Study Love

[frenger]

I lived in Canada for a year with a temporary work permit, which
expired. However, I want to go back to give things a go with a loved
one and see if things could work out between us. I've recently been
thinking of doing a course here in the UK as my Sociology degree isn't
helping me get a good job. Therefore, I had the idea of combining the
two things - study in Canada, live with my partner, see how it goes
and if it works out apply for common law or get married. Is this a
plan that works? In terms of schools, I'd have to consider the cost
before I chose what and where I wanted to be. I was thinking maybe a
Journalism or Finance course that would be a year or two (long enough
for us to decide if we were doing the right thing, and long enough for
it to look a legitimate partnership).

Can anyone help me with advice, experience, tips and general feed
back? I'd really appreciate it. Also is there a numbger to call in
the UK for advice. I know Canada has one but can't find one here.
- jojo

[Tsveta]

That is a great idea. If you come here to study there is no need your partner to sponsor you and you can apply for a PR yourself.

This is the Canadian visa office in London: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/offices/missions/london.html

[frenger]

thanks, great help.
Where should I start looking in terms of schools?
And assuming i get accepted, how do I go about PR and how long would it take?

[Tsveta]

First, in which province do you want to go? Here is a list of Canadian Universities and Colleges:
http://www.uottawa.ca/inetres/cdnlist.html

[frenger]

I know I want to go to Vancouver. I think the Journalism course at Langara is of interest to me. I'm trying to figure out the costs at the moment and whether I should and can afford to do more than 1-2 years. Would this be long enough for me to apply for PR or common law? And would I have to apply for it when i arrived or after I'd lived with my partner for a full year? It's a lot to think of and there are so many questions I have.

The Canadian Visa office link provided me with a phone number, but do they allow people to call with a list of questions regarding advice and help?

[lana]

Just call them to find out.

If you want to apply for PR as a common law partner you have to live with him/her for at least 1 year and here is a list of documents you have to provide to prove your relationship:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/sponsor/familymembers.html

"Joint bank accounts, residential leases, rental receipts, joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone), joint management of household expenses, proof of joint purchases, especially for household items, or correspondence addressed to either person or both people at the same address."