My partners is american,.... what to do? please advice (newbie here)

[walkytalky]

Hello all,

I am a Canadian citizen. My fiance is american. We have been together for >5 years and are going to get married soon.

We were thinking of applying as a common-law as the marriage certificate and paperwork in Canada takes some time. (does it really matter whether you are married or common-law?)

We live in the US now but will need to return to Canada soon.

Can anyone advice how long does it actually take for US citizens to get landed immigrant and should we apply from within Canada or from the USA?


Thank you for your advice.

 

[Kayaker]

DO NOT APPLY INLAND. You would be waiting about 2 years.

A lot of outland cases are being processed in 6 months, more or less. Of course, that's in the case of straightforward applications - all forms up to date and signed, nothing missing, no medical or criminality issues, and good relationship evidence. You can apply Outland even if you are physically present in Canada, even if your residential and mailing address is in Canada.

If you have solid evidence of cohabitation for more than 12 consecutive months (joint rental agreement or joint ownership of a house would be the best) then sure, you could apply before you get married. Of course, it won't hurt to mention (or include evidence) in the application that you are engaged and planning to get married in the near future.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I second Kayaker. DO NOT apply inland. Outland is by far the better choice for an American.

I suggest you wander over to the Ottawa thread, as that's where US apps are processed. http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/cppottawa-t118769.5910.html