I am a Canadian citizen wanting to get my girlfriend, who doesn't live in Canada, in Canada.?

Question

I am a Canadian citizen wanting to get my girlfriend, who lives in the Philippines, here in Canada. I'm 24, and she's 25. I am currently in the Philippines visiting her, as I do every year. What I want to know is that if we were to get married here in the Philippines, what would our next step be?

Answer 1

Go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/ and read through the section on family class immigration and applying for visa for spouse while living in Canada.

Here is a summary:
If you married, she could go to the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines and apply for a visitor visa, to come to live in Canada with you while you apply for her permanent residency status. The limitations are: 1) she cannot work or study while in Canada on the visitors visa; 2) she can bring only personal affects (clothing, personal electronics like laptop, etc.) not furniture and such; and 3) if she is denied permanent residency status, there is no appeal ... you would have to go through the process again while she is living back in the Philippines.

When you apply for the visitor visa, be prepared to answer questions like your ability to support her, a copy of your marriage certificate, and other relevant information. Read through the things you have to provide for the permanent residency application in regards to proving the marriage is not for immigration purposes, and have some of those items with you just in case you are asked.

Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 2

If you get married there in Pinas, the next step is go back to Canada while your girl back in Pinas is gathering all the documents necessary to apply for a spousal visa, i.e authenticated marriage licence, her birth cert. also authenticated from census, NBI clearance, and passport. You for the time being have to make sure you have a place of your own, a permanent job, doesn't matter how much is you /hr, as long as you can provide your income tax assmnt., a letter from your employer stating that you're currently employed, and bills showing your address on it. Go to CIC's website for guide and download application forms. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/fc.html