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Permanent Residency for Spouse 

sl76
sl76
Posts: 15


Posted On: 3/16/2015
sl76
sl76
Posts: 15
Hello,

I'm a Canadian citizen currently working in Seoul. I have been working here for the past 15 years and have gotten married during this time (this year is our 10th anniversary).

My family and I are planning on moving to Toronto later this summer. Both of my sons have their Canadian citizenship cards, but my wife is a Korean citizen. I was hoping to apply for her permanent residency before we left. On the CIC site, it states that I would be able to apply for her permanent residency even though we are both residing outside of Canada at the moment. It also states that I would need to demonstrate that we will live in Canada WHEN she becomes a permanent resident. Does this mean that if we apply for her permanent residency while living outside of Canada, we will not be able to enter Canada before she becomes a permanent resident? In other words, would we be able to apply for her permanent residency now while we're living in Korea, move to Toronto in the summer, and have the process be completed while we're living there?

I know that we can also apply for her permanent residency once we are living in Toronto, but would she be allowed to enter Canada as an immigrant if we plan to apply after landing?

I apologize for the long message, but I haven't been able to get any assistance on our situation. I have asked the embassy but I wasn't able to get any responses that helped. and the CIC site doesn't have information on this kind of situation (or at least, I wasn't able to find it anywhere).

Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4142


Posted On: 3/26/2015
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4142
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us.

Regarding the different application processes available, you can find some additional information regarding what your options are in our Settlement.Org How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law partner or dependent child from inside Canada? and How do I sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child living outside of Canada? articles.

Regarding your questions,

Does this mean that if we apply for her permanent residency while living outside of Canada, we will not be able to enter Canada before she becomes a permanent resident?

In other words, would we be able to apply for her permanent residency now while we're living in Korea, move to Toronto in the summer, and have the process be completed while we're living there?

I know that we can also apply for her permanent residency once we are living in Toronto, but would she be allowed to enter Canada as an immigrant if we plan to apply after landing?


Unfortunately, we cannot provide a definitive response regarding whether or not it will be possible for them to do that. In either of the situations you have described above, it is difficult for us to say whether or not it will be possible. We have had many users state that they have been able to travel to and enter Canada. However, unfortunately, there are no guarantees.

We have had some of our users previously state that they have been able to contact CIC from abroad by dialing 1 613 944 4000. Listen to the options to get to CIC. Then you should be transferred to the CIC Call Centre.

Please note though that some have reported that it did not work for them or that it is no longer working.

You may want to give it a try.

Long distance charges will apply.

We hope that others who have gone through either application process can share their experiences and suggestions with you.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
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