hi there!
I'm an American being sponsored by a Canadian spouse.
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Related question - if I visit or if he visits while the application is being processed, a) do we need to keep them updated with the additional crossings and b) how would we do that?
Don't worry about keeping it updated after you submit the application.
1) For the additional family information form - Part A where it says spouse - does he put my name or n/a since I'm a Canadian citizen?
yes- use both of your information here and birthplaces here.
2) I haven't completely changed my name yet on everything - driver's license, utilities have my new surname but passport, credit cards, bank account, SIN does not - is this going to throw them for a loop?
make sure to address/specify this in a cover letter. you will also be listing your maiden name and other names you've used in the documents. They should be able to put it together, though. this won't be the first time.
3) There was a question on one of the forms, which I can't find now (of course), which asked if the principal applicant was living with someone and what their relationship was - do roommates count?
I would assume that they mean in a romantic relationship? a roommate probably wouldn't need to be listed.
4) Do the signatures on the forms have to be "printed off and signed" signatures?
yes- they need to be printed off and signed.
However: one of the forms needs to have the PA's name TYPED and then signed (I think it's the application to Canada?)
5) If I understand the glossary definition for family members: for the purpose of these application it's referring to parents, and if we have any children, correct?
It is also to include his siblings, as you might both wish to sponsor them later on. if you do not list them, they can never be sponsored.
6) If you don't pay the full fee (1040) right away, but pay it later as soon as you can, will the application be delayed and by how much?
yes, it can be delayed. there's always a delay in between the time that they send a message, you reply, and then when they can get back to processing your file. for example, it takes ~40 days for them to acknowledge the receipt of the application. I'm not sure if it'll be that long, but if you're in a rush I wouldn't chance it.
7) When mailing in the application, what are some of the "no-no"s? Ie don't bind it, no use of post-it flags to indicate different sections, etc?
don't staple things together. use paperclips or rubber bands. Stack everything in the order that it is requested.
8) Use of a representative form: If I want to be able to talk to immigration on behalf of my husband (say I have questions about whatever might be happening on his side), IF he makes me his representative, that means all the info, everything will go to me, right? But what if we don't want that, we just want the ability to ask our questions directly - do we have to fill out a form?
I believe that use of a representative is for if you are using a lawyer?
9) Does he, as a US citizen, have to submit biometrics? The website has no definitive answers to this.
YES- he must submit biometrics. I'm a US citizen. just completed mine on Friday. it was easy peasy.
10) any documentation, ie birth certificate, that has to be submitted but is not in english, needs to have a certified translation right? What's the best way to do this?
unsure
11) Proof of relationship, not living together: it asks for a max of 10 pages of proof that the sponsor and principal applicant communicated with each other - can we squish (as long as they're legible) as many screenshots of these various interactions on a page? Is there a preferred layout/size? We have 6 (!) years of proof to condense into 10 pages, which is why I'm asking.
I printed off a bunch of emails, a few screen shots from chat conversations, etc. i tried to include some silly stuff, as well as emails to and from his parents. We also included lots of rental car receipts, train tickets, etc. since I drive my car to see him and my passport doesn't get stampled, I addressed this in the cover letter.
12) Proof of relationship, relationship recognized by friends/family: acceptable would be screen shots of our facebook pages showing our relationship status? And what kinds of letters from friends and family? Are there examples somewhere?
I had my sister and mother in-law write us letters. I drafted the letters and they made edits. I described how we met, how we interact, etc. additionally, I attached pictures of us with our friends (some at the wedding, some throughout the years).
13) proof of relationship: there's "fill it out" box at the bottom of the form asking if we have any other proof that our relationship is genuine - I was talking to a former coworker who had also sponsored his wife to be a PR and he mentioned providing receipts from the wedding - is this a good idea? What have other people put?
I used this box as opportunity to describe our relationship, how we've been there for one another over the years, etc.
hopefully this helps--- we got Sponsorship Approval immediately.
