Marrying in Malaysia then both coming to Canada

[GerryD]

I am a Canadian citizen and my girlfriend is a Malaysian national, both divorced. We met online more than a year and a half ago, and she has been here 3 times, and we also met in Holland this spring.

We want to get married in Malaysia, then come back to Canada. Her visa has been issued for 5 years, but at the time of visa application she was still technically married (the decree absolute should come down this month).

What is the best way to come through immigration? I don't want to pretend that we are not married or anything that can jeopardize a PR application. We have most of the documentation done already. She has met my family in January, and I will be meeting hers in September. So even though we MET online initially, we can show this is not a "marriage of convenience."

She will come in as a visitor I assume, but how do we get the immigration officer to grant her a 6-month stay, or does it matter?

I have also heard that it is CIC's mission to unite families, does our case apply?

For the marriage certificate, it needs to be translated but what is required before we leave Malaysia? Witnessed by a lawyer? Canadian High Commission?

Any suggestions are most welcome.

Gerry

 

[mitamata]

What kind of visa does she have that's valid for 5 years?

 

[GerryD]

Multiple entry visitors visa.

 

[GerryD]

What kind of visa does she have that's valid for 5 years?

Does the type of visa have any bearing?

 

[Boncuk]

You really need to sit down and read the region specific guide for Malaysia. All your questions will be answered there for specific forms. As for problems landing. Just be upfront and honest.. the type of visa doesnt have any bearing, im not sure whether you will be applying inland or outland. Just be sure you are well prepared for everything before you make the trip to Canada.

 

[mitamata]

Well, if you're coming in on a temporary visa and fail to mention you're married, the consequences are not as severe as if you fail to mention a spouse when landing as a skilled worker for example. I was just checking that she isn't going to be landing, cause that would be much more serious.

 

[GerryD]

She will be coming in as a spouse on a visitor visa (hopefully a 6 month entry) and we will apply for PR here in Canada. I understand the possibility of not being approved and she might have to leave.

And yes, we intend to be upfront about our plans. We don't want to lie or hide anything.