Spousal Sponsorship Questions

[Taylorkrystyna]

My fiance and I are planning on getting married in late May/early June and we are looking to prepare some information for immigration. He is a Canadian citizen and I live in the U.S. I am graduating with a bachelors degree in August hopefully if not I'll be doing online classes. I was planning on moving to live with him in Quebec in August while we wait for my PR application. Should I apply inland or outland? I was thinking of applying inland because I'd like to work while we wait for my PR especially with hearing how long the wait times are for processing. Any suggestions or tips from everyone would be much appreciated.

 

[scylla]

Technically you can't actually "move" to Canada - all you are allowed to do is visit. You can certainly visit Canada while the PR application is in progress. When you enter Canada, make sure it doesn't look like you are trying to move to Canada permanently or you could be refused entry. Ideally you should carry proof that you have tied to the US (e.g property ownership or rental, employment, etc.).

Make sure you purchase private health insurance - you won't be covered by Canada's health care system until later.

You should definitely apply outland. Much faster for Americans.

 

[Taylorkrystyna]

If I apply outland what can I do about work? We are driving over the border I'm going to have suitcases a friend is coming to visit but will have a plane ticket back. I will still technically be enrolled in college still when I come plus all my family is here/permanent address will that help? We may having 4 suit cases. 2 for each of us

 

[Taylorkrystyna]

I just looked at the processing time it said 39 months for New York and 17 months for within Canada. Is this accurate?

 

[scylla]

There is no open work permit available with outland sponsorship. You would have to find an employer and then apply for a closed work permit (that employer might also have to obtain an approved LMIA depending on whether your occupation falls under NAFTA or not).

 

[scylla]

I just looked at the processing time it said 39 months for New York and 17 months for within Canada. Is this accurate?

The vast majority of outland applications for Americas are processed through the Ottawa office. We've had a number of people here who have recently gotten through the entire process in 4 months totals (6-10 months is probably a realistic estimate).

Inland is 27 month (not 17).

 

[Taylorkrystyna]

Okay. I'm trying to save up some money now and he obviously works. I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed for 4 months, I just hope the Quebec marriage license comes quickly the sooner we can file the better.