Moving in w/ girlfriend, advice?

[Evrard]

My girlfriend and I are moving in together, and will probably get married at some point in the future but don't want to rush it or have to do it just so I can come over (plus the processing time on that seems really long). She is a Canadian citizen with a full time high paying job -- I am a cook and TEFL tutor (hopefully one day professional writer). I speak French with some fluency and a bit of Chinese and have a Bachelors in Linguistics, and I'm a US citizen, and having just won a settlement, I have some money in the bank, so I'm far from a liability.

I've heard of a Special Relationship visa for couples that are unmarried, and I assume the US and Canada have some cozy immigration agreements, but the sites are a maze and calling the consulate is a nightmare wait for little help. Does anyone have any advice for what kind of visa would be best for us to pursue? Thanks

 

[scylla]

There are no special immigration rules or programs for those from the US. They have to qualify for PR using the same application processes and criteria as anyone else.

In order for your girlfriend to sponsor you for PR, you must either be married or common law. Common law means that you have lived together continuously for a period of at least one full year (and can prove it).

There is a special relationship class called 'conjugal' - however it does not apply to you and you would be refused if you attempted to apply under this category. The conjugal category is for couples who cannot become common law and cannot get married (i.e. it is impossible for them to do either). You don't face any of these barriers as an America. So you'll need to be either married or common law before she can sponsor you for permanent residency.

 

[Rob_TO]

Also note that unless you have a proper work visa, you won't be able to work in Canada as either a cook or tutor. In order to work in Canada you will need to either:
1. Get an open work permit via US/Canada SWAP program (if you qualify)
2. If your job qualifies under NAFTA, and you have a job offer then you can get a work permit based on that
3. Get a company to go through LMIA process to hire you under a closed work permit (very hard to do)

And when you are crossing the border into Canada, I would suggest NOT using words like "moving to" or "living" in Canada. Until you have your PR status, you are just a visitor to Canada so need to act like one. So upon entry CBSA will most likely give you a 6-months visitor status, under the assumption you will leave after 6 months. Of course once in Canada you can then apply to extend that status, or reset it by leaving/re-entering Canada. Upon entering Canada you should also have proof of funds available to you to show CBSA you can support yourself.