We had hired immigration lawyers to help us sort out Kiwi's work permit to see if we could extend his visa for another 2 years to give us time to sort out something more permanent. It was a long shot, considering we had a very short time to get all the paperwork sorted out. For someone who is only in the country for a year, finding a job and then convincing your boss to fill out piles of paperwork and be interviewed just for the sake of staying is very difficult to do before the deadline.
But we just had to try, otherwise Kiwi would have had to return to New Zealand in November and would have missed our (flu ridden) Christmas.
Our efforts were all for naught as the envelope enclosed a refusal letter.
What now?
I have very little idea.
We had half planned for this but keeping enthusiastic and positive limited our planning to a minimum, fearing the over-discussion would somehow jinx the decision of Citizenship & Immigration. Way to go, Kiwi! At the moment, Kiwi is an illegal immigrant unless we make moves to renew his temporary resident status. Even then, it might not be approved.
So what does this mean for Strawberry Kiwi?
Will we achingly separate while Kiwi goes back to New Zealand while I waste away here in Canada?
No, what are you stupid?
We're in this for the long-haul! If things happen to capsize completely, I will be packing my little suitcase (and giant boxes full of my work equipment) and moving to New Zealand with him!!! That's right, Strawberry is going wild! She's going to be a part of this jam! She's spreading across the land! Okay, that's enough.
I am able to acquire a Working Holiday visa for New Zealand, just like Kiwi had when he came to Canada. I will be able to live in New Zealand for up to a year, with multiple entrances allowed. This means I am still able to return to Canada to photograph the weddings I have booked this year, as well as visit during the Summer. If we leave to New Zealand in the next few months, we will be going through an entirely new Winter season, so coming back for the Summer is partly for sanity and partly for responsibility.
What if Strawberry and Kiwi get married?
Doesn't change anything, I'm afraid. Kiwi would still need to leave Canada and not be able to return unless it was for a 3-month visit.
When do we leave?
We have no idea. Things could happen where Kiwi is able to still apply for a new work permit, though I'm very doubtful of this happening because his permit is already expired. We still need to discuss things with our lawyers to see if there are any last options to stay in Canada. If not... Kiwi and I will be making plans to put our things into storage and leave in the next 2 months.
What then?
My plan is to apply for a permanent residency application to sponsor Kiwi as my common-law spouse. This means, if we're approved, that Kiwi can live and work in Canada forever. He's not a full citizen but he will be able to apply to be one after a certain duration in Canada. Is Canada our final resting destination?
Only time will tell :)
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