Can I be "sponsored" by a student?

[Hugo D]

Hi - forgive me if this question has already been asked/answered....

I'm based in the UK, and my girlfriend is a student just outside of Toronto. We've been going steady for a while now, and see each other every few weeks or so. I'm thinking of marriage, and moving to Canada to be with her.

My question is - am I able to be "sponsored" by her? She doesn't have much money, but I have money in my account (circa $11-12,000), plus credit cards etc. to support myself (I do presently have a loan and a couple of credit cards with balances on them, but I am able to carry on paying back what I owe). Are there any options available to me - i.e. if I can show that I have proof of funds to support myself, plus get an offer of work? list a family member as a sponsor instead of her? etc. etc.

I've tried looking at being a skilled worker, but I unfortunately cannot tick any of the boxes (plus I've read somewhere that you can't look for a job as a skilled worker if you are in debt), so the sponsorship visa is the only option available to me (I think). I'm happy to take almost ANY job if it helps my case, as I want to hit the ground running and earn money as soon as I can.

If anybody has any info, then that would be more than appreciated!

Many thanks

 

[chelley]

there is no income requirement for spousal sponsorship... she needs to be over 18 and not be receiving any social assistance (i.e. welfare) and without an undischarged bankrupcy.. it's a bit stronger case if she has some income but not necessary, esp if you are employable... she will sign an affidavit saying she is responsible for you financially for 3 years and if you receive any assistance in this time, she is responsible for paying it back...

you as the applicant need not have any savings to apply(and debt is completely irrelevant unless it's owed to the crown/(canadian govt))... the money will help make your situation more liveable (more/longer trips/visits )... or provide for a more lavish wedding you've got a bit of a long road ahead of you still, but that means more time to get things together and prepare a clear, consise application package.... (make sure you start preparing your relationship evidence now...take/save lots of photos, cards, emails, phone records, plane passes, joint accounts of any type., etc etc etc.. they all go to prove a genuine relationship)... those who are well prepared usually get thru London in a very short time (3-5m) after it is sent to that office (add another month or two to approve the sponsor portion)...

best of luck to you both

 

[angelbrat]

First you would have to be married. From what you post I doubt you would qualify for common law as you have not been living together in a spousal like relationship continually for 12 months.

Being a student does not prevent anyone from sponsoring their spouse. There is no financial obligations on the part of the sponsor except not be bankrupt or on welfare.

Once you were married, apply Outland through London for your PR. This would be the quickest route for you to be together. You could come to Canada as a visitor, apply Inland and get a work visa at 'First Stage Approval' but this usually takes longer than Outland. You could also look for a job, get a positive LMO and work visa, whilst waiting for the PR. This too, will probably take longer than getting your PR through London.

Start researching your options on the CIC website.

 

[ariell]

Hugo,

You need to start your reading here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp This will explain the details of sponsoring your spouse.

As others have mentioned, yes, once you marry, your girlfriend/wife can sponsor you. No, you can't get someone else to sponsor you.

Being a student while sponsoring is essentially a non-issue. I was a student when I sponsored my husband and I know of many others who were students when they sponsored. The biggest issue for you (or any other applicant) will be to put together a good application and show sufficient proof of a genuine relationship in the way of photos, letters/email to each other, plane tickets etc. This forum is filled with ideas of what others have included as proof. Good luck.

 

[canadianwoman]

Depending on your age, you should look into the work visa programs for young people. The UK and Canada let each other's citizens get a kind of working holiday visa for a year or two.