Hi guys. I have lived in Canada, Vancouver for 2 years now. I recently started a relationship with my best friend from England and have not got a clue how to move him over here. He has his own printing business in England which doesn't fall under any of the categories listed for him applying for residency. I have looked at sponsoring him to come over, but we don't fall under any of the categories for that either!!!!!! Surely we don't have to settle for marriage yet??????? What I want to know is have any of you guys been in this position, and if so, what the bloody hell did you do? Any comments or advice really appreciated guys Leanne.

Hmm, that's a tricky one. My husband and I also had a relationship similar to yours - friends first then got more serious. But we simply had a long-distance relationship for a couple of years, then got married. From what I can see, it's probably what you would have to do too.
Or maybe he can come over as a visitor for the max time (6 months), then you could apply as common-law? From what I understand you don't have to be living together for too long to be considered 'common-law'.
Not sure if that helps, it'll be interesting to see what others have to say on this one.

We were in a similar position - we looked into things for both countries (Canada and UK) and the only way we could be together was to get married, so we just had to bite the bullet. It is not an easy situation to be in!

Hi

You have to be living together in an "exclusive marriage like relationship" for 1 year to be considered common/law under Immigration. Depending on the OP's friends age, s/he could consider Bunac or whatever it will be called after January. Which would give him/her a 1 year open work permit if under 30.

Hey Leanne

Hope you're ok, it's been a while!

Have you got your PR now or are you still on a TWP?

I'll have a think and let you know if I come up with any brainwaves! BUNAC is most obvious way of getting him over if he's 30 or under...

Hope to see you soon,

A

Thanks cowgirl Just wanted to ask you another question or two. Was you a permanant residant when you married or a citizen? What happens once you are married, do you just apply for him to move over?

Oh and thanks to everyone else who commented. Hey Adel. Unfortunately Daniel is 33 so can't do the bunac thing! Will have to just continue the long distance thing until we decide what's best to do. What a shame hey, would have loved for him to have come over without thinking of the pressure of marraige. He is doing an IT degree at the moment, but could be a few years before that takes off. Oh well. If anyone can think of anythng just let me know. Hopefully see you soon Adel

I'm a Canadian citizen. Are you a perm resident or citizen? If you're a permanent resident you can apply for your citizenship, find all the details here: http://services3.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/r...ew.do?&lang=en

Yes, it's easy to apply for him once you're married - you would simply sponsor him. Check out the thread "Married to a Canadian...does this help me immigrate?" for details.

Any reason why he can't finish his degree in Canada? Then he can just come over on a study permit.

This is a good idea - would get him over here pretty easily, although the fees would be pretty steep as an international student.

The only other thing I can think of is if you haven't yet applied for PR...marry him first then apply for your PR - you'd then include him on your app and he'd get PR with you as your spouse. Serious stuff though!

Hope you work it out, whatever you decide

See you soon for a catch up?

Adele

As he has his own printing business, have you looked at entrepreneur or investor? Hope you find something