want to study and live in canada

[WillowIvy]

Here's my situation. I am an American and I want to immigrate to Canada, but being 19 I haven't gone to college yet. I can't apply under "skilled worker." I want to go to university in Canada. I also want to bring my partner, so we will be able to get married.

If I apply for a study permit I have to prove I am planning on returning afterwards, but as I want to stay permanantly, I don't think this is the best option. I'm really afraid Canada won't let us in.

Does anyone have any advice on what steps to take? We want to leave America as soon as possible.
I really appreciate any avice you can give me.

 

[Leon]

There is no easy way for a 19 yo. to immigrate. My advice, come in on a study permit. Tell them that you are planning to leave when you are done. Later you can change your mind since Canada offers an immigration class for Canada graduates. When you are done your studies, provided you take at least a 2 year course, you can get a post-grad work permit and apply to immigrate through a provincial nominee program or Canadian experience class. When you are a student, your partner qualifies for an open work permit. If you can for whatever reason not get married in the US before you apply for your study permit, have your partner come visit, get married in Canada and then apply for spouses work permit.

Number one though, you need to get accepted to a Canadian university. Then you can apply for a student visa. You will need to show that you have funds to support yourself while you are here.

 

[WillowIvy]

Thank you so much. Besides tuition, how much money do you think we will need to have saved up for the two of us? I'm not sure we will be living the same lifestyle in Canada and I don't know how prices are, so I have no idea what I need.

 

[Leon]

I would ask the visa office how much you need. You need to show that you can pay your tuition for sure. A skilled worker needs to have $13,198 when arriving with a spouse and that is supposed to cover living expenses for 6 months, basically taking into account that they may not get a job right away. Your partner would have a work permit so maybe you would have to have the same. Otherwise, it costs about 26,000+ for 2 people a year to live in Canada according to their data. If they want you to have some huge amount of money, you can see if you can borrow it. I got a student visa in the US once like that. I borrowed the money from my brother. Never actually used it or needed it but they wanted to see that I had it so I showed them a bank statement.

 

[WillowIvy]

I really appreciate your help (I'm glad I found this website.) Nobody else has had any idea what to do, but it seems a bit easier now you've helped me. Thanks again.