NEED HELP - Sponsor & Primary Applicant - BOTH Residing OUTSIDE CANADA (IN PAKISTAN)

[Dr. Irfan]

Hello!
Good day!
Hope you are doing well.

I want to discuss my case of Spouse Sponsorship from Pakistan with you. Details are as under.

SPONSOR:

My wife is Canadian Pakistani (dual national). She got her Canadian Nationality through immigration approx 15 years back. After that she returned to Pakistan in 2006 & never went back. We got married in 2014. We have two kids, born here in Pakistan, both have got Canadian Nationality through paperwork from here. She is currently studying MBBS (Medicine) as International Student in Pakistan which has been delayed due to marriage & kids. She will be giving exams in next 2-3 years to complete the degree. Her 3 brothers are residing in Canada. One brother is an Engineer working in a Multinational Company there & owns a house in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

PRIMARY APPLICANT:
I am an MBBS doctor/Consultant Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist) by profession. Currently i am serving as Assistant Professor in Pakistan. I also run a private clinic.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AT THE BEGINNING, i have following QUERIES regarding my case.

1. I want her to apply as a sponsor for me, while residing here in Pakistan. (i.e. Outland application). Kindly, briefly inform regarding the steps of the process. How this whole process will work. Chances of success & how long will it take to get the visa this way.

2. Is it possible that whole process is completed while we both are staying in Pakistan and once completed we can go to Canada together? Or will my wife have to go to Canada in advance for that purpose. If yes, then at what time & for how much duration if we start the process within next month?


Waiting for the reply

Regards

 

[scylla]

Hello!
Good day!
Hope you are doing well.

I want to discuss my case of Spouse Sponsorship from Pakistan with you. Details are as under.

SPONSOR:

My wife is Canadian Pakistani (dual national). She got her Canadian Nationality through immigration approx 15 years back. After that she returned to Pakistan in 2006 & never went back. We got married in 2014. We have two kids, born here in Pakistan, both have got Canadian Nationality through paperwork from here. She is currently studying MBBS (Medicine) as International Student in Pakistan which has been delayed due to marriage & kids. She will be giving exams in next 2-3 years to complete the degree. Her 3 brothers are residing in Canada. One brother is an Engineer working in a Multinational Company there & owns a house in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

PRIMARY APPLICANT:
I am an MBBS doctor/Consultant Ophthalmologist (Eye Specialist) by profession. Currently i am serving as Assistant Professor in Pakistan. I also run a private clinic.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AT THE BEGINNING, i have following QUERIES regarding my case.

1. I want her to apply as a sponsor for me, while residing here in Pakistan. (i.e. Outland application). Kindly, briefly inform regarding the steps of the process. How this whole process will work. Chances of success & how long will it take to get the visa this way.

2. Is it possible that whole process is completed while we both are staying in Pakistan and once completed we can go to Canada together? Or will my wife have to go to Canada in advance for that purpose. If yes, then at what time & for how much duration if we start the process within next month?


Waiting for the reply

Regards

1. The process details are in the link below. Processing will likely take around 12 months.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children.html

2. Yes, you can complete the process from Pakistan. For the application to be approved, your wife will need to show that you have plans to move to Canada once your visa is approved. If you have trouble showing this evidence, it's possible that your wife may have to move to Canada first several months before the application is approved. Generally IRCC wants to see evidence such as property ownership / property rental / proof of having made living arrangements, bank savings & other assets in Canada, proof one of you either already has a job lined up in Canada or has been speaking with potential employers, etc.

 

[Dr. Irfan]

1. The process details are in the link below. Processing will likely take around 12 months.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/spouse-partner-children.html

2. Yes, you can complete the process from Pakistan. For the application to be approved, your wife will need to show that you have plans to move to Canada once your visa is approved. If you have trouble showing this evidence, it's possible that your wife may have to move to Canada first several months before the application is approved. Generally IRCC wants to see evidence such as property ownership / property rental / proof of having made living arrangements, bank savings & other assets in Canada, proof one of you either already has a job lined up in Canada or has been speaking with potential employers, etc.

Thanks alot for the guidance. I am obliged.

As already mentioned, my wife is still a student here in Pakistan. She hasn't travelled to Canada in last 14 years. She doesn't have any income/job.
As I am going through the application package, there is a Documents Checklist - imm5533e. According to which my Wife has to provide explanation/documents on account of following two circumstances & i am facing confusion in these two.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Documents Checklist - imm5533e (PAGE 4 Out of 10)
2. ARE YOU (THE SPONSOR) A CANADIAN CITIZEN LIVING OUTSIDE CANADA?
If you (the sponsor) answered YES, provide proof that you will live in Canada with your spouse once he/she becomes a permanent resident of Canada.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Firstly, to whom this letter should be addressed to? I need a sample/format of this letter to get an idea.
Secondly, what & how many supporting documents will be enough? Is there any role my brother in law can play in this whole process? As i have read somewhere in this forum that if sponsor's relatives are staying in Canada and are permanent Citizens, an Affidavit from them mentioning that they will give us shelter/food is quite helpful.


