Canadian Residency requirements

[JMilroy 0]

My American wife might be coming to Canada for school. How long does she have to reside here in Toronto and does she have to work as well as going to school for us to be able to obtain a visa via DCF. Thanks.

[canadian_wife 1,827]

http://www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/i...sa_relative.asp

I think she must live there for 6 months. However, if she is going to school there you may wish to wait to file as once the visa is issued, you have 6 months to move to the U.S. As for working, I am not sure she is able to work if she is on a student visa but you will need a residence in the U.S. plus she will need 125% above the poverty line.

Good luck!

[trailmix 77]

Hi,

Yes, it is six months - you would then be able to file the I-130 at your local embassy/consulate, which will cut down on the processing time, generally:

Note on jurisdiction. Immigrant visa processing at the United States Consulate General in Montreal is limited to:

• Canadian citizens and landed immigrants.

• Non-Canadians who reside temporarily in Canada and have the permission of the Canadian government to remain in Canada at least six months (for example, those on a study permit).

• Persons now residing in the United States whose most recent foreign residence was in Canada. “Most recent foreign residence” means that you were a student, temporary worker, or landed immigrant in Canada for at least six months prior to moving to the United States.

Please note that this list does not include refugee claimants, unless and until they have subsequently been granted refugee status in Canada. link

You will also probably want to have a look at the DCF guide and then the CR1 guide:

DCF Guide

CR1 Guide

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Indeed, six months. Remember to bring her study permit and a copy when you guys file your I-130. We forgot to do that and got an RFE!!!!

Best of luck!!!