+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

tmt123

Newbie
Mar 9, 2013
3
0
I am a Canadian and my boyfriend from Nigeria and I want to get married. Would it be possible for him to stay if he came on a visitor's visa and we married while he was here? I am in the process of applying for ODSP - would it affect his ability to stay? He may qualify under the skilled worker's program as well. We just want to figure out the best way to do this, especially since we realize it will be difficult because of where he is from.
 
Go to Nigeria or another country you can both be admitted into and get married.
 
Your boyfriend being Nigerian is not a problem. However, bias, racism and discrimination of others is the problem.

Unfortunately, it is really difficult for many people from many countries to receive tourist visas (TRVs) to Canada. The visa officers assume the applicant really wants to immigrate and is trying for the TRV to bypass the longer permanent resident application.

I very much suggest you move to a third country with your desired partner and see how it goes. Once you live anywhere for a year and you both have legal resident status, you can apply there for PR, I'm pretty sure.

Good luck.
 
He can certainly try to apply for a TRV and if it is approved, there is nothing stopping you from getting married when he is here and then applying for PR inland (so that he doesn't have to leave Canada). Unfortunately the chances that he will be approved for a TRV are very low. There's nothing stopping him from trying, but understand that there is a significant chance of refusal. If he is not approved for a TRV, then you will have to travel to Nigeria to marry him there.

If for some reason you cannot travel to Nigeria, then he can look into immigrating independently (e.g. through the skilled worker program).
 
scylla said:
He can certainly try to apply for a TRV and if it is approved, there is nothing stopping you from getting married when he is here and then applying for PR inland (so that he doesn't have to leave Canada). Unfortunately the chances that he will be approved for a TRV are very low. There's nothing stopping him from trying, but understand that there is a significant chance of refusal. If he is not approved for a TRV, then you will have to travel to Nigeria to marry him there.

If for some reason you cannot travel to Nigeria, then he can look into immigrating independently (e.g. through the skilled worker program).

Much more useful reply.....we'll talk together and consider the best plan of action....
 
The thought of going to Nigeria and getting married there doesn't appeal to me but if it's the only way, I'll do it. I'd rather get married here. That being said, we want to do it legally, we're not trying to get around the system. I think he'll likely qualify under the skilled workers program. It's just hard to be patient,we'd just like to get on with our life together.
 
It is indeed very difficult, but it will be ok.
 
tmt123 said:
The thought of going to Nigeria and getting married there doesn't appeal to me but if it's the only way, I'll do it. I'd rather get married here. That being said, we want to do it legally, we're not trying to get around the system. I think he'll likely qualify under the skilled workers program. It's just hard to be patient,we'd just like to get on with our life together.

I would try for the TRV if you can afford to gamble with $75. You can then use the TRV as proof of relationship - because your spouse tried to come visit you. There's always the chance it will be approved and you can get married in Canada.

A good thing to do would be search the forum for "TRV refusals" and read up on the subject.
 
In order to have a semi decent chance at the TRV, the applicant will really have to show they have intention to return home. Chances are very slim for receiving the visa. Also, in Nigeria, the TRP adds to to a few hundred dollars between application fees, preparation of all documents, photos and two way courier, which can only be DHL.
You need VERY strong proof that the applicant will return. It's besides the point everyone has the option of staying, marrying, and applying for PR while on a TRP.
 
ronaldoyaronaldo said:
So what if he's from Nigeria? Newtone for God's sake people are looking for life signs on Mars, the world is smaller than you think! I have so many Nigerian friends and I am sure as hell they're better educated than you and they earned their way to Canada LEGALLY and they're living it to the greatest extent, and yeah did I mention, they're NIGERIANS!

Correction, people are actually thinking of sending humans to Mars, they already established signs of life 10 years ago!

Let me repeat what I've said in my closing statement:

"Not to say everyone is bad, but obviously its enough to create a general consensus among majority of people in the world."

If you have a problem with that then I personally think you should file a law suit against the following news channels (BBC, CBC, ABC, CNN and Fox News). Get them to write an apology letter stating whatever they've covered as factual news about Nigerian scam is absolutely false. You can take this letter and then champion your cause about "So what if he is from Nigeria?". I'll support you 100%. We can all then hold hands and sing Kumbaya. Did I mention "WE ALL"?

Secondly you dont know how educated I am so its immature on your part to claim your friends are more educated than me. And education is not about getting a PhD and getting published its beyond books.

But anyway thats my two cents, as you know there are many countries that require visa to enter Canada and Nigeria is no exception, so there is no need to get your feathers all ruffled because of what I said. Just relax and follow the rules and as I mentioned earlier "case has to be strong". I dont write the immigration rules but I know enough to caution others. This should be taken as a caution not blown out of proportion.
 
tmt123 said:
I am a Canadian and my boyfriend from Nigeria and I want to get married. Would it be possible for him to stay if he came on a visitor's visa and we married while he was here? I am in the process of applying for ODSP - would it affect his ability to stay? He may qualify under the skilled worker's program as well. We just want to figure out the best way to do this, especially since we realize it will be difficult because of where he is from.
My best advice for you is that, be 100% sure that it true love and that he is not using you. Have you seen each other before ?