Immigration to Canada

[MsLinus]

I'm curious as to how others have dealt with having a partner in the US (or elsewhere) and how you dealt with Immigration. I've been looking at a variety of sites -- HRDC, CIC, Legit.ca, etc. -- for information and do find it rather overwhelming. What I'm interested in the most is how successful you were at getting the partner Landed Immigration Status and/or Work Permit in Canada.

[BCtboi]

Do you get into Toronto often? The 519 has weekly or biweekly meetings with members of LEGIT as well as an immigration lawyer. You can also check their website, it has a lot of info. http://www.legit.ca/

[HavUSeenMyLpstik]

MsLinus,

I wish I could help but I really don't have any suggestions for you. I just wanted to wish you and yours the very best towards this.

Hav

[MsLinus]

Do you get into Toronto often? The 519 has weekly or biweekly meetings with members of LEGIT as well as an immigration lawyer. You can also check their website, it has a lot of info. http://www.legit.ca/

I actually found a LEGIT in Hamilton and have contacted them for more info. I was looking for anyone's experience here but I guess that's far and few between. I dread that this might take a few too many months/years. :(

Hav: thanks! It's always nice to know family here is supportive. :)

[FemmeInterrupted]

I'm curious as to how others have dealt with having a partner in the US (or elsewhere) and how you dealt with Immigration. I've been looking at a variety of sites -- HRDC, CIC, Legit.ca, etc. -- for information and do find it rather overwhelming. What I'm interested in the most is how successful you were at getting the partner Landed Immigration Status and/or Work Permit in Canada.

Hey MsLinus :)

my Husband and i were married here in Toronto in 2004. ( yes, a Butch import from the west coast! hehehe) The whole immigration process is and was overwhelming. In our case, it was an In Canada, Family Class application and it took for everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. We didn't use a lawyer, though we did do tons of research before hand. There are tons of 'hoops' to jump through and timing very much depends on the class of application and whether or not the application packages are filled out correctly, with all the needed documents, medical clearances, etc etc.

Really really really frustrating experience:@

But...i am happy to say that it's all over now. But the ride took about two years! If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask :)

Good luck!
~femme~

[BardicSong]

Hmm..how did I miss this thread? I posted in the other event thread responding to your note, MsLinus, regarding immigration.

Murph and I are going through the process now. If you want to chat, it's always good to share experiences.

Cheers,

Bard

[Woodie69]

Rosie and I were actually thinking of moving to Canada. Now Rosie isn't too keen on it with her parents aging. I am ready to go at the drop of a hat. Why? To get the heck out of the US. It seems that Canada is more willing to help their own people first than policing everyone everywhere. Second, healthcare issues when dealing with trans folks. Lastly, employment rates. Maybe it's just me, but I think here in the US we are just so far behind in the times. This is going to take us years to get ourselves out of the mess that the Bush's have put us in. Plus with Rosie and I aging...we have to think of our future, and what is in store here for us in the US.

Andrew

[Tristyn]

I tried to immigrate an ex of mine from the U.S. up here to Canada, got the forms and everything so I know how hard of a process it is to get someone from across the border up here. You'd absolutely love it here Andrew as would Rosie, but I can understand her concern about her parents!

[DallasLesbian]

Rosie and I were actually thinking of moving to Canada. Now Rosie isn't too keen on it with her parents aging. I am ready to go at the drop of a hat. Why? To get the heck out of the US. It seems that Canada is more willing to help their own people first than policing everyone everywhere. Second, healthcare issues when dealing with trans folks. Lastly, employment rates. Maybe it's just me, but I think here in the US we are just so far behind in the times. This is going to take us years to get ourselves out of the mess that the Bush's have put us in. Plus with Rosie and I aging...we have to think of our future, and what is in store here for us in the US.

Andrew

Andrew, I've actually been thinking along the same lines. I'm only commited to the states for 5 more years. And I'm ready to go somewhere. Canada is looking better and better all the time.

