COMMON

[Angie1989]

Hello all,

so me and my UK boyfriend qualify as common law and have proof of this. We came back to Canada together Sept 17th, him as a visitor, and we're submitting the application this week for his PR. Once submitted does he have to remain in Canada?
Thanks!

 

[Betina]

Hello all,

so me and my UK boyfriend qualify as common law and have proof of this. We came back to Canada together Sept 17th, him as a visitor, and we're submitting the application this week for his PR. Once submitted does he have to remain in Canada?
Thanks!

That depends on whether you are applying inland or outland. If you apply inland, then yes. If you apply outland, then no.

Once common-law status is obtained and the sponsorship process is started, you can live apart for reasons as work, visa, school, family etc. Just make sure to show you are still communicating regularly and still a genuine couple during the time living apart.

 

[Angie1989]

Good I always second guess if we're doing this properly, the process is daunting. We are applying inland, him staying is no issue. So how far into the process should we get some kind of confirmation that we've applied? As Manitoba Public insurance wants this in order to issue him a MB driver's license.

 

[Betina]

I applied outland, so I have no experience with this. There are 2 threads where you can find people going through the inland process

Inland 2012 - http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/inland-applications-2012-t90875.0.html
Inland 2013 - http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/inland-applications-2013-t129064.0.html

Good luck!

 

[Rob_TO]

Good I always second guess if we're doing this properly, the process is daunting. We are applying inland, him staying is no issue. So how far into the process should we get some kind of confirmation that we've applied? As Manitoba Public insurance wants this in order to issue him a MB driver's license.

Keep in mind for Inland, stage 1 processing is taking around 11 months, and then it's another 8 months or so till you get full PR. During this entire time you are not supposed to leave Canada for any reason.

If you applied outland through the London visa office, you could possibly have full PR in less than the time it takes for just stage 1 of inland. You could also come and go from Canada as you wish. Check the London visa office thread here, for up-to-date info on what processing times people are actually seeing. Remember you can apply outland, even if you're living in Canada.

 

[ghunter]

In 2013 for the London VO processing times are averaging 6 months from start to finish.

Unless you have a specific reason to apply Inland, I would advise going outland. My partner has been living in Canada for the whole processing time, so there is very little difference.

 

[Angie1989]

Right, and if I uinderstand properly the only downside here would be if they request an interview to prove our relationship it would be done in London, right?

Can we apply outland if we are already in Canada?

 

[Rob_TO]

Right, and if I uinderstand properly the only downside here would be if they request an interview to prove our relationship it would be done in London, right?

Correct. But odds of having an interview are pretty low, unless you have some serious red flags.

Can we apply outland if we are already in Canada?

Absolutely. CIC even recommends for people to do it.

 

[Angie1989]

So since he's allowed in Canada as a visitor for 6 months, once we apply and wait will we have to apply to extend his 'visit' as well?

 

[ghunter]

So since he's allowed in Canada as a visitor for 6 months, once we apply and wait will we have to apply to extend his 'visit' as well?

Yes, you can do the visitor extension online.