I want to move to Canada?

Question

My boyfriend lives in Canada, and I am a US citizen...but i want t o move to British Columbia with him.
What are the laws regarding me becoming a citizen, and if we get married does that change the requirements or anyhting?
I would need a job when i am there though to pay for things, but i dont know how long it takes to become a citizen and get a job and all of that sutff.
I appreciate all of your advice and help!

Answer 1

The first step before becoming a citizen is applying for permanent residency. You must have lived in Canada a permanent resident for 3 years prior to applying for citizenship. However, permanent residency bestows most right and privileges, other than voting, and politics.

Yes, in Canada, it makes a difference if you are married. The difference is this ... you can live in Canada as a visitor while processing your permanent residency application. However, you cannot work or study as a visitor.

As far as your boyfriend sponsoring you for permanent residency, Canada does not have a fiance visa such as the U.S. does. However, Canada does have a commonlaw marriage law, so if you have lived together for a year (which I assume you haven't), it is considered the same as a marriage, including for the purposes of immigration.

The other way you could come to Canada to live other than having boyfriend sponsor you is if you can find a job with an employer who will sponsor you. There are some strict guidelines for employers on doing this.

Basically, you are looking at 12-18+ months if your boyfriend sponsors you; if you are married, 9-12 months. Also, to reiterate, if you are married and can get by without working for 6-12 months, you can come live on a visitors visa.

Here is the Immigration website. It is very easy to understand. All the forms, instructions, a check offguide, and fee information is included to download. It will cost you $1200 or so for all application fees and related expenses.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/
.

If I can help more, email me at [e-mail]

Answer 2

Here is the website for the Canadian immigration bureau:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html

Best of luck to you!