Hi,Im married to a Canadian citizen.Am I able to get a fiance visa and if yes how long does it take?

Question

Knowing that I need a visa to enter Canada and live with my fiancee there,is marriage the only way for our union?

Answer 1

You can get a visa but you must marry within a given period of time. I too am married to a Canadian citizen. The rules have changed since I immigrated however.

Go to yahoo groups site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/citizenshipimmigrationcanada

These people will help you and guide you through everything you need to know and do. DO NOT use one of the immigration consultants as they are slow and a big waste of money!

Also if you have a felony on record your chances are very slim of getting in but it can be done. We have had friends turned back at the border for DUI's over 20 yrs old. Be sure you have a clean record or it will be difficult.

Answer 2

Well, if you are married like you say in your question, you just need to apply for a visa. But in the other part of your comment you say that you live with your fiancee??? Are you married or not?

Unlike in the USA, there is no such thing as a fiance(e) visa in Canada. The only way is to either be married, or being able to prove that you and your fiance have lived together as common-law partners continuously for a certain period of time (maybe 12 months?), then you can apply for a visa, which can take between 6 and 12 months to obtain. Contact Immigration Canada to obtain a visa package.

Answer 3

I married a Canadian citizen, and started immigration after I'd already moved here. I had to apply first for a visitor's visa while I started proceedings, and keep reapplying to keep that up to date. Then I had to apply on humanitarian grounds so I would be allowed to stay with my husband, because I proved that it would be a hardship to be away from him. I had to go through FBI clearance, medical testing, fingerprinting, etc and had to get a US passport. It took a few years and quite a bit of money, but we got it done and I'm glad I went through it.

I'm confused though--you say in the title of your question that you're married to a Canadian citizen, but then refer to him as your fiance'. Which is it? If the union has already taken place, you'll probably have an easier time of it than if you apply to visit as a fiancee.