Getting a marriage certificate and then applying for sponsorship right after?

[SuiGeneris]

I've been with my partner for about 2 1/2 years. We both know that we want to spend the rest of our lives together. We love each other dearly, we've discussed marriage many times. We want to live together, he is from Pennsylvania and I am from Ontario. Our wanting to live together is just speeding the marriage thing up. We're also low income right now, and can't afford a wedding yet. We're young and not yet financially situated, so no wedding is possible at this time. If we get legally married and apply for sponsorship right after, will that look suspicious and cause a delay? Will it look odd and suspicious if there's no wedding?

 

[sohaib1]

I've been with my partner for about 2 1/2 years. We both know that we want to spend the rest of our lives together. We love each other dearly, we've discussed marriage many times. We want to live together, he is from Pennsylvania and I am from Ontario. Our wanting to live together is just speeding the marriage thing up. We're also low income right now, and can't afford a wedding yet. We're young and not yet financially situated, so no wedding is possible at this time. If we get legally married and apply for sponsorship right after, will that look suspicious and cause a delay? Will it look odd and suspicious if there's no wedding?

If you have proof that you talked and hanged around or dated. They will have no problem. But if you can not show proof and just marry her they can get suspicious

 

[rhcohen2014]

keep in mind, applicants from the us (and most other visa exempt countries) have a lower threshold for relationship validity. CIC is hardly concerned with US citizens marrying canadians out of convenience in order to enjoy a better lifestyle. there are many couples who do court house weddings or don't spend fortunes on receptions and have no issue being approved. it's not so much about how you got married, it's about who knows about your relationship (ie: family/friends), proving a legitimate progression of your relationship, and how your relationship is presented to the world (ie: it's not a secret).

 

[SuiGeneris]

keep in mind, applicants from the us (and most other visa exempt countries) have a lower threshold for relationship validity. CIC is hardly concerned with US citizens marrying canadians out of convenience in order to enjoy a better lifestyle. there are many couples who do court house weddings or don't spend fortunes on receptions and have no issue being approved. it's not so much about how you got married, it's about who knows about your relationship (ie: family/friends), proving a legitimate progression of your relationship, and how your relationship is presented to the world (ie: it's not a secret).

I deeply appreciate this post. Thank you so much.

 

[SuiGeneris]

If you have proof that you talked and hanged around or dated. They will have no problem. But if you can not show proof and just marry her they can get suspicious

Thank you! Feels so good to have a question resolved.

Now I have another question. I'm on CIC's website (cic.gc.ca), reading the Document Checklist, and it says this,

Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP) - This form is completed by you, the principal
applicant, if you have more than five (5) family members.

What is meant by "family members"?

 

[SuiGeneris]

In this case, I think family member is referring to me, the sponsor. Is that right?

 

[rhcohen2014]

In this case, I think family member is referring to me, the sponsor. Is that right?

family members for application purposes means ONLY people who are included in the application seeking pr. for spousal sponsorship that is ONLY the principle applicant and any dependants (children). for application purposes, the sponsor is the sponsor, not a family member. the sponsor does not need to fill out forms (or submit pictures) required for applicants. the sponsor only fills out forms required for the sponsor.

 

[SuiGeneris]

Much appreciated sir! Thank you!