I've already posted a couple of questions - can I first of all say thank you for
taking the time to answer them.

Our situation is as follows:-

I am a full UK citizen, born in the UK. My current fiance, soon to be wife is
canadian, born in Ontario. We had a choice of trying to be together in the UK, or in
Canada and chose the UK.

She has a fiance visa to stay in the UK and we will soon extend this after our
marriage, with the intention of being here until we can save enough money to move to
canada. I presently have funds of about GBP 2,500.

I work as an accountant, my fiance is unable to work until december due to UK visa
restrictions.

If I apply as an independent applicant (skilled worker)

1. would I receive the 'bonus 5 points' for having a relative in Canada. (I don't,
but my soon to be wife clearly does as her entire family is there).
2. My UK accountancy qualification is recognised as giving exemption to all but one
examination before qualifying with the Chartered Accountants of Ontario. In
practice, lots of people work without taking this examination using their UK
qualification. The forms say my qualification has to be 'recognised in canada'.
Would I have to take this examination BEFORE claiming I qualify as an accountant
in Canada, or is the fact that it is recognised as virtually equivalent and
people work with it sufficient?
3. What sort of funds am I likely to have to demonstrate? my wife can return on her
canadian passport so does not have to 'accompany me'.
4. What is the current 'demographic factor' i.e. the figure set by the federal
government. in the form I've seen it was +8.

If my wife sponsors me....

5. I know Canadian citizens can sponsor spouses when not living in Canada, and I
know they are exempt from most of the financial requirements. what financial
requirements are left? and it is down to her to satisfy them, or for us to? my
wife is presently unable to work and has virtually no assets. I work.
6. What funds would we have to demonstrate having?

Are we better applying the independent applicant route? or the sponsorship route?

Hi Graham

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Don't even think of the independent route when you are married to a Canadian Citizen.
She will submit an undertaking for you and have to sign a declaration that once you
are issued a visa, she will immediately return to Canada. The wife will have to
submit financial details but will NOT have to meet the LICO. Spousal applications
receive the highest priority for processing.

PMM