Getting married while PR common law sponsorship in progress

[espresso87]

Would it be frowned upon to get married while our PR application for common law sponsorship is in progress? How would we go about this?

 

[armoured]

Would it be frowned upon to get married while our PR application for common law sponsorship is in progress? How would we go about this?

It's not that uncommon. You would go about this like any other couple planning to get married: go to city hall or equivalent for a marriage licence (check what identification needed), book a time/make arrangements with someone with the permission to officiate at marriages (many city halls will have some recommendations and/or space, or many/most religious organisations do), get the marriage done (witnesses etc as needed), wait for the marriage certificate (varies by province and possibly delays in covid time, perhaps four to eight weeks?). Note documentation requirements may be more demanding if either of you has been divorced.

Note: saying this with NO information on whether it will resolve your spouse's status issues.

 

[espresso87]

It's not that uncommon. You would go about this like any other couple planning to get married: go to city hall or equivalent for a marriage licence (check what identification needed), book a time/make arrangements with someone with the permission to officiate at marriages (many city halls will have some recommendations and/or space, or many/most religious organisations do), get the marriage done (witnesses etc as needed), wait for the marriage certificate (varies by province and possibly delays in covid time, perhaps four to eight weeks?). Note documentation requirements may be more demanding if either of you has been divorced.

Note: saying this with NO information on whether it will resolve your spouse's status issues.

Yes. so the issue is that we have had our wedding planned for July 17th for almost a year (not a spur of the moment decision and we can prove that with contracts etc) That would be our religious ceremony and reception. However, we were wondering if we did another small and civil ceremony now before the decision of our common law sponsorship, would it look bad? Neither of us have been divorced or anything.

 

[armoured]

Yes. so the issue is that we have had our wedding planned for July 17th for almost a year (not a spur of the moment decision and we can prove that with contracts etc) That would be our religious ceremony and reception. However, we were wondering if we did another small and civil ceremony now before the decision of our common law sponsorship, would it look bad? Neither of us have been divorced or anything.

I personally don't think it will look bad or odd from what you've described of your circumstances.

As noted, there is no guarantee it will resolve the other pending matters. But I can't see how it will hurt.

 

[espresso87]

I personally don't think it will look bad or odd from what you've described of your circumstances.

As noted, there is no guarantee it will resolve the other pending matters. But I can't see how it will hurt.

I thought so as well. It’s not like marriage came as a last minute decision! We would then have to quickly notify immigration Canada correct?
If we are refused as common law but are married and reapply quickly as married but my partner is out of status, do you think it would still be ok as long as we have a new application pending? We would just prefer to do these applications in land.

 

[armoured]

I thought so as well. It’s not like marriage came as a last minute decision! We would then have to quickly notify immigration Canada correct?
If we are refused as common law but are married and reapply quickly as married but my partner is out of status, do you think it would still be ok as long as we have a new application pending? We would just prefer to do these applications in land.

Yes, you'd then notify IRCC.

I repeat, I do not know about the issues about your spouse's status. It seems to me you've asked them and been answered already in another thread.

If you want more professional advice, hire a lawyer.

 

[espresso87]

Yes, you'd then notify IRCC.

I repeat, I do not know about the issues about your spouse's status. It seems to me you've asked them and been answered already in another thread.

If you want more professional advice, hire a lawyer.

Yes, thank you! Just wanted a variety of opinions but will now be hiring a lawyer