How to apply

[Val_Arg]

Please I need your help
I'm an argentinian citizen and my boyfriend is canadian. We want to finally live together and we chose his country for it. Our problem now is that we don't have that 1-year-living-together period. How should I apply/Which ways do I have to enter Canada in order to start our life together?
PS: We are adult people and our relationship is solid. We don't want to "just try on" what happens..
PS2: I have 2 children, but I'm already divorced.

I would appreciate your help, because we want to avoid the other possibility which is him to immigrate to Argentina and lose his job
Thank you

 

[scylla]

In order for him to sponsor you, you must either be married or common law (i.e. have lived together for a minimum of one full year).

 

[Val_Arg]

Thanks for replying Scylla
More specifically our question is: where is it supposed we should live during this period of 1 year?
We can't find the answer at the Embassy website.

The 2 options are:
--If we decide to live in Canada, how should I apply to get a visa for 1 year?
--On the contrary, if we decide to live in Argentina for 1 year, he will lose his job in Canada.

 

[scylla]

It doesn't matter when you live as long as you live together for at least one full year.

Yes - you will need a tourist visa to visit Canada. Check the CIC site for information on tourist visas:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/tourist.asp

You can only apply for a six month visa. If you want to stay longer, then you will have to apply for an extension once you're here.

To be approved for a tourist visa, you will have to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and have no plans to remain in Canada long term.

 

[scylla]

I just noticed that you have two children. If your children are with you, then will need tourist visas as well if you plan to come to Canada to meet the common law requirement. You should be aware that there's a good chance you will have to pay tuition in order for them to attend school. This could very well be around $12K per year per child. Also, it's unlikely you will be covered by the health care system while here.

If your children are with you - it may be quite difficult to obtain tourist visas since CIC will likely assume you have plans to remain in Canada long term (if you try to visit along with your children). It may be more realistic either for your Canadian partner to move to Argentina for a year or for you to get married so that he can sponsor you.

 

[Val_Arg]

Scylla
You've been clear enough in your replies.
I appreciate the spent time.
Thanks a lot