Applying for Spousal Visa without being in the US

[stevensalty85 0]

Hello everyone,

Here's my situation. My wife and I got married in December 2014 and I got PR for Canada about 8 months ago but things aren't looking as bright here for us as when we started this process. A lot of annoying stuff goes into why we chose to move to Canada and I don't want to get into it (over-bearing in-laws). Anyway, she's a teacher and the waitlist where we are is 5-8 years for a full-time job and that's just not something we want to wait out. I'm from California originally and would love to be back out West.

Everything I've read on the USCIS website says that the sponsor needs to reside in the US, have an income, etc. I could look for a job and do it that way but we've already spent over a year apart while waiting for Canadian immigration to come through and we're not really up for it again. Can we apply for PR here and then start looking for work when we know that the process is close to being finished? Or would I have to find a job in the States first? I assume that it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for her to get a work visa for teaching high school. Also, because I never seem to get a clear answer on this, how long does the visa process usually take for Canadian spouses?

Sorry if these questions have been asked before, it's my first post here and I'm already pretty tired from searching around on google.

Thanks for your time!

[Transborderwife 4,666]

You'd need to establish domicile and be financially stable enough to sponsor. The process is about a year but she receives ability to work upon entry and greencard equivalent. It may mean some time apart, but she should be able to visit.

[Harpa Timsah 13,263]

You can stay in Canada but you'll need a cosponsor for the financial part and prove intent to reestablish domicile. Plenty of time to figure that part out as it comes later.

[Ryan H 3,925]

You can stay in Canada but you'll need a cosponsor for the financial part and prove intent to reestablish domicile. Plenty of time to figure that part out as it comes later.

At some point, the OP will need to return to the US before the process is complete. Montreal is very strict on the domicile issue.

[Harpa Timsah 13,263]

That's a shame.