any help with visa for my girlfriend of 6 years??

[msmith1789]

Hello Guys,

Im new to this forum, but its a good idea. This is my first post as I am in need of some help/guidance/recommendation...

Here goes....


I have been living in Canada (near Vancouver) for almost 3 yrs now, I am 21 years of age and moved here with my family from the UK when I was 18. My problem now is that I have been dating my girlfriend for the past 6 years, since we met in Highschool, and we are at the point where we need to be together (obviously!) but since I moved here, we see each other every 9 - 12 weeks or generally 3 months, which is the reason I need some help in HOW I/SHE/WE CAN OBTAIN A VISA WHICH ALLOWS HER TO LIVE HERE IN CANADA FROM THE UK.

Surely, Im not the only one who has ever been in this situation??

We have thought about marriage, but it wouldnt be our first choice just yet, as we feel we are too young.

My thoughts/opinions on this so far are....

1. Get married and sponsor her to come over?? (Im sure its not as simple as that, so if someone could break this down for me, I would appreciate it)

2. I become a citizen of canada and sponsor her?? (Also, not 100% certain how this works)

3. She finishes University in England and then applies for a professional/skilled worker visa

ANY help is hugely appreciated, and any questions you need to ask me, please fire away. Im all ears!!

Thank you beforehand!!

 

[Leon]

1. As long as you are a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen, it is as simple as that.

2. There is really no benefit in being a citizen to sponsor a spouse except that you would be able to sponsor without actually living in Canada but since you do, it's a non-issue. Besides, waiting for citizenship would probably take you more than a year.

3. She would have to be in the right occupation and she would need work experience. It's a long term project.

Another way to get to Canada temporarily while you try out living together would be to do a working holiday, see http://www.bunac.org/uk/workcanada/ That would get her a year and she would be able to work. At that time, if you decide you want to get married, you can and if not, you can live together for the 12 months and apply as common law partners.