I do not know details of your application or the specifics of which program you sponsored your niece under but I presume you kept copies. Did you have a checklist? It would have documented what was needed. Seems odd to me it did not require the spravka for a Russian app, but perhaps it comes later. (I have seen that for some countries they ask for it later in process so perhaps a specific feature of the program under which you applied)
I applied through Sydney also by the way.
(Just to note I see this must be under the non-spousal/dependent or other relatives - that doesn't show what is needed so I really can't say)
Hi, Armoured, thank you for all your input.
We are going through Family Sponsorship Other relative, no problems and no barriers so far, I should not complain.
I did keep the copies, The Sponsor portion of the Application did have a checklist, and like I said, aside for proof of my Canadian citizenship and the C-print, a very detailed version of my most recent tax return from the CRA as proof of my income, there were no other supporting documentation required
I actually sent my Letter of Employment to them, as well, 'just in case" (na sluchay), even though I didn't have to with the C-print from the CRA
I totally helped my niece with her portion of the application, I looked at all the copies and nowhere it's asking the applicant to provide any supporting paperwork. She only had to fill out two forms, the 0008 and the Schedule A, oh, and co-sign the 1344, of course.
I got approved as her Sponsor within a month, and the day I received the "you met the federal requirements" email from IRCC, my niece got an email with directions for her Medical exam, which she completed very quick, once again, no problems there. I was sent an email requesting the Proof of Relationship Form, which I promptly filled out and sent to Sydney.
My niece has already done her Biometrics, as well, all that in December 2019. Really fast, I know, and I am not complaining, either.
We were not asked to provide any supporting paperwork aside for this.
I'll just leave it alone for now, I am just happy that my niece received that acknowledgement email on June 10th, something started moving somewhere, a great sign. When/if IRCC asks for anything, it should not be a problem,
I'll be watching this thread for all the good news from other people, I am happy things are moving again.