an ever-shrinking budget, with layoffs common). We've applied to other jobs, but not much luck. And for either of us to get a new job the company has to be registered to hire skilled migrants and it has to give us a minimum salary (which is rather high for what the market is offering). All in all, doesn't look promising.

We'll surely go to Toronto. My brother-in-law is (out of pure coincidence) is studying in London, Ontario, so it seems like a good place to start.

[kaede1977]

Yeah, unfortunately...sounds like a familiar story all around Europe :(I think Toronto is a good choice too, much more opportunity there!! I wish you both the best of luck, keep me posted and let me know how it all goes