Anyone run into this? Both the sponsor and applicant are residing outside of Canada. We're being requested to provide further evidence that the sponsor is really intending to move back to Canada. Its a Catch 22 situation. Not ready to commit to renting or purchasing property in Canada until we get the thumbs up on the PR, but seems like this kind of commitment is expected up front.
Wife and I are residing outside Canada too, so we came across this dilemma during our initial sponsorship application.
We included a letter from my boss clearly stating and signed by him, that I have an expectation to return to Canada when our approval is complete and my job waiting for me as soon as I return to Canada. I sent bank statements from my bank showing my RBC bank account still open. I initially requested a transfer to a foreign office and I included that transfer letter from my employer, which also showed my 'expiry date' of my relocation request. All the letters that friends and family wrote for us stated they were aware of our plans to move back, as I asked them to specifically write that.
I would also include a letter explaining that you have looked at rental properties and to list the various website URLs that you used. I wrote a letter (and included a letter from my friend/landlord) that we could move back to his place upon our return to Canada, but
just in case his house was no longer available, I listed various rental websites that I planned on using to find our own place. Same for employers (if you don't have one lined up). List the websites you would use, the position, pay expectation, etc.
I don't think they expect you to make a financial commitment without being approved. But at the very least you could list the resources that you would use once you arrive. It would at least show that you have a plan in mind to find your own place upon arrival.