US Student --> PR

[leenicka06]

Hello,

My situation is: I am a U.S. Citizen in Canada on a study permit. After school, I plan to apply for a post graduation work permit. Am I able to apply for PR in the time of being here? My biggest issue is dual intent. When I came up here, I was in a relationship with my girlfriend who is supporting me financially during my studies...if I include on the application that we got together BEFORE I came here to study...is there any way they can/will hold that against me? I'm not sure how to interpret dual intent, but generally...I came here temporarily and proved I will go back...but I do not want to. Is there anything legally against what I am doing???

Thank you for your help

-Lisa

[Leon]

I don't think you are doing anything illegal.  Many people have dual intent.  CIC should know.  At the same time they are giving out temporary permits and asking people to prove that they will return, they are inviting the same people to apply for PR.  So you came to study thinking you would go back at the end of your studies but you also came to pursue a relationship which of course you had no idea at the time if it would work out or not.

If you and girlfriend have been living together for 12 months or more, you qualify as common law and she can apply to sponsor you or when you have your post grad work permit you can apply for PR with your employer through a provincial nominee program.