Sponsoring Girlfriend to Canada from the US

[Satansloth]

Hi, I need a bit of help.

I am currently trying to sponsor my girlfriend of 6 years to Canada. We are currently discussing marrying sooner then planned to go with the spouse sponsorship but we need a bit of guidance to make sure that we are doing the best to get her sponsored.

Little info: 6 years dating, she lives in the us we have not spent more then 3 months in one period living together. I have been down to the states multiple times as has she visited up here. just a bit lost on best route to take.

Also wondering if it makes a difference whether married in Canada or the US.

 

[scylla]

You need to either get married or live together continuously for a year to become common law before you'll be able to sponsor her. Doesn't matter if you get married in Canada or in the US.

 

[Satansloth]

Marriage close to the time of application will not hurt the application at all? When it comes to common law is it difficult to get a 6 month extension on a visit to Canada?

 

[Rob_TO]

Marriage close to the time of application will not hurt the application at all?

Being from the US and dating 6 years, even doing a quick courthouse marriage and applying immediately after should be no problem. It would only be an issue if you have a very short relationship.

In general people are expected to apply for PR as soon as possible after marrying.

When it comes to common law is it difficult to get a 6 month extension on a visit to Canada?

No it's usually pretty easy. The most difficult part is someone in Canada on visitor status can't work so may get very bored during the 1 year qualifying for common-law.

 

[danawhitaker]

Marriage close to the time of application will not hurt the application at all? When it comes to common law is it difficult to get a 6 month extension on a visit to Canada?

My husband and I were married after less than a year of actually being in a relationship. We started dating in August of 2015, we got engaged the following May, and got married in July. We applied in late September, a few months after the wedding. We basically sent the application as soon as we got the marriage certificate - it arrived on a Friday, we mailed the application off the following Monday. We had no issues. We had originally met online, but didn't meet in person until very early into our relationship.

We had no issues. We were not asked for more proof or documentation during the entire process. Your mileage may vary, of course, but that was our experience.

I've heard it's not difficult to get an extension for common law, but I had no interest in that route so others may be better versed in that. You basically delay the process by an entire year trying to establish common law when you do that (or that's how I look at it, at least).