Vanessa

Hello,

My South African fiance came here on a mulitple entry visitor's visa
in December of 2003. After renewing the visa by crossing the border we
were granted another 6 months. We then applied for an extension and
were open and honest about why we were applying. We said that we were
working toward the one year co-habitiation date for a common-law visa.
We told them that we were hoping to have a formal wedding and would
like to wait until we could afford to have both families together. We
were granted the 6 months. In January of 2004 we sent away our
application for a common-law visa. I have since learned that this
takes over a year. Because we have an application in-progess do we
need to attempt to renew our visitor's visa again? Could we be
considered in the clear because our application is undecided thus far?

My second question is if we are considered a legitimate common-law
couple even though he is on a visitor's visa? I feel that our
application gives sufficient proof of an on-going relationship over a
six year period. I have no doubt that they will consider us an
authentic couple.
Do I have reason to be concerned?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely yours,

Vanessa