Question on spousal visa or Common law

[fab]

Hi,

I have a serious relationship with my girl and we want to move to Canada.

Can we get a civil marriage in her country( Colombia) with almost no ceremony, only friends, and than we would have over one year of living together after the marriage.

Would that be vaild? would it be spousal or common law?

thank you

 

[Rob_TO]

Hi,

I have a serious relationship with my gril and we want to move to Canada.

Can we get a civil marriage in her country( Colombia) with almost no ceremony, only friends, and than we would have over one year of living together after the marriage.

Would that be vaild? would it be spousal or common law?

If you get married then apply, that would be spousal. If you apply as living together for 12-months but not married, that is common-law.

Both are acceptable. However keep in mind a civil ceremony only with no celebration ceremony, minimal friends, no family etc will look suspicious, and could be viewed as "marriage of convenience" which means the only reason you got married is to gain immigration status.

How long have you been in a relationship together? The longer this time is... the better chance you would have with even a minimal wedding.

 

[fab]

thanks for your answer

right now one year, 6 months living together, going back right now in 2 weeks.

I'm just looking at whats the best option:
getting married no ceremony... and we will be living together for a year in Colombia apply spousal

or not getting married and live together for one year and apply for common law.

What do you think?

 

[Rob_TO]

thanks for your answer

right now one year, 6 months living together, going back right now in 2 weeks.

I'm just looking at whats the best option:
getting married no ceremony... and we will be living together for a year in Colombia apply spousal

or not getting married and live together for one year and apply for common law.

What do you think?

So to clarify... you were dating for 6 months, then moved in together for 6 months. But you had to leave Columbia but are returning soon?

If you've left Columbia at some point and stopped living together, you would most likely have to start common-law time from scratch again and live together continuous for 1 year.

Since you've already been in a relationship over a year, it should be no problem to get married and apply as spousal. If possible try to do something a little more than just a civil ceremony. Have a slightly bigger celebration/dinner after, and invite as many friends and family as you can. Showing proof of a legitimate wedding will be very important in your application.

 

[fab]

Thanks yes We have been in a relationship for a year now, but was living with her for 6 months.

I do understand that we have to go over the same process for common law for one year and than maybe I could apply as common law..