Same-SEX partners Migration

[Haroon18]

I want to migrate to Canada with my partner (we have been in a relationship for 4 years).
Now, neither of us have a Canadian residency. We are living in 2 different cities, because in Pakistan, being Gay is a crime, let alone having a healthy relationship and living together. We have to hide our relationship from our families too, because of the reason that people do not recognize same sex relationships.
We do not see our future together in Pakistan, because the law and neither the society recognizes it.
Now my question is : How can we both apply for Canadian Immigration if we both are not Canadian Residents ?
and what are the requirements?
(it may be noted here that due to the certain conditions in Pakistan, we do not have anything joint ( accounts in bank or stuff like that) )

[Auld Yin]

Unless you have an occupation on THE LIST or pre-arranged employment you are ineligible for immigration to Canada. However given that you and your partner could face persecution for your sexual persuasion in Pakistan I believe you could enter Canada and claim Refugee status.

[Haroon18]

I am a chef by profession and have been associated with the industry for the past 7 years. ( i am working in a catering company)
Kindly guide me what kind of documents would we be requiring to enter Canada as refugees..
and what would be the first step ( I tried free assessment test online, but I failed in it )..
I want to live with my partner like any other hetro couple. But it seems to be impossible in Pakistan , because Religion, social norms and Law do not recognize Gay marriages.
Plz help. His family and my family are forcing us to get married to girls. and I cant imagine my life without my partner..
I m desperately in need of some hope that we two could be together..

[EVHB]

Maybe you can do some reading to get insight:
The refugee system: Resettlement from outside Canada
The unbearable burden of proof: the re-victimization of gay asylum-seekers by the courts – Legal Frontiers: McGill's Blog on International Law
Gertler & Associates - Toronto Immigration Laywers for Refugees to Canada
Egale Canada > Bill C-11: the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

These are some pdf files, don't know how to link to these, so you should use google to find them:
- Coming out to Canada: the immigration of same-sex couples (a publication of University of Toronto)
- Overview of Canadian immigration laws and policies on HIV (they mention gay pers

disclaimer: I don't know any of these organisations/lawyers/... so I don't know if they are correct in their business!
But I wish you good luck and a lot of strength.

[Auld Yin]

Originally Posted by Haroon18

I am a chef by profession and have been associated with the industry for the past 7 years. ( i am working in a catering company)
Kindly guide me what kind of documents would we be requiring to enter Canada as refugees..
and what would be the first step ( I tried free assessment test online, but I failed in it )..
I want to live with my partner like any other hetro couple. But it seems to be impossible in Pakistan , because Religion, social norms and Law do not recognize Gay marriages.
Plz help. His family and my family are forcing us to get married to girls. and I cant imagine my life without my partner..
I m desperately in need of some hope that we two could be together..

There is no special documentation required. All you need is to get yourselves to Canada and tell the Immigration Officer on your arrival that you wish to claim Refugee Status. Canada is regarded as a world leader in its treatment of gay persons. They are legally permitted to marry here and prejudice levels are low. Much good luck.

[Haroon18]

So if we wish to apply for the refugee visa over there at Canada, what kind of visa should we apply for, from Pakistan ? Because Pakistanis are not allowed to travel to Canada without a visa.

[Auld Yin]

You will need a visitor visa but you will need to convince the visa officer that you're only going to visit or you will be refused. It will not not easy.

[Haroon18]

Ok. So once we get there, we can tell the Immigration officer the actual reason for our visit , yes ??

Wouldn't the Immigration officer ask for some proof ? Proof of us being together and all that.. I mean they are not going to take our word for it, r they?

[Auld Yin]

Originally Posted by Haroon18

Ok. So once we get there, we can tell the Immigration officer the actual reason for our visit , yes ??

Wouldn't the Immigration officer ask for some proof ? Proof of us being together and all that.. I mean they are not going to take our word for it, r they?

Once you arrive and claim Refugee Status you will be put on an investigation basis until they are convinced that sending you back may place you at risk for your lives. This may take some months but until decision made you will probably be released into the general population of Canada, and provided with emergency funds and free healthcare. Canada has undoubtably the most generous refugee policy in the world.

[Haroon18]

Could u kindly explain the investigation part? What kind of investigation would they be doing ? Would they be asking our families? or the govt ?