Spouse Visa for Canada (Alberta) when both parties live outside Canada

[saria1]

Thanks Saria1 - that's so helpful. I've spent the last 3-4 hours looking at guides and sites trying to figure out how we do this! I've ready guide 3999 which is approx 60 pages of info; but can you just clarify how it actually works in reality? Eg, we submit our application with all the accompanying evidence which is available, but then you were able to submit further evidence of your intention to move to Canada? Is that right? I expect to have similar correspondence with realtors, recruitment agents/business re job applications to show intention to actually live there so hopefully we'll be ok.

Plus, as one person mentioned above, and the website indicates, was your waiting time over 28 months - on that basis do you have to wait until its all approved before you both move to canada? Or is there an option to move and work whilst the application is being processed.

I submitted my husbands application on Oct 28, SA (sponsorship approval) came on Jan 23rd and we just learned their (husband and sons) application was approved on June 11th. So nowhere near the times for Ottawa that's listed on the site. As is the case for most applicants from visa exempt countries.

Since you're from the UK and your husband is Canadian, if you're sent to the London VO (Visa Office) after SA, the time is something like 8-10 months. There's a great London spreadsheet on the London thread. The processing time in London was greatly increased recently because London started handling many middle eastern countries. In reality that time applies to those applicants, not the UK applicants. If you initially have a solid application and are one of the lucky few, Mississauga has been giving SA and the final DM's (decision made) for select UK applicants, all within only a few months. There is also the possibility you can be sent to Ottawa. Either way, your process, if everything is in order, should take less than 12 months from start to finish.

If you choose to go back to Canada together, the principal applicant won't have status, the PA (principal applicant) will want to claim "dual intent" when entering the country. This means the PA knows they are coming to Canada with their application in process, sadly the PA won't be able to work, and if the application is denied, the PA is aware they will have to leave the country.

 

[saria1]

Great summary Amalthea! I have my husband staring over my should begging me to close the laptop

 

[Amalthea]

Great summary Amalthea! I have my husband staring over my should begging me to close the laptop

LOL <3 I'm killing time until my husband gets home with pizza..! Haha.

Hope she saw the links earlier to the London Spreadsheet and the London FAQ's. They are very well written and extremely helpful. At least she's got a few years to do research before she applies!

 

[CarolH]

That's so good 're the wait times. It means I'm definitely not ready to apply just yet! Thanks x