Help on Canadian Fiance Visa Process?

[SteveM]

Hey Folks,

I try to watch for U.S. fiance visa questions, and answer as many as I can when others don't get there first.  Now it is my turn to do the asking.

One of my wife's friends from Russia is now engaged to a Canadian.  Is there anyone here who can give me the rundown on how the Canadian visa process works, including any information on dependent children.

Thanks in advance for your assistance,

Steve M.

[Del]

... in response to Help on Canadian Fiance Visa Process?, posted by SteveM on Dec 7, 2001

Here's the website that has all the answers.
There are significant differences (and time-lines).
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigr/index2.html

[SteveM]

... in response to Re: Help on Canadian Fiance Visa Process..., posted by Del on Dec 7, 2001

Thanks Del,

Pretty steep--as I read it, it will cost $1,575 in fees to get her and her daughter to permanent resident status.  The timeline ain't so hot either, is it?

Steve M.

[Del]

... in response to I'm So Glad to be Living in the USA, posted by SteveM on Dec 7, 2001

Steve,
There are significant differences. First, the sponsor must apply (with the appropriate non-refundable application fee) and the time-line for this is between 30 and 90 days.
Then the applicant (the one who is sponsored) must submit hers/his application to the appropriate Embassy and await the interview (2 to 4 months). Then, the applicant(s) must have the medical, submit police clearances and await a visa decision (usually another 2 to 4 months). And, the right-of-landing fee ($975.00 per person) must be paid before the visa is issued.
Now, with that said, the applicant gains 'landed immigrant' (green card) status immediately upon being married.
As you see, the process is quite different - the applicant is actually being processed for a 'green card equivalent' at the front end and the time-lines are in fact much shorter to obtain this status!

[Richard]

... in response to I'm So Glad to be Living in the USA, posted by SteveM on Dec 7, 2001

Makes me glad I live in the US also.

[Mick]

... in response to Re: from reading Mick's posts (& oth..., posted by Richard on Dec 8, 2001

Hi Richard,

It did take a while although now when all the waiting is finally over I have to admit that I was ready for a longer wait, after being told that the average processing time takes 9 months...
In our case, it took "just" over 6 months - a nice Christmas present indeed...

Right now I am trying to book them for the earliest suitable flight, unfortunately this is not the right time to find a seat at the last minute..I will know more early next week about the date they will be arriving.

Regards

Mick

[Richard]

... in response to Re: Re: from reading Mick's posts (&..., posted by Mick on Dec 8, 2001

It is the 9 month figure I had remembered.  I'm glad it took less!