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myers

Newbie
Apr 15, 2013
3
0
Hello - I think I have a bit of an understanding with the process but need a little help understanding the time frames and which forms to submit. I am a Canadian currently living in the US on a Green Card which I got through work. I met and married my husband, a US citizen, in the US eight years ago. In approximately 2-3 years we want to move back to Ontario. Although I have not discussed it with my employer, I am going to try and transfer back to our Canadian company (where I originally came from). I don't really see any issues doing this. So - when do I start? I know I have to apply to be a sponsor and then I have submit a separate application for my husband or is that all included in my application? I will be residing in US until it's approved and we will both be moving to Ontario. Me, hopefully with a job and if we are really lucky, we will be purchasing a house as well. I don't want to start too soon but I also do not want to leave anything until the last minute. Timing is going to be hard enough as it is. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
 
Hi

As you are in the US, your application would first be sent to Mississauga (CPC-M) for sponsor approval and then be transferred to Ottawa (CPP-O) for applicant approval. At the moment, CPC-M is about 1 month and CPP-O is 13 months, so 14 months total to process. But keep in mind that these numbers change, so they will prob be a bit different if you are applying in a year or so.

You submit everything together, your forms, his forms, all proof of the relationship. As you have been out of Canada for several years, you will need to show that you intend to return permanently to Canada to be approved as a sponsor.

Start here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp
 
Thanks - very helpful. One further question. Let's say the total wait time is 14 months. How long after his application is approved, is it good for? That is, how long after being approved do we have to actually move back to Canada? Is there a time limit. I'm wondering, if I know I want to move back in 2 years if I should just start now? That would mean that after being approved we would still stay in the States for approx. 6 months. Too long? Thanks for the information.
 
CIC won't issue a COPR visa for him until they have proof you plan to return to Canada in the near future. So if you're planning to wait 3 years, there's no point right now. I say apply 12-18 months before you want to move to Canada.

He can enter Canada as a visitor and most Americans can stay in Canada as visitors past their 6 months. For example, I use myself :D I have been in Canada as a visitor since July 2011 with valid visitor status until Feb 2014 if I don't get my PR before then.

Also, depending on his job, he may be able to find a job that will let him work with a NAFTA work visa (much easier to get than a closed work permit).

If you're interested, take a look at the Ottawa spreadsheet. (Ottawa is the current USA Visa Office.... don't ask me why.) I have a link in my signature. You may notice a lot of people are getting approved in 7-8 months, not 14. Some people do take 14 months. Some take longer. However, most couples from the USA don't require interviews and will be less than 14 months. With you being married for so long, your application will be "easy" compared to many!

(When looking at the spreadsheet, keep in mind many people never come back to update their status. So someone from 2011 might show never got their PR - they probably never logged in and told us.)

Time limits for landing will be the expiration of the medical exam or passport, whichever is first. Medicals are good for 1 year. Ottawa can extend them (and frequently does), so it will depend on what happens there.
 
Well, with what you just said - He doesn't actually have to work right away. He owns his own company doing video and audio work and he can continue to do this for himself without taking any clients. My salary is more then enough to support both of us. Could I just move back with him coming as a visitor and just start the process within Canada? Time is not really important - we are very fortunate that way. If it takes a little longer for the process started within Canada vs doing it before, it wouldn't matter. For my scheduling and having to deal with my job and all, this sounds like it would almost be a better alternative. Is this feasible?