Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?

Canada Immigration Forum (discussion group)


 
       
Subject: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?
  Hello,

My name is Evan, I´m from Pennsylvania, USA. My fiancee and I have been together for nearing 2 years, we met online and became close very quickly. I visited her a few times over the last year, and we had plans to immigrate to the US. Recently however, we had a major incident which has thrown a bit of a wrench in the gears. about 3 months ago she informed me that she was pregnant. I was a bit upset and wanted nothing more than to be with her as soon as possible. So like the genius I am, I quit my job, stored or sold anything I couldn´t bring with me and drove here. That was 2 months ago, Now I am in the Niagara region staying with her, with no job, and little cash. We did research online and decided it would be best for me to move to Canada for the time being...but there is an issue...immigration law says I can´t work in a country I´m not a citizen of.

Needless to say We´ve decided to get married and start the process. But first I need to return home to try to make some extra money in order to help pay for all of this.

This is where my questions begin...

1) What is the fastest route for us to begin my immigration, and how soon can I start working in Canada to help support our family?

2) CIC´s website say´s it cost around $500-$600 to apply, is that the total cost of the application and everything involved?

3) Should we hire a lawyer? We don´t have alot of money to spare on one...we do have a child on the way.

4) I want to be with her as much as I possibly can, but I want to be working so she doesn´t have to support me, and a baby on her own. Is it possible to stay in Canada during the process?

Thank you for your time, please respond soon.

[20-12-2014,04:25]
[***.238.151.8]
Evan
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
1) Once your married she can sponsor your as her spouse. You should apply using the outland / outside of Canada process. Much faster for Americans than using the inland / inside of Canada option.
2) More like $1500. CIC fees are $1040. You also have to factor in a few hundred for the medical and a few other costs like the FBI certificate.
3) Your choice. It can certainly be done without one (many go this route) but then you´ll need to do a lot of reading to make sure you get it right.
4) If you want to work before you have PR then you will first need to find an employer who is willing to offer you a job in Canada. That employer will then most likely have to obtain an approved LMIA (approval to hire you). This will involve advertising your job for at least a month to prove that no Canadian could be found for the role. The employer will then have to pay a $1K fee and submit the application for processing which takes around 2-4 months. If the LMIA is approved (not all are), you can then obtain a work permit tied to that specific employer. The only way you can avoid the LMIA process is if your occupation qualifies under NAFTA.

[20-12-2014,18:46]
[**.24.49.154]
Anonymous
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
I have work experience in the states, but most of it is labor and retail based. Nothing much in terms of skilled trades. I have some basic welding experience from 2 years ago, but I was only with that company for 3 months. Where could I find an employer that would hire me based on this?
[21-12-2014,17:38]
[***.238.151.8]
Evan
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
Sorry - I don´t know where you would look for an employer. You don´t fall under NAFTA so in order to hire you your employer will need to obtain an approved LMIA.
[21-12-2014,21:20]
[**.24.49.154]
Anonymous
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
Is it possible to work in the US and live in Canada during the immigration process?
[22-12-2014,09:12]
[***.238.151.8]
Evan
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
Do you mean cross the border each day to go to work? If so, then no - not possible. You´re not allowed to "live" in Canada until your have PR status. All you can do is visit. If you´re crossing the border each day then sooner or later you´re going to be refused entry into Canada since you´re behaving as a resident rather than a visitor. Worst still, you might be issued an exclusion order and told you can´t re-enter Canada for a year which would mess up any sponsorship application in progress.
[22-12-2014,14:22]
[***.205.241.254]
Anonymous
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
How long does it usually take to get a PR card after submitting your application for spousal immigration. Sponsorship and all
[22-12-2014,22:17]
[***.238.151.8]
Evan
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
If you are an American and apply using the outside of Canada application route, it can take anywhere from five months to over a year.
[24-12-2014,09:15]
[***.205.241.254]
Anonymous
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
5 months - 2 years average
[24-12-2014,13:16]
[***.115.153.178]
DocD
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
Certain In-Canada Spousal Applicants can now be granted a work permit while processing takes place.

Roy
cvimmigration.com

[25-12-2014,08:11]
[***.34.128.147]
Roy
(in reply to: Spousal Visa/Immigration please help?)
How exactly do I qualify for that Roy?
[27-12-2014,08:44]
[***.238.151.8]
Evan