I met my boyfriend online. He lives in the U.S. and I live in Canada. He wants to come here so we can be together. The problem is that citizenship takes three years during which time he cannot work (to my understanding). I can't support him because I am disabled and living on a pension. Does anyone have any additional information that might help him get here faster and be able to earn a living? Marriage is also an option as that is our plan anyway.
Thanks so much!
2006-07-01 03:12:45 · 4 answers · asked by Cheryl K 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
You an I are practically going through the same thing right now. I married an American and I am trying to get him up here so I will tell you what I am doing.
Please understand that marriage doesn't do anything other than legally marry you two. It has no pull or it doesn't speed up the process...trust me.
Since you are on a limited income, I don't suggest that you do the spousal sponsorship. There are two types of spousal sponsorship(from within Canada and from Outside) You have to be married to apply for this type of application. What this application does is make you financially responsible for him for anywhere from 3-10years. So unless you make enough money to financially support his basic needs, I suggest you try a work visa of some sort.
Does he have any trades or specific work skills? If so he can try and apply for a work visa, it is based on a point system. He can come to Canada to visit for up to 6 months at a time and can extend his visit with paper work. As far as working, within that time he can apply for jobs but what has to happen is the employer has to perform a labour assessment and if he is given a confirmation then he can apply for a visa outside Canada (Buffalo, NY) and he gets a work visa within a month or so. Or while he is up here he can look and if an employer has a job for him, and a letter stating a job offer. There are border crossings that will issue a work visa right there. Provided that they have that letter and paper work.
It is a long process, it will not go any faster. Do your homework before you decide on what type of paperwork. It could take anywhere between 6 months to 16 months for various types of applications or visas.... so be prepared for the long haul
2006-07-01 08:55:25 · answer #1 · answered by June 28/10, its a boy! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answers above are accurate. I deal with Canadians on a daily basis and have asked about getting Canadian citizenship (I want to retire there). I have been told that it is much easier for an American to get citizenship than any other country. In the meantime, get a work visa.
2006-07-01 10:38:22 · answer #2 · answered by Made in America 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are work visas. Just put "immigration" and "Canada" into your browser. There are governmental web sites that go into this.
2006-07-01 10:30:05 · answer #3 · answered by DAR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it takes 3 years to become a citizen. but you don't need to be a citizen to work or go to school. long as he enters legally and gets his 'landed immigrant status' it will be all right
2006-07-01 10:16:17 · answer #4 · answered by dorionland 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