US girlfriend wants to move to Canada, any Advice?

[crazyeye]

I am a Canadian Citizen. My girlfriend and I have been trying to find information on her becoming a resident ( she is from US). We plan on getting married but not sure when.  She has 2 children from a previous mairriage and would be bringing them with her. What do we need to do? Where do we start?

 Would it be easier to Marry and then start the paper work? How would we get the kids in school they would be starting grade K. Do we need to get a Immigration Lawyer? She would need to travel back to the states every so often so that the kids can have visitation with their dad. How would that work?

Could she go to school and or work while paper work is being prosesed? What about Healthcare?

Any answers are apprieciated

[wilson]

  Hi,
To begin with the Immigration process of your fiancée and kids you have to get married and obtain the marriage certificate. Unless you prove the relation with your spouse, you cannot submit application for sponsorship approval.

[crazyeye]

Would it matter if we got married in Canada or in the US?

[QCSunshine]

Unless they have been living together for 12 months and could apply as common-law? If not, you would need to apply as spousal (and be married).

If you haven't yet, try reading Leon's thread at the top; it is really good and explains the options (inland, outland, etc).

If you applied outland and she wants to "visit" you in Canada, you have to demonstrate she is visiting (return tickets, etc.) or have proof of an application in process, financial support, etc, and hope they let her (and the kids) in at the border. And crossing the border to go back to the US means there is the chance she might not get back in to Canada (if they don't believe she will leave.) Some people cross the border with no problems, others do have trouble; it's hard to predict.

She would not be able to work or go to school while in Canada as a visitor. I have no idea how it would work for the kids and school, etc. And as far as healthcare, that depends on the province. In Quebec, she would not be eligible. We bought visitor coverage from Blue Cross Quebec to cover me for the waiting time.

Good luck as you start the process!

[crazyeye]

Could she move up here then start the process?

[awor]

You HAVE to get permission from either the father or the court for her to immigrate with the children.

You need to get married, then apply, then after you've applied you can ask permission at the border for your wife and her children to visit while the application is in process.

[Leon]

Could she move up here then start the process?

She is officially not allowed to move on visitor status but she can visit.  She should not bring more luggage than for a normal visit.  Showing up at the border with all her stuff in a u-haul is really asking for trouble and will most likely result in being turned away, possibly even banned for some time.

In most cases she would not get health insurance.  I know Alberta has in some cases given it to spouses being sponsored.  As for the kids entering school, you would have to talk to the principal in the school they are going to and ask.  It is possible that you have to apply for study permits for them.  The mother can not study unless she gets a study permit or work unless she gets a work permit.  She also needs to have full custody of the kids to be able to take them to Canada and apply for their immigration.