Outland Common Law Sponsorship

[tdbowa]

Hi!

I am a Canadian citizen and have been living in China for 10 years.

I have been living with my partner here for 2 years (of German nationality), so from what I read we qualify as common-law, and can apply for a common-law visa.

Since I do not currently live in Canada, but plan to move back there, has anyone done something similar? How long did this process take?

I wanted to know if after applying for the common law visa, if my partner can come to Canada first on an ETA while we wait?

Anyone experience something like this?

 

[np08]

Average processing time is 12 months.

As a Canadian citizen, you're allowed to sponsor from outside of Canada, but at a later point in the process you will have to show intent to move back to Canada once your partner's PR is approved.

Yes, they can come and wait out the process from within Canada as well.

 

[Hurlabrick]

Hi!

I am a Canadian citizen and have been living in China for 10 years.

I have been living with my partner here for 2 years (of German nationality), so from what I read we qualify as common-law, and can apply for a common-law visa.

Since I do not currently live in Canada, but plan to move back there, has anyone done something similar? How long did this process take?

I wanted to know if after applying for the common law visa, if my partner can come to Canada first on an ETA while we wait?

Anyone experience something like this?

Everything that np08 said.

Just to clarify, if they do come and wait with you in Canada while the spousal sponsorship is in progress, they must wait as a visitor only (i.e. they cannot work).