Lost and don't know where to start -- questions about the first steps of permanent residency.

[narnao]

Hello, I am 22 Years old and have been dating my girlfriend (21) since 2021, with us both being friends since 2018. I am from the US and she is Canadian. We have talked about finally living together for so long but honestly we dont know where to start. I've done some very slight research but its left me with more questions than answers.

We know that our process would be to get married and then apply for a permanent residency for me but the logistics behind it confuse me.

Firstly, she is from Alberta, and I know that in Alberta there isn't a required minimum income amount set but its still something I am deeply concerned about. We collectively only have about 2 thousand dollars saved. Which I am sure is not enough. What would be the recommended amount to have?

Additionally, our situation is unique, as she is Indigenous and lives on a reservation and also receives government funding. How would this affect us, if at all?

What are some other things I should know about?

Thank you.

 

[steaky]

Hello, I am 22 Years old and have been dating my girlfriend (21) since 2021, with us both being friends since 2018. I am from the US and she is Canadian. We have talked about finally living together for so long but honestly we dont know where to start. I've done some very slight research but its left me with more questions than answers.

We know that our process would be to get married and then apply for a permanent residency for me but the logistics behind it confuse me.

Firstly, she is from Alberta, and I know that in Alberta there isn't a required minimum income amount set but its still something I am deeply concerned about. We collectively only have about 2 thousand dollars saved. Which I am sure is not enough. What would be the recommended amount to have?

Additionally, our situation is unique, as she is Indigenous and lives on a reservation and also receives government funding. How would this affect us, if at all?

What are some other things I should know about?

Thank you.

Do you have evidence that you are living together as common-law partners? If so, she can be your sponsor for common-law spousal sponsorship already (no need to get married). You are right about there's no minimum income amount for that kind of family sponsorship. As long as the government funding is not considered welfare, it would be a non issue.

 

[MustLoveCats]

If you're not already living together the best option is to get married and apply for spousal sponsorship. When the application is approved, you the sponsored spouse, will be given PR immediately, however it will be up to you to make sure you are still upholding the residency requirements.

 

[Copingwithlife]

Hello, I am 22 Years old and have been dating my girlfriend (21) since 2021, with us both being friends since 2018. I am from the US and she is Canadian. We have talked about finally living together for so long but honestly we dont know where to start. I've done some very slight research but its left me with more questions than answers.

We know that our process would be to get married and then apply for a permanent residency for me but the logistics behind it confuse me.

Firstly, she is from Alberta, and I know that in Alberta there isn't a required minimum income amount set but its still something I am deeply concerned about. We collectively only have about 2 thousand dollars saved. Which I am sure is not enough. What would be the recommended amount to have?

Additionally, our situation is unique, as she is Indigenous and lives on a reservation and also receives government funding. How would this affect us, if at all?

What are some other things I should know about?

Thank you.

And the band council has to give it’s permission for you to live on the reservation

You need to ask her exactly what type of funding she receives

 

[narnao]

Do you have evidence that you are living together as common-law partners? If so, she can be your sponsor for common-law spousal sponsorship already (no need to get married). You are right about there's no minimum income amount for that kind of family sponsorship. As long as the government funding is not considered welfare, it would be a non issue.

What would be considered evidence? Also a related question about common-law: how would you even go about starting that? I thought travel visas only lasted for 6 months, doesnt it take 12 months to be considered common-law? We are long distance.

 

[narnao]

If you're not already living together the best option is to get married and apply for spousal sponsorship. When the application is approved, you the sponsored spouse, will be given PR immediately, however it will be up to you to make sure you are still upholding the residency requirements.

What would be those requirements? I'm assuming of course before any application I would need to get an immigration lawyer first?

When you say the application is approved you mean that it is still being processed but i have granted PR despite that?

 

[MustLoveCats]

What would be those requirements? I'm assuming of course before any application I would need to get an immigration lawyer first?

When you say the application is approved you mean that it is still being processed but i have granted PR despite that?

To keep PR status you have to live in Canada for 2 years out of the 5 year period. The expiry date will usually be on your COPR and PR card.

As a spouse you will be granted PR once your application is approved without having to be in Canada. That is why I said it will be up to you to keep your PR status and uphold the residency requirements.