Immigrating to Canada

[DeadPoolX 9]

Okay, I know this website is built around people immigrating to the United States, but...how does one immigrate to Canada? It's a long story, but in a nutshell, my fiancee and I were thinking of spending several years together in Canada and then in the United States. So I'm looking for info on how to become a permanent resident (and maybe even a citizen) of Canada. Likewise, my fiancee will later become a permanent resident of the U.S. and maybe a citizen as well. So we both could be dual-citizens, which would probably make border crossings a bit easier.

Help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead of time.

[misa 2]

Canada doesn't have "fiance" visas. They will do common-law or conjugal partners but your best bet is to get married first and the file.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/sponsor/familymembers.html

[Married_my_love 0]

I got my visa and perm residence for Canada in just over 3 months, but we were already married. Hubby sponsored me from canada, as "outside applicant" and that is the fastest route. Doesn't work that way (as previously posted) in a fiancee situation. If you do want to go this route, I would consider waiting until you're married because otherwise the US citizen has to apply as an "inside applicant" and it takes a looooooong time. If you want some info in a board situation like this visit roadtocanada.com or settlement.org

good luck

[misa 2]

3 months. WOW, that is fast! Go Canada!

[MissStacey 1]

I never really thought about Immigration until I started going through it. I am curious what it is like for other for Immigrate to Canada, and how it compares to the US process.

Edited February 1, 2007 by Stacey33

[DeadPoolX 9]

Canada doesn't have "fiance" visas. They will do common-law or conjugal partners but your best bet is to get married first and the file.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/sponsor/familymembers.html

I got my visa and perm residence for Canada in just over 3 months, but we were already married. Hubby sponsored me from canada, as "outside applicant" and that is the fastest route. Doesn't work that way (as previously posted) in a fiancee situation. If you do want to go this route, I would consider waiting until you're married because otherwise the US citizen has to apply as an "inside applicant" and it takes a looooooong time. If you want some info in a board situation like this visit roadtocanada.com or settlement.org

good luck

Both of you -- thanks for the links and info! B)

[misa 2]

I never really thought about Immigration until I started going through it. I am curious what it is like for other for Immigrate to Canada, and how it compares to the US process.

From what I've read and been told by friends who petitioned spouses to Canada, it's a hell of a lot easier and faster. You fill out everything at the same time and send it all in at the same time along with your fee. And from what married my love said, it only took 3 months for her to become a permanent resident in Canada.

[Jersey Girl 2]

This will not help anyone except to make you smile. Back in 1967, when Montreal invited the world for Expo, my husband and I (both Yanks) flew into Dorval and became landed immigrants on the spot.

They X-rayed us for TB and asked if we had enough money, then sent us on our way as legal permanent residents. We breathed in the fresh air, having just escaped the War in Viet Nam, or so we thought. Then we realized everybody was speaking French.

Edited February 4, 2007 by Jersey Girl

[misa 2]

Whoa! That's incredble Jersey Girl! And funny about the everyone speaking French.