Q. Rather than trying to speed the immigration process up, I would like to know if there is a way of slowing it down. I am a U.S. citizen and I would like to apply for immigration now (because my situation may be less ideal later), but, if I am approved, I do not wish to immigrate to Canada for two years. I understand that a person usually has one year from the date of the medical in which to “land”. Could I delay things by not scheduling the medical immediately or not sending in my ROLF right away? Does anyone know the length of time allowed for such things before my file would be closed?

Q. I have a European fiancée who has post-graduate education but no experience in her field (history) and is fully bilingual in our two official languages (…and speaks a few more!). I’m a Canadian PhD student living on scholarships, research grants, and study related jobs. Although I have never been unemployed since the age of 16 and have paid all of my student loans, I still don’t qualify as an “adequate sponsor” in the eyes of our immigration officers since I don’t make enough money.

We live together for most of the year (a few months here and a few months over there) but I’m trying to find the best way to bring her here with the right to work while I finish my degree.

What are her chances of getting a permanent resident status as an independent immigrant?

The following is a summary of issues which have arisen recently which may affect those seeking temporary or permanent relocation to Canada:

On January 15, 2002, Denis Coderre was appointed Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Mr. Coderre is the Member of Parliament for Bourassa (Montreal). He had been Secretary of State for Amateur Sport since August 3, 1999.