Addressing Red Flags

[Coldstream63]

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2) CIC does question interfaith marriages however. This may trigger an interview. I'm not sure how religious of a country Indonesia is, but if it a pretty conservative muslim country, this may cause problems for you.
... So my only concern is #2. But it sounds like she comes from a family that is not overly conservative in regards to religion, especially since she was common-law before, so I would clearly document that fact.

My impressions of Indonesia is that it is neither a secular state, nor is it a hardcore canservative state either (with the exception of Aceh province). As I said, the vast majority of her friends, all her family, and even the village head did not say anything one way or the other. I felt quite accepted by everyone, and certainly very welcomed.

Further, with my fiance working in Singapore, which is quite diverse in faith and culture, she herself does not seem to care. Her criteria is basically that I love her and treat her well. That all said, we will work hard to make sure we cover this aspect throroughly. I'm thinking this would be a good focus perhaps from the letters we hope to solicit from her friends and family in recognition and support of our relationship and marriage.

Thanks again keesio (and everyone) for your input, comments and advice.

 

[keesio]

I'm thinking this would be a good focus perhaps from the letters we hope to solicit from her friends and family in recognition and support of our relationship and marriage.

Yes, this is the key area IMHO. I'd concentrate relationship evidence on photos with you and her family/community together and testimonial letters from her parents saying how they are happy with the engagement / wedding and you have their blessings, etc. If you do this, I'd say you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Coldstream63]

Unfortunately, with her mum passing last July, and her dad when she was a little girl, she only has a couple aunts/uncles left. I'll certainly ask my fiance to talk to them before our big date, and see if they would give their blessing as part of the letter from them. For that matter, ditto the community head (which I think would also carry a lot of weight).

As I said earlier, we will be celebrating with her family back in Indonesia, and will be sure to get quality photos/evidence at that time, in addition to what we have already.

Thanks again. I honestly don't knwo what I'd do without the amazing advice and feedback on this forum!

 

[SenoritaBella]

A few more suggestions:
1) a wedding guest book for everyone present to write a few words for the couple(could be about anything). The good thing about this is people will be free to express themselves. It's a good keepsake, plus they get to write their names(which is like a signature itself). You can read it after and decide whether to include a copy of it with your application or not. This is what we did.

2) change your marital status at work and at Revenue Canada(can be done online), and include copies with your application.

 

[keesio]

Unfortunately, with her mum passing last July, and her dad when she was a little girl, she only has a couple aunts/uncles left. I'll certainly ask my fiance to talk to them before our big date, and see if they would give their blessing as part of the letter from them. For that matter, ditto the community head (which I think would also carry a lot of weight).

That would be fine. Since her parents have passed away, other relatives would be fine. And the community head would indeed carry a lot of weight.

 

[keesio]

3) As long as you make 100% sure your divorce has been finalized and you have the necessary proof that it is, then you should be fine.

I just want to clarify my comment to:

"As long as you make 100% sure your divorce has been finalized before you get re-married and you have the necessary proof that it is, then you should be fine."

That is what I meant to say. There have been cases where people got married before someone's divorce was finalized and CIC flagged the new marriage as invalid because of this (can't be married to two people at the same time). I'm sure you know this but I just wanted to clarify.

 

[Hasan9999]

A few more suggestions:
1) a wedding guest book for everyone present to write a few words for the couple(could be about anything). The good thing about this is people will be free to express themselves. It's a good keepsake, plus they get to write their names(which is like a signature itself). You can read it after and decide whether to include a copy of it with your application or not. This is what we did.

2) change your marital status at work and at Revenue Canada(can be done online), and include copies with your application.

Brilliant idea!

 

[Coldstream63]

A few more suggestions:
1) a wedding guest book for everyone present to write a few words for the couple(could be about anything). The good thing about this is people will be free to express themselves. It's a good keepsake, plus they get to write their names(which is like a signature itself). You can read it after and decide whether to include a copy of it with your application or not. This is what we did.

2) change your marital status at work and at Revenue Canada(can be done online), and include copies with your application.

Awesome ideas - thanks! THey are both officially on our "evidence checklist" ;D

 

[Coldstream63]

I just want to clarify my comment to:

"As long as you make 100% sure your divorce has been finalized before you get re-married and you have the necessary proof that it is, then you should be fine."

That is what I meant to say. There have been cases where people got married before someone's divorce was finalized and CIC flagged the new marriage as invalid because of this (can't be married to two people at the same time). I'm sure you know this but I just wanted to clarify.

Oh yes, this is clearly first on our radar. That decree is almost done working it's way through the bureaucracy, and will be with me when I go there.

 

[mikeymyke]

Coldstream I think despite your red flags, you seem to have done the best you can possibly do to prove your relationship. You've done your research, and have good reasons for the red flags. I think even if you guys get an interview, your wife should be able to re-iterate the same things you're saying now, and you guys should be fine.

 

[keesio]

Yeah. with the amount of good evidence he is putting together, I don't even think the applicant will get an interview. In context, the red flags are pretty minor...

 

[Coldstream63]

Coldstream I think despite your red flags, you seem to have done the best you can possibly do to prove your relationship. You've done your research, and have good reasons for the red flags. I think even if you guys get an interview, your wife should be able to re-iterate the same things you're saying now, and you guys should be fine.

Thanks ,mikeymyke. We're treating this as one of the most important (if not THE most important) set of documents we've ever filled out in our lives. Still, I'm a worrier by nature, so until she's landed and we're walking to my car, I'm going to fret.

 

[Coldstream63]

Yeah. with the amount of good evidence he is putting together, I don't even think the applicant will get an interview. In context, the red flags are pretty minor...

That's what we're hoping and working for - a tight, organized, and through application that sails through CIC. Thanks again for your help, keesio!

 

[Coldstream63]

Just a quick update - the wedding ceremony was October 4th, and I'm now proud to call myself her husband

While we honeymooned in Indonesia, we were at her home town, and while there received a great letter from the head community supporting us. We also had an unexpected gathering of the community at my wife's house there, as celebration of the marriage. We got a ton of pics, including me with the head community, and even the local Iman (Muslim cleric), who is the father of my wife's best friend from childhood. There must have been 30 people there, with tons of food and drink.

While in Indonesia, there was also an outing with her extended family to one of the local beaches, after which I brought them all to a nice hotel/resort in a nearby town. We also took the kids to a local water park - all of which we got pictures.

I'm really hoping this will help address the red flag regarding difference in faith, and acceptance from her friends/family. Despite being a mosquito-magnet, it was a great time, and we were able to get some wonderful documentