What if My Relationship Status Changes While Applying for Canadian Immigration?

Canadian immigration has established rules and regulations for almost any situation. An immigration attorney from a qualified immigration law firm can help you understand the complexities of family immigration problems.

If your relationship status changes while awaiting a decision, you must inform the Canadian immigration visa office immediately. Most changes would necessarily have a negative impact on your application, but you need to discuss the matter with an immigration lawyer to be certain. For example, if you break up with a common law partner, there would probably be little reason for you to continue seeking immigration under that person’s sponsorship.

One the other hand, if death is the reason for the change in status, then positive outcomes can be possible. For example, if a common law spouse living in Canada dies, but children remain that are also the children of the foreign partner, then there is a possibility the foreign parent can still get a Canadian Visa. They could also apply for an emergency visa to collect minor children or attend funeral services.

Special Cases

If you have applied to join your family, but your parent dies, you may be granted a visa under the stepparent’s name. It is possible that you will have to make a new application.

· If the stepparent cannot qualify financially to support you, then you may be able to seek additional sponsors.

· Each sponsor must be able to provide you with support equalling or exceeding the 125% poverty level.

Marriage

If you are the child of Canadian permanent resident and you were unmarried, but get married while waiting for visa approval, you must inform CIC of the change in status. This will change the priority level at which your visa application is processed. You must also inform the CIC if you have a child and include the child in your application.

You will also need to make application for your spouse and any children of the spouse if you marry. This will probably cause a delay in processing your application. Immigration lawyers can advise you on the specific law relevant to your situation.

Long Distance Break-Ups

Immigration can be very hard on relationships. Whether married or not, distance can cause people to grow apart or develop new love interests. When such a change occurs, you must inform CIC and fill out the appropriate forms. Your honesty in these situations will protect the possibility that you may immigrate to Canada under another program should you ever desire to do so. Filing under another plan will require you to begin the whole process over.

Immigration law can be complex as are familial relationships. Immigration attorneys can find answers and solutions to your problems by providing the most up-to-date information on CIC’s policies and procedures.