Here's the thing: I'm a Canadian citizen myself and I've been living and working in Shanghai, China for a few years now. I've got a Chinese girlfriend and we plan to get married in the not too distant future. In November of this year I plan to return to Canada and I want to take my girlfriend with.

So here's the question: what would be the quickest way for my Chinese girlfriend to obtain Canadian citizenship? I've asked around and the Canadian Embassy in China seems to say that only one option is available: immigration. They also told me that even if we get married in China my girlfriend will not get Canadian citizenship through marriage, she will have to go through the immigration process like everyone else. But what if she travels to Canada on a tourist visa and we get married there? What does the law say on that? I've asked the same question here in China at the Canadian Embassy but they keep avoiding me and won't give a straight answer.

So: if we get married in Canada will this fact make my girlfriend a Canadian citizen or at least a permanent resident? What are some of the other ways to beat the system?

Thanks in advance.

We seem to be in a simliar position, I am british but have a canadian g/f. We're getting married on teh 23rd Aug in Canada but I assure you it make no difference where you get married you still have to go through the immigtration process. Being married just gives you more points. I'm planning to start an MBA so I can stay in Canada while I'm waiting for my residency permit but I don't think you should count on finding any short cuts. Even being from a commonwealth country doesn't help.