Hi, I'm a USC my wife is Canadian and was born in Toronto. Next month would equal my stay in Canada to exactly 12 months. I have a question though, I'm not a permanent resident but I'm legal. I spent the first 6 months simply as a tourist and left to buffalo for a week to apply for a Canadian work permit which expires next month. I got my work permit through BUNAC and I have a social insurance number and Ontario ID card. Would I qualify to sponsor my wife under DCF under these conditions or do I have to be a permanent resident?

PS: we were married in New York

Thanks,
Craig

I'm not sure a BUNAC visa would be acceptable to them or not... All you can do is call the consulate and ask...

Did you read the pinned post in this forum "DCF Canada"?
Did you read the official link inside that describes how to file I-130 in Canada?
"Documents required at the time of filing an I-130 visa petition in person at U.S. Mission offices in Canada."
-Evidence of Petitioner's Residence in Canada, such as a provincial healthcare card or local drivers license.

Did you read the DCF Guide? It's helpful reading before you call your Consulate. Note that there is no official one-year residency requirement in writing, or any mention of what type of visa you have to have, or permanent residence/not.
Don't make problems that aren't there. Read carefully before you call.
Let us know your outcome!

I cant call now its late. But you are saying theres no one year requirement for Canada?. If so I think that is great. I will post the outcome how long it toke etc...

Thanks,
Craig

hi Craig,
If you identify as knowing nothing about immigration, I highly recommend that you get a couple of days reading under your belt before you file anything. Some moves are hard to retract once you've started.

The DCF Guide (blue tab, top o' page) is a good start and has links to deeper information when you're ready for it.

I'm not saying that there is or is not a 'one year' residency requirement (moot point for you--you're already there) but am encouraging you to read the details carefully in the website information.

You will also need to prove US income and domicile---more info on that in the Guide.

If you read something that you don't understand fully, don't be shy to ask! Hopefully someone can translate it into regular language for you, or point you to a better source.

Thanks I found the link, I will read up. Thanks.