Hello,
I am a single mother from the Philippines, I am currently on a student visa (PhD) here in Ontario since 2019. I have an 8yr-old daughter left in my mother's care in the Philippines. My problem is that I did not include my daughter in my visa application since I could not afford to bring her with me yet that time. Now that I have saved enough and I do not have classes anymore (only thesis left that can be done remotely), I want her to join me here. In May last year, I started processing her on a student visa too. They have accepted basic requirements and also she finished medical exam already. Since I have stated in her application that the plan is for my mother (to who I have granted temporary legal guardianship while I'm away) to bring her here because I may not be able to go there because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, I filled up the IMM 5604 myself. Now, they are asking for a consent letter (non-accompanying parent) and court custody documents. Can I also make the consent letter or are they looking for a letter from the father?
I was never married nor lived with the father but he was written on the birth certificate of my daughter. He has not given any support nor communication since 2013 and so no relationship with my daughter too. I also don't know where he is now.
What documents can I show to prove that under Philippine Law, I have default sole custody and that I have full rights to make decisions for the interest of my daughter? I was able to get her a passport without the need to find the father. Also, before I moved here, I have a solo parent ID, community certificate declaring I am a single mother, and certificate of no marriage. My police clearance also states I am a single parent. Can I use these documents instead along with a cover letter explaining my situation and referencing Philippine laws or is it better to make some sort of affidavit?