Unmarried Partner of International Student in Canada

[tiggerstripes]

My boyfriend (a Polish citizen) has been accepted onto a masters program at a Canadian university due to start in September this year.  I am a British citizen and would like to live with him in Canada while he studies (the course is 2 years long) and also get a job while I'm there.  I have looked on the Canadian embassy website, but I cannot figure out whether I will need a temporary resident visa or just a work permit.  And how long does the visa and the permit last?  If I need a temporary resident visa, do I need to apply for this now?

Thanks!

Tiggs

[PMM]

Hi

My boyfriend (a Polish citizen) has been accepted onto a masters program at a Canadian university due to start in September this year.  I am a British citizen and would like to live with him in Canada while he studies (the course is 2 years long) and also get a job while I'm there.  I have looked on the Canadian embassy website, but I cannot figure out whether I will need a temporary resident visa or just a work permit.  And how long does the visa and the permit last?  If I need a temporary resident visa, do I need to apply for this now?

Thanks!

Tiggs

1.  One big hurdle you would have to prove that you are a common/law couple that you have lived together for at least one year and can prove it.
2.  If you are a common/law couple you can apply for a spousal open work permit on entry to Canada or at the same time he applies for TRV/study permit.  As you are UK citizen, you dont require a visitor visa. (TRV)

PMM

[kyu010170]

...  And how long does the visa and the permit last? 
Thanks!

Tiggs

Hi Tiggs, I am a student and this advice is per my experience.  Your partner's visa will be valid for 3 months longer than the duration of his study.  Say, if he finishes in April 2010, visa will be until July 2010. 

Your work permit, granting you can prove common law relationship per PMM's post, will be co-terminus with his study permit.