Hi everyone,
My long time girlfriend (3.5 years, living together since mid-April 2012 w/ signed lease) is an American citizen currently completing a masters at an accredited university in Canada (where she also completed her undergrad). When she completed her undergraduate studies, she got a post-grad work permit, saved up enough to return to school for her masters, and then "traded in" her work permit for a new study permit. Now that her studies are coming to an end and her student vis expires at the end of December, we need to figure out how best to proceed with her staying in Canada as a permanent resident. Ideally, she would like to work ASAP as we're trying to save up for a house/wedding/etc.
We qualify as a common-law couple in Canada, but it is difficult to prove as the only proof is a signed lease in both of our names (no shared bank accounts, separate cell phone bills, other bills in only my name, etc). I am not sure if only one document would prove a common-law relationship... We have signed documentation from purchasing a dog together, but that doesn't feel like it is enough. We have numerous friends who could vouch for our relationship if necessary. The only other piece of information with both both of our names on it is that she is my beneficiary on my death/disability insurance through work. Is that sufficient proof of a common-law relationship, or would it be denied?
We have discussed marriage/courthouse marriage, but both of our families have been less than happy about that idea (don't ask... long story). Ideally, we'd like to get married in the normal fashion, but the money isn't there right now. A courthouse wedding is currently our backup plan, but we're looking at all options available (especially options that would allow her to work).
To try to get her working ASAP, we have looked at programs like the SWAP program, but those are geared for Americans from American schools coming to Canada to work. There is no generic "working holiday visa" for Americans coming to Canada that I can find. I know that because she has already used her post-grad work permit (only used for 1.5 of the maximum of 3 years - can that be extended after the fact so that she can use the remaining 1.5 years? Or is it shot?), that's pretty much off the table. She currently does not have a job offer or experience in her filed that would let her go through the NAFTA process.
Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated!
My long time girlfriend (3.5 years, living together since mid-April 2012 w/ signed lease) is an American citizen currently completing a masters at an accredited university in Canada (where she also completed her undergrad). When she completed her undergraduate studies, she got a post-grad work permit, saved up enough to return to school for her masters, and then "traded in" her work permit for a new study permit. Now that her studies are coming to an end and her student vis expires at the end of December, we need to figure out how best to proceed with her staying in Canada as a permanent resident. Ideally, she would like to work ASAP as we're trying to save up for a house/wedding/etc.
We qualify as a common-law couple in Canada, but it is difficult to prove as the only proof is a signed lease in both of our names (no shared bank accounts, separate cell phone bills, other bills in only my name, etc). I am not sure if only one document would prove a common-law relationship... We have signed documentation from purchasing a dog together, but that doesn't feel like it is enough. We have numerous friends who could vouch for our relationship if necessary. The only other piece of information with both both of our names on it is that she is my beneficiary on my death/disability insurance through work. Is that sufficient proof of a common-law relationship, or would it be denied?
We have discussed marriage/courthouse marriage, but both of our families have been less than happy about that idea (don't ask... long story). Ideally, we'd like to get married in the normal fashion, but the money isn't there right now. A courthouse wedding is currently our backup plan, but we're looking at all options available (especially options that would allow her to work).
To try to get her working ASAP, we have looked at programs like the SWAP program, but those are geared for Americans from American schools coming to Canada to work. There is no generic "working holiday visa" for Americans coming to Canada that I can find. I know that because she has already used her post-grad work permit (only used for 1.5 of the maximum of 3 years - can that be extended after the fact so that she can use the remaining 1.5 years? Or is it shot?), that's pretty much off the table. She currently does not have a job offer or experience in her filed that would let her go through the NAFTA process.
Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated!