So, it’s official. You’re getting married and your whole family will be travelling to join you for this important event. You have your outfit; the rings are chosen and the date is set. Now, you can’t wait for your spouse to move into the home you will be sharing in Canada.
Well you may have to wait and be patient because once you are officially married, there are quite a few steps and hurdles before your beloved arrives on Canadian soil.
What the law says
Canadian immigration law states if you are married or are in a common law relationship with a Permanent resident or Canadian citizen, you can be sponsored to Canada as a permanent resident.
Among other things, the law also states that when you become a permanent resident, your children under the age of 22 will become permanent residents as well.
What that means for you and your family?
Getting married or committing to an exclusive long-term relationship is a big deal and should be taken seriously. When you choose to marry or join your partner in a common law relationship, you also commit to sponsoring this person and providing for them for a number of years.
Firstly, you want to make sure your application for permanent residence is properly completed and documented. Errors and omissions will cause delays. If some elements are missing, the whole file will be sent back for you to resubmit.
If you choose the common law option, make sure you can demonstrate you have lived together in a committed relationship for 12 months or more before applying. The day you first met is not sufficient to consider the beginning of the union.
Unfortunately, your experience and the waiting period will also depend on your spouse or partner’s country of origin. Canadian visa offices are not spread out equally throughout the world and some countries have a high demand or low acceptance rate. Take the time to prepare your file properly because you are better safe than sorry.
Arriving to Canada
Before your partner arrives, you have had ample time to discuss your future plans and goals as a couple. Once they are here, and depending on their level of preparedness, you may need to assist them in finding the services appropriate to their situation.
This includes, but is not limited to language training; updating skills or continuing education; finding a job or starting a business; adjusting to the weather, the holidays and social interactions; understanding the laws, customs and culture in Canada; dealing with the challenges of loneliness and integration.
Adjusting to Canada?
For some, social or professional integration will be more difficult. Even though you made the choice to start a new life in a new country, this awareness alone will not prevent culture shock.
You will be tempted to look for your fellow compatriots to temporarily avoid the discomfort of the unknown. However, do not limit yourself to these social interactions. Rather, embrace all that Canada has to offer.
Travelling back to your country of origin to visit friends and family you left behind will also be very tempting. Should you limit your travels within Canada for the first few years, not only will you acquire a better knowledge of the country, but you will also accede to Canadian citizenship a lot quicker.
For specific legal advice, please contact Olalere Law Office for a consultation either by phone or Whatsapp at +16137997572 or reach us via email Olalere@CanadianImmigrationLawyer.com. We care to see you move, settle and prosper in Canada.
