Sponsorship package mailed back to us

[Canadian5555]

Hello everyone, hope you're all doing well. We sent off the spousal sponsorship for my Australian husband two months ago and we just received it back in the mail today. They sent a letter asking us for clarity on which class we are applying for. The letter mentions this:

"While the Document Checklist indicates you may be applying under living outside Canada family class, you indicated in box 6 of the Application to sponsor, sponsorship agreement and undertaking that the principal applicant you are sponsoring is living in Canada."

We are applying under "Family Class" because my husband (who is living in Canada with me) might want to visit his family in Australia during the waiting period for his PR. For the checklist, we indicated the third option: "I am currently living in Canada and I am applying under the Family Class." And for box 6, we said he is living in Canada.

If anyone could let us know what mistake we made, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, who should I contact for more information on what we should do next? Thank you very much!

 

[Dimilitantey]

I know Inland applicants could still be sponsored as outland applicants. Eventhough I havent done this process, I feel the file needs to be filled by the applicant as if he/she resides in say AUSTRALIA eventhough is in Canada. Because that check box you talking about indicates that you want to do inland application.

So prolly one should have filled all forms and signed saying his current living address is in Australia, afterall being in Canada is just a temporal stay which will definitely be included in the travel history. Then can finalize it with a simple explanation letter on your intentions of the situation.

I hope am making sense to though.

 

[armoured]

If anyone could let us know what mistake we made, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, who should I contact for more information on what we should do next? Thank you very much!

Honestly I think you did it correctly and someone at IRCC Sydney does not know this option exists, there have been a few reported cases of returned like yours. Don't know what to suggest except possibly MPs office. Or a lawyer who may know and be able to confirm (and possibly write a nasty letter calling IRCC for obvious mistake).

But I am not certain and not sure that proceeding this way would be better or faster than (eg) re-applying and writing as the applicant in Oz but just visiting with letter of explanation.

 

[Canadian5555]

Thank you both for your reply.... if anyone else has more to add, please do so! I am positive we didn't make a mistake. I wish it wasn't so difficult to get ahold of them!

 

[Canadian5555]

For anyone else reading this, seems like there was a change in their policy sometime in May that was not communicated to anyone. A bunch of returns have been made because of this.

It is very important that you select for IMM 1344 Question 6 "Spouse living outside of Canada" if you want to apply for Family Class (living in Canada). Doesn't seem to make sense but that is what they now want.