Outland Spouse Application while Traveling Questions

[onbbq]

Hi All. Canadian citizen here presently exploring residency options for my American girlfriend of 3.5 years. Strongly considering getting married and sponsoring her as an outland applicant for PR status in Canada. We are also considering some international travel together. 3-4 months in South America and then 1-2 months in Europe. Seeing as we obviously want to minimize time apart, would it be a good idea to marry and apply prior to our potential trip? Or are there risks to this scenario?

Some things I'm specifically wondering:

- How likely is it that we would be called for an interview/ have additional documents requested?
- How much flexibility would we have in scheduling an interview date if requested?
- Would my not having employment during travel significantly jeopardize her application/my approval as a sponsor?

Bit of context, we are in our mid twenties. Both have BAs (if this counts for anything). Met while I was attending school in the US and have visited each other 3 of 4 weekends per month for the last 2.5 years. We have tons of people in Canada that can verify the length of our relationship. Both of us have maintained consistent employment since leaving school and have what I would consider enough money in the bank to support ourselves while looking for new jobs upon return. I have an apartment in Canada which I will likely sublet and keep as my residence when returning

Greatly appreciate any insight. Thanks very much.

 

[Kayaker]

- interview is unlikely, unless she has issues such as criminal inadmissibility, unaccompanying dependents (if she has a child/ren who she is leaving behind in the US) or something. Additional documents - possible if you don't send the most up to date formats for the forms and don't send everything they ask for. But this is largely preventable.
- Interview dates are not flexible.
- As long as you are not on welfare (and have not been recently) and as long as you two seem to have a plan for the future (as long as CIC doesn't think you will go on welfare) you will not have any problems getting approved as her sponsor. You could include a bank statement showing you have enough money not to work for a while and travel.

 

[bigredmoose]

- interview is unlikely, unless she has issues such as criminal inadmissibility, unaccompanying dependents (if she has a child/ren who she is leaving behind in the US) or something. Additional documents - possible if you don't send the most up to date formats for the forms and don't send everything they ask for. But this is largely preventable.
- Interview dates are not flexible.
- As long as you are not on welfare (and have not been recently) and as long as you two seem to have a plan for the future (as long as CIC doesn't think you will go on welfare) you will not have any problems getting approved as her sponsor. You could include a bank statement showing you have enough money not to work for a while and travel.

Agreed.

I personally would be nervous not being around while the app is in process, but there's no reason why you can't travel.