[ABbutch]

its easier if the person is here in Canada....get a visitors visa first....a work permit is difficult ...unless you already have a job lined up here.

[Angel Crashing]

The easiest (fastest) way to immigrate is under the family class. It's true that someone could come in under the work class, but it takes much longer.

We did an In Canada Family Class application as well, and it took us 16 months from the day our application was sent until the day it was complete. We used a lawyer, but that was because the process is more complicated when immigrating to Quebec.

There are a lot of things you can do ahead of time to make things easier. There is another thread here about this where both Cin and I (and others) shared more information: http://www.butch-femme.com/portal/forums/showthread.php?t=21724

In general, you are eligible to sponsor your partner if you have the financial means, you do not owe the government any money, have a job, are not on welfare, you are not married and neither is your partner (or if either of you have ever been married, you have your divorce certificate), and your partner has no criminal record. Health concerns are not a factor for the immigrating partner under the family class.

CIC says it takes 8 months on average to complete the process, but I don't know of anyone who got it done in under a year. A word about mistakes on applications: it's true that there are more delays than you might imagine because of mistakes. I know of at least 3 couples who were delayed by months because of tiny mistakes, which is another reason we used a lawyer.

Also to Woodie and anyone else who seriously does want to come here without being sponsored by a Canadian, it is possible, and I know of several people who have done it. It takes longer, of course, but it can happen.



my Husband and i were married here in Toronto in 2004. ( yes, a Butch import from the west coast! hehehe) The whole immigration process is and was overwhelming. In our case, it was an In Canada, Family Class application and it took for everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. We didn't use a lawyer, though we did do tons of research before hand. There are tons of 'hoops' to jump through and timing very much depends on the class of application and whether or not the application packages are filled out correctly, with all the needed documents, medical clearances, etc etc.

Really really really frustrating experience:@

But...i am happy to say that it's all over now. But the ride took about two years! If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask :)

Good luck!
~femme~

[TheFrozenNorth]

I have been wondering about this alot myself Ms Linus as that my secondary partner is in Canada, and my primary and I are in the states.

Alot of things pertaining to immigration have been running though my mind.

If anyone has some insight into the process of immigrating to Canada, would love to hear about it and educate myself about it all.

[BardicSong]

*Bump*

This thread is very resourceful.

Just had to say that.

B.

[curley]

hi try this link
http://www.barbarafindlay.com/
she ia lesbian and supportive if TG concerns as well, lots of info on her web site

[princess_pottymouth]

hi try this link
http://www.barbarafindlay.com/
she ia lesbian and supportive if TG concerns as well, lots of info on her web site

Hey wasn't she the lawyer for that transwoman (forgotten her name, I suck) in Vancouver who was suing the rape crisis centre because they were assholes and wouldn't let her volunteer because as a transwoman she couldn't possibly understand/relate to the people who use the resources of the rape crisis centre or some shit like that? This was like 2001/2002 - somewhere around that time.

IF that's who I think it is - she's a cool person. Maybe I should look at her website before blah blah blahing, though.

[Peach]

if you are planning to sponsor someone to immigrate to Canada, be SURE this relationship is what youwant. If you sponsor someone, you are financially responsible for them for THREE years. You agree to suppor them for that long, if they go on social assistance, you have to pay that back to the government. You will be held liable for all debt they incur.
Huskybutch and I are at the end of the process, just waiting for the passport to be returned so we can land. Its duanting, there are hoops, paper work upon paperwork. they want to know everything, you need medical checks, FBI background check, state police checks, fingerprints, proof of your relationship, it IS easier if you are married. if you arent, you will ahve to explain why you cant marry.
outside spousal takes 3-4 months from the time they receive your application till you get your passport back, you can stay in Canada with your spouse during this process. If you apply inland spousla, you cannot leave the country, if if you are denied, you have no option to appeal.
Phone CIC and get them to send the guide for the process you want to do, and follow each and every step, dot every i cross every t. give them everything they as for, how they as for it, and when they ask for it.
its not cheap, the processing and landing fees come to almost 1000.00, never mind the medicals, fbi checks, fingerprints, photocopies, on and on and on.
Skilled worker is even more complex. there are some LiveJournal communites and Yahoo groups deidicated to Canada Immigration.