________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Documents Checklist - imm5533e (PAGE 5 Out of 10)
5. EMPLOYEMENT/SOURCE OF INCOME:
If You are not working in Canada, Provide other documentation showing that you can support the person you are sponsoring. This must include a detailed explanation of how you plan to suport yourself and the sponsored person on a separate sheet of paper.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Again Firstly, to whom this letter should be addressed to? I need a sample/format of this letter as well.
And Secondly, what & how many supporting documents will be enough? Role my brother in law in this scenario? Will my (PRIMARY APPLICANT) Job & Savings here in Pakistan have some impact?

Waiting for your reply

Regards!

 

[steaky]

1) You don't need address the letter to anyone. Just to put: "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam". Since your brother in law lives in BC, can you ask him to write the letter that basically say he will allow you both live in their home until you guys find a home? The letter will serve as proof of #2..
2) No need to waste money on affidavit. How much and type of supporting document do you have? If your brother in law will offer employment, tell him to write an offer for employment. This letter will be serve as proof of source of income (#5).

 

[Dr. Irfan]

1) You don't need address the letter to anyone. Just to put: "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam". Since your brother in law lives in BC, can you ask him to write the letter that basically say he will allow you both live in their home until you guys find a home? The letter will serve as proof of #2..
2) No need to waste money on affidavit. How much and type of supporting document do you have? If your brother in law will offer employment, tell him to write an offer for employment. This letter will be serve as proof of source of income (#5).

Thanks a lot. Very helpful.


Regarding

How much and type of supporting document do you have?

I have no idea what further is required.
I now understand that two letters from my brother-in-law can work & will arrange them soon.

My NEXT QUESTION is:
Will these 2 letters from be brother-in-law be enough as explanation for both points #2 & #5?
Or should i arrange some other documents?


Kindly guide me what other documents we can/should arrange while we both are staying in Pakistan.

 

[steaky]

I'm too rusty to guide you. Perhaps, you should join this thread and hopefully one of the posters can give you tips on how to proceed:

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/spousal-sponsorship-pakistan-london-visa-office.203899/page-3585

 

[Dr. Irfan]

I'm too rusty to guide you. Perhaps, you should join this thread and hopefully one of the posters can give you tips on how to proceed:

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/spousal-sponsorship-pakistan-london-visa-office.203899/page-3585

Thanks alot for the reply

 

[canuck78]

How did she receive citizenship?

You and your wife will need to show CIC that you and your family will be relocating to Canda as soon as you get PR. You will need to show that studies are over, you have been looking for jobs in Canda, housing, etc. As an opthamologist IMG you would need to redo your residency to work in Canada and opthamoloy residencies are rarely left unfilled after Canadian stdmudents have matched. If you are considering getting PR and then leaving Canada and saying that your husband can retain PR because has a Canadian wife is with him that isn't guaranteed especially if the husband has never established himself in Canada. Why not apply to sponsor your spouse ehen you actually plan on moving to Canada.

 

[Dr. Irfan]

Thanks for your reply.

How did she receive citizenship?

Through IMMIGRATION (Naturalization)

You and your wife will need to show CIC that you and your family will be relocating to Canda as soon as you get PR. You will need to show that studies are over, you have been looking for jobs in Canda, housing, etc. As an opthamologist IMG you would need to redo your residency to work in Canada and opthamoloy residencies are rarely left unfilled after Canadian stdmudents have matched.

Yes. I understand & agree with that.
But my wife has done graduation (High School) from BC, Canada.

If you are considering getting PR and then leaving Canada and saying that your husband can retain PR because has a Canadian wife is with him that isn't guaranteed especially if the husband has never established himself in Canada. Why not apply to sponsor your spouse ehen you actually plan on moving to Canada.

Well, i am planning to start the process within next 3-4 months after COVID19 settles & in the mean time her studies will be nearing their end.
I (primary applicant) am planning to stay & get settled in Canada accompanied by my wife & kids.
There is no plan of me staying alone in Canada if my wife has to stay in Pakistan.
If for any reason, me or my Wife will have to come back to Pakistan, we will move together & i will accompany her along with my Kids.


Now, here i want to confirm another thing:
CAN PR CARD THROUGH SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP BE RENEWED AFTER 5 YEARS (EVEN IF YOU HAVEN'T COMPLETED A MANDITORY MINIMUM STAY OF 2 YEARS IN CANADA?

Waiting for your answer

Regards!

