Question about US to Canada sponsorship.

[Zarilenth]

My husband (American) and I (Canadian) got married on October 13th 2013, but we haven't started the application yet. We're still at a loss about what we should do and whether we should do the inland or outland application. We want to be together as soon as possible, as he is currently back in the States working and I'm working in Toronto. We were considering the Inland application, so he could move here right away, but our hesitation is caused by the fact that he will not be able to work. He cannot get a work visa (we've tried before) and there aren't many jobs giving away LMO's in Toronto.
If he moves here, will he be eligible for an open work visa at all?
Also - a question about the medicals. Does he need to have his medical done before we send in the paperwork?

Thanks! Any help or advice is appreciated.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

My husband (American) and I (Canadian) got married on October 13th 2013, but we haven't started the application yet. We're still at a loss about what we should do and whether we should do the inland or outland application. We want to be together as soon as possible, as he is currently back in the States working and I'm working in Toronto. We were considering the Inland application, so he could move here right away, but our hesitation is caused by the fact that he will not be able to work. He cannot get a work visa (we've tried before) and there aren't many jobs giving away LMO's in Toronto.
If he moves here, will he be eligible for an open work visa at all?
Also - a question about the medicals. Does he need to have his medical done before we send in the paperwork?

Thanks! Any help or advice is appreciated.

Whether you apply inland or outland, he is looking at a long wait without being able to work. Inland gives an open work permit after 1st stage approval, which is 11 months right now. You are better off doing an outland application; Ottawa is averaging about 8 months right now for the entire process. Your husband can enter Canada as a visitor and stay with you while the app is processing. The medical needs to be done before submitting the app. The doctor will give you a form to include.

 

[Zarilenth]

Oh wow, really only 8 months for the whole thing? And he could just stay here as a visitor? I thought he could only stay 6 months on a visitor visa.. or could he just apply for an extension? I am just worried about him getting in trouble for staying in Canada through the outland application, but if that isn't a problem then maybe that is what we'll do!

 

[QuebecOkie]

There's just about NO benefit to applying inland for US applicants.

Yes, he can enter Canada, get six months as a visitor, and then you can request an extension of his visitor status. The medical should be done up front and included with your application. Also, I've read that it's important for outland applicants to pay all fees up front to avoid delays down the line ($75 for sponsor, $475 for principal applicant, and $490 right of permanent residency fee, for a total of $1040). Include receipts for these fees with your application. Also, don't forget the FBI certificate. That takes around 6 weeks to get, and you'll want to send your app off as quickly as possible after you get it, as CIC must receive it within three months of the date it was issued, or you'll have to request another one.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Oh wow, really only 8 months for the whole thing? And he could just stay here as a visitor? I thought he could only stay 6 months on a visitor visa.. or could he just apply for an extension? I am just worried about him getting in trouble for staying in Canada through the outland application, but if that isn't a problem then maybe that is what we'll do!

As said above, he can extend his visitor status. It is perfectly fine for him to remain in Canada while the outland app is processing. There are a lot of people on the forum who did the same thing.

 

[blueangel371115]

I'm getting married on Thursday. I just got my fingerprints done and my fees are paid with receipt in hand. I'm sending the fingerprint card in on Monday. I'm getting getting excited. Since I'm taking his name he should I schedule medicals now? They said they ardoxe scheduling 2wks out? I should have my documents changed by then. I definitely want to take his name but I'd also like to start the process ASAP.

 

[QuebecOkie]

Will you have your name changed on your passport? That's what CIC will look at.

 

[blueangel371115]

I should have it all changed by mid-Noember. The officiant said it would be a bout a week until we get the certificate and certified copy I ordered then the next day I'm sending for a new passport. I was thinking of scheduling my physical for the end of november which is right around when I get my FBI clearance. That way I have plenty of notice to make arrangements.

 

[QuebecOkie]

That sounds like a plan.

 

[blueangel371115]

Awesome. Sorry guys and gals. I'm getting a little nervous what with my wedding and the immigration process. I just want us to start our lives together as soon as possible.