[princess_pottymouth]

Phone CIC and get them to send the guide for the process you want to do, and follow each and every step, dot every i cross every t. give them everything they as for, how they as for it, and when they ask for it.
its not cheap, the processing and landing fees come to almost 1000.00, never mind the medicals, fbi checks, fingerprints, photocopies, on and on and on.

You know what I'm freaked out about this week? Getting Nick's CAR here when it's time for him to land. I heard/read (back when I was looking into buying a Vespa from the US) that you have to do some craziness to make sure that the vehicle is acceptable in Canada (I don't remember what it is - when it comes closer to the time I'll look in to it) and pay freaking federal AND provincial taxes. High holy hell!

Peah, I have one more question before I forget about this whole thing for another day (imagine me hassling you on your birthday like this!) but do we have to provide letters from friends/family members to support our relationship? On Nick's side that shouldn't be a huge problem - but there is NO WAY my parents would agree to write me any sort of a letter. Are we doomed?

[Peach]

There are forms for exporting and importing you car on the CIC site, we're doing thme this week! We did not provide letters of support, we are married and didnt need them. If you are common law or conjugal, you will need to provide way more documentation. but youa re marrying soon, right?? I'm bad for dates and stuff!

[princess_pottymouth]

but youa re marrying soon, right?? I'm bad for dates and stuff!

Friday! Today I am deep conditioning my colour-treated hair in preparation. ;)

Thanks for the information, I'm really relieved to know that married people don't need a bazillion letters from friends to legitimize their relationship.

Every time someone helps me/us and answers one of my million questions I always want to buy them something. Or bake them a cake.

[Huskybutch]

Congrats on the upcoming nuptials! Hadn't seen you around any of the other immigration sites in a while. Folks, I'm Peach's husband, Huskybutch. As she said we are nearing the end of this very long and complicated process. I'd be willing to help answer questions here since we have recent experience with the whole thing. I know it seems very daunting when you approach it, and it is rather complicated. But most folks of reasonable intelligence can complete the process without paying thousands to a lawyer or immigration consultant. Unless you have some very complicated situation. I'm not on the Forum alot, but I'd be willing to help out my fellow butches and femmes. I will probably only check in every couple of days starting next week. This week we are superbusy with company, etc. So if anyone wants to post questions starting Tuesday I will try my best to answer them. I would also recommend, if you have Live Journal that you join the Canada Bound community. In addition, Yahoo Groups has an e-mail list called canadian_immigration which you can find by searching in Yahoo Groups for that name. I have found the mailing list to be extremely helpful and the Canada Bound community fairly useful as well. Neither are exclusively gay, but there are some same-sex couples in each. I am on a same-sex immigration group on Yahoo but there are never any posts in it.

One very nice and important thing to remember is that gay marriages and relationships are treated exactly the same in Canada as heterosexual ones. There is no legal discrimination against gays in Canada, and Peach and I have never experienced any so far. It is extremely refreshing to live in a country where, for the first time in my life, I feel completely free and equal. So if you go to the CIC website to get information, which I highly recommend to everyone, anything that pertains to relationships, pertains to you. I will warn you that immigration is a long and expensive process. Binational relationships are not easy. You have to really be committed to the relationship and the process or you'll never make it through. Oh, BTW, I'm Huskyone on Canada Bound and E.T. on the mailing list if you join.