 

[steaky]

Now, here i want to confirm another thing:
CAN PR CARD THROUGH SPOUSAL SPONSORSHIP BE RENEWED AFTER 5 YEARS (EVEN IF YOU HAVEN'T COMPLETED A MANDITORY MINIMUM STAY OF 2 YEARS IN CANADA?

Waiting for your answer

Regards!

I can help you with this.

The application for renewal of a PR card must be made within Canada. You can meet your residency obligation if you accompany your wife in overseas.

 

[Dr. Irfan]

Thanks for the info. This forum is very helpful indeed.
I have more queries. Your patience is much appreciated.

The application for renewal of a PR card must be made within Canada.

Can we request PR CARD renewal before it expires i.e. For example, if my PR Card is expiring on 31st December 2021. Can I request a renewal now?

And if, for some reason, PR Card expires overseas, then what is the procedure for the renewal?

You can meet your residency obligation if you accompany your wife in overseas.

So, that means a Husband or Wife (If spouse is Canadian Citizen) can get PRC renewal residing anywhere in the World provided they are staying together & they are present in Canada at the time of renewal.
Also there is NO obligation of minimum stay of 2 years in Canada for the primary applicant (in case of Spouse Sponsorship).
Am i right?

 

[steaky]

Thanks for the info. This forum is very helpful indeed.
I have more queries. Your patience is much appreciated.



Can we request PR CARD renewal before it expires i.e. For example, if my PR Card is expiring on 31st December 2021. Can I request a renewal now?

And if, for some reason, PR Card expires overseas, then what is the procedure for the renewal?




So, that means a Husband or Wife (If spouse is Canadian Citizen) can get PRC renewal residing anywhere in the World provided they are staying together & they are present in Canada at the time of renewal.
Also there is NO obligation of minimum stay of 2 years in Canada for the primary applicant (in case of Spouse Sponsorship).
Am i right?

First, I do not know how far ahead one can renew their PR cards. Usually 6 months before expiry date;
Second, if card expires overseas, they will have to apply a PRTD from nearest Canadian consulate;
Lastly, incorrect. See below for official definition:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5529-applying-permanent-resident-travel-document.html#5529E2

 

[scylla]

So, that means a Husband or Wife (If spouse is Canadian Citizen) can get PRC renewal residing anywhere in the World provided they are staying together & they are present in Canada at the time of renewal.
Also there is NO obligation of minimum stay of 2 years in Canada for the primary applicant (in case of Spouse Sponsorship).
Am i right?

No - not necessarily correct.

It's true that you may be able to count time spend outside of Canada towards PR if you are accompanying your spouse. However IRCC will sometimes assess who was accompanying whom which may impact if you are allowed to count this time or not. So for example, if the main reason why you are living outside of Canada is because of your job, IRCC may say this time will not be counted since your spouse was accompanying you (rather than you accompanying your spouse). If the main reason why you are outside of is because of your wife's job, then IRCC will allow you to count the time. Just something to keep in mind.

Since your wife hasn't live in Canada for 15 years, I expect you will have a great deal of difficulty being approved without your wife first moving to Canada. IRCC will doubt her intentions to settle in Canada. The questions you are asking pretty much confirm you have no plans to live here.

 

[Dr. Irfan]

First, I do not know how far ahead one can renew their PR cards. Usually 6 months before expiry date;
Second, if card expires overseas, they will have to apply a PRTD from nearest Canadian consulate;

Thanks for your guidance.

Lastly, incorrect. See below for official definition:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5529-applying-permanent-resident-travel-document.html#5529E2

It also demonstrates what i said above:

 

[Dr. Irfan]

No - not necessarily correct.

It's true that you may be able to count time spend outside of Canada towards PR if you are accompanying your spouse. However IRCC will sometimes assess who was accompanying whom which may impact if you are allowed to count this time or not. So for example, if the main reason why you are living outside of Canada is because of your job, IRCC may say this time will not be counted since your spouse was accompanying you (rather than you accompanying your spouse). If the main reason why you are outside of is because of your wife's job, then IRCC will allow you to count the time. Just something to keep in mind.

Thanks. Yes, that makes sense & I agree.
Yes, my wife is a medical student at the moment & has not visited Canada since long. She will complete Studies & God willingly will be doing job soon. In the meantime i will also look for any job opportunity that will suit me.

Since your wife hasn't live in Canada for 15 years, I expect you will have a great deal of difficulty being approved without your wife first moving to Canada. IRCC will doubt her intentions to settle in Canada. The questions you are asking pretty much confirm you have no plans to live here.

No, its not the case. Actually i want to have an idea of every possibility/scenario i could face in future. This scenario may happen 6-7 years from today & God knows what will be the situation at that moment. I am planning to fulfill my residential obligation for Citizenship & get Nationality ASAP, but its better to have an idea of everything that can happen.