Some spouse visa questions

[SallyO]

Hi, I'm a Canadian, my partner's British. We're currently living in Canada, but we're planning to get married this fall and move back to Britain. I have a couple of questions about the process.

1. Anyone have any idea on processing times in Canada.
2. The only bank statements we have are in Canada. We have very little savings and we won't have jobs before returning to the UK. My in-laws are willing to write a letter stating they're willing help support us so we don't have to claim public funds. Should we include anything else in the application to back up our financial statements? (To be honest, I don't know if we have anything else, but suggestions would be helpful.)
3. My partner is chronically ill, which means that from time to time he may not be able to work. If this happens, would he be able to claim disability benefit without it affecting my visa?
4. Assuming I get the visa, will I be able to work right away? I thought I read that somewhere, but I keep reading posts on this site about the person sponsoring needing to show they can support their partner, so I'm a little confused and worried that if I can't work, we can't move.
5. We will not have any accomodation before going over, aside from my partner's family, would it make a better application if my partner went ahead of me to Britain and got a job and a flat for us to live in immediately?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[John]

Using your numbering :-

1. Do check with the BHC but I think you will find it will take just a few days.
2. Your in-laws not only need to write a letter confirming their support for the two of you, but also prove they can afford to do so. Their are acting as additional sponsors and it will help considerably if their bank statements are supplied. And accommodation, as your in-laws will be letting you stay there initially, that needs to be confirmed by them in writing. Also they need to show that the place will not be overcrowded. Assuming visa granted how many people living there? How many adults? How many children? And as regards children, their ages? Also how many rooms, ignoring any Spam, bathroom or toilet, exceed 50 sq feet in size? Prove the place will not be overcrowded!
3. He is permitted to claim Public Funds. What he is not permitted to do is claim more Public Funds because you are living there with him.
4. The holder of a spouse visa is entitled to work. But don't be surprised if potential employers want to see your passport complete with its spouse visa to work you have that right.
5. No, not necessary, as long as the in-laws place is not going to be overcrowded.

Hope that helps.