[HYSterical HERnia]

Congrats on the upcoming nuptials! Hadn't seen you around any of the other immigration sites in a while. Folks, I'm Peach's husband, Huskybutch. As she said we are nearing the end of this very long and complicated process. I'd be willing to help answer questions here since we have recent experience with the whole thing. I know it seems very daunting when you approach it, and it is rather complicated. But most folks of reasonable intelligence can complete the process without paying thousands to a lawyer or immigration consultant. Unless you have some very complicated situation. I'm not on the Forum alot, but I'd be willing to help out my fellow butches and femmes. I will probably only check in every couple of days starting next week. This week we are superbusy with company, etc. So if anyone wants to post questions starting Tuesday I will try my best to answer them. I would also recommend, if you have Live Journal that you join the Canada Bound community. In addition, Yahoo Groups has an e-mail list called canadian_immigration which you can find by searching in Yahoo Groups for that name. I have found the mailing list to be extremely helpful and the Canada Bound community fairly useful as well. Neither are exclusively gay, but there are some same-sex couples in each. I am on a same-sex immigration group on Yahoo but there are never any posts in it.

One very nice and important thing to remember is that gay marriages and relationships are treated exactly the same in Canada as heterosexual ones. There is no legal discrimination against gays in Canada, and Peach and I have never experienced any so far. So if you go to the CIC website to get information, which I highly recommend to everyone, anything that pertains to relationships, pertains to you. I will warn you that immigration is a long and expensive process. Binational relationships are not easy. You have to really be committed to the relationship and the process or you'll never make it through. Oh, BTW, I'm Huskyone on Canada Bound and E.T. on the mailing list if you join.




It is extremely refreshing to live in a country where, for the first time in my life, I feel completely free and equal.


It is nice, there are times it still amazes me the difference in two countries side by side. I've never experienced anything like it before, and would make it very difficult to go back to where we are not created free and equal. They say you don't miss what you never had. I would miss this freedom now.

[Greyson]

Ms. Linus, I have been in your position before, good luck to you. I was in the position where my ex-fiance did not have the skills/education to apply for a work visa here to the States, you are lucky.

I know for me, I am counting the days until I can immigrate to Canada and make her my permanent home. No, I do not have a fiance or gf waiting for me in Canada, but I have been fortunate enough to fall in love with this country. Everytime I cross the border, I breath a sigh of relief and know, I am home.

[MsLinus]

Ms. Linus, I have been in your position before, good luck to you. I was in the position where my ex-fiance did not have the skills/education to apply for a work visa here to the States, you are lucky.

I know for me, I am counting the days until I can immigrate to Canada and make her my permanent home. No, I do not have a fiance or gf waiting for me in Canada, but I have been fortunate enough to fall in love with this country. Everytime I cross the border, I breath a sigh of relief and know, I am home.

Actually, things have changed. I'm now working my way to the US. I am lucky that my company is in a huge growth spurt and has openings. I think I've pretty much landed a position down there but am waiting for the necessary red tape details. I suspect at some point we'll return as I do feel there is more protection of the LGBTQ in Canada compared to the US but that might be a while yet before we do that.

[HYSterical HERnia]

Actually, things have changed. I'm now working my way to the US. I am lucky that my company is in a huge growth spurt and has openings. I think I've pretty much landed a position down there but am waiting for the necessary red tape details. I suspect at some point we'll return as I do feel there is more protection of the LGBTQ in Canada compared to the US but that might be a while yet before we do that.


with us my wife is more than qualified, educated and skilled. Our final decision was based on the rights and freedoms Canada has to offer. MsLinus, I wish you speed on the red tape issue. No one should have to worry about a border and love.

[Anne67]

bump bringing this thread back to the forefront
ok whats everyones opinions on In Canada vs Outside Canada applications??

[tomboi1957]

my wife and I are just beginning the immigration hoop jump....She's been here with me in Canada for almost a year..we got married in Sept..she has had 2 visitor visas and we just applied for her extension. It's a long hard trek from meeting online to getting to stay together til death do you part so you better be damn sure this is what you want.

[PwrFemme]

I found it very interesting that I should come across this thread today, fate maybe. My partner and I have been discussing the idea of moving our family to Canada. We don't feel at home in the U.S. and haven't for years and it feels like it is going to get worse. We are both Kucinich supporters and have heard many Canadians compliment him but very few Americans. Our thoughts are that there are people up there who think like we do. Thank you all for posting here, I have enjoyed reading them all and have found them helpful. Now we will start the process of researching and see if there is a chance we can move north in a few years. If anyone has advice for two women and three children wishing to migrate to Canada please respond here or email me.
Thanks so much!

[tomboi1957]

I wish you all the luck in the world and would welcome you personally to Canada if given the chance to do so....Canada is, in my opinion, very gay friendly...I'm fortunate to be living in a very gay friendly city which had a gay mayor a few years ago...before Canada as a federal government made same sex marriages legal across our country. My wife is from the US and unfortunately, hates it here.

[PwrFemme]

I wish you all the luck in the world and would welcome you personally to Canada if given the chance to do so....Canada is, in my opinion, very gay friendly...I'm fortunate to be living in a very gay friendly city which had a gay mayor a few years ago...before Canada as a federal government made same sex marriages legal across our country. My wife is from the US and unfortunately, hates it here.

Thank you Tomboi, I'll keep that personal welcome in mind. I visited BC in 2002 and loved it and neither of us likes the cold/snow so I imagine we will be researching that area. I am sorry to say I am familiar with some of the city names but not where they are located so I had better get to studying. Again, thank you for the wishes:)

[Huskybutch]

Wow, hadn't checked this thread in a while as it was SO quiet after I posted my offer to help. Anyway, if you don't have a family member in Canada to sponsor you, then you'll have to go the skilled worker route. That process takes about two years. You will need to go to the CIC (Immigration Canada) website http://www.cic.gc.ca and take the test to see if you have enough points. I believe if you have one of the needed skills you might be able to get faster processing. My suggestion would be to spend some time reading on the site and then to join a mailing list. Do a search on Yahoo Groups because I know there's a skilled worker mailing list. Here's another site you might find useful:
http://www.us2canada.com/

[Huskybutch]

I would always recommend the outside application, even if you're living inside. You're allowed to apply outside even if you're already in Canada. The reason being that an outside applications takes 3-4 months start to finish unless there are special circumstances, and an inside application can take a year. The only advantage of the inside application is that you can get a work permit before you get your Permanent Residence and you have "legal status" to remain in Canada until your PR is granted. But the outside is so fast that it just makes more sense in most cases.

[Huskybutch]

Tomboi wrote:
I wish you all the luck in the world and would welcome you personally to Canada if given the chance to do so....Canada is, in my opinion, very gay friendly...I'm fortunate to be living in a very gay friendly city which had a gay mayor a few years ago...before Canada as a federal government made same sex marriages legal across our country. My wife is from the US and unfortunately, hates it here.


Sorry to hear your wife hates it - what does she hate about Canada? I do miss the U.S. at times, but on the whole being legally married here and facing zero discriminate outweighs the things I miss. I don't think I could ever go back to the US unless my marriage was valid there and attitudes changed? I just found it too oppressive. BTW, I live on Vancouver Island and the climate here is way milder than the rest of Canada, if weather is the issue for your wife.

[Beachcomber]

Wow, hadn't checked this thread in a while as it was SO quiet after I posted my offer to help. Anyway, if you don't have a family member in Canada to sponsor you, then you'll have to go the skilled worker route. That process takes about two years. You will need to go to the CIC (Immigration Canada) website http://www.cic.gc.ca and take the test to see if you have enough points. I believe if you have one of the needed skills you might be able to get faster processing. My suggestion would be to spend some time reading on the site and then to join a mailing list. Do a search on Yahoo Groups because I know there's a skilled worker mailing list. Here's another site you might find useful:
http://www.us2canada.com/

I know this is an old thread, but I am excited to be at the end of my process under the skilled worker. The rules have changed, but if anyone has any question please feel free to contact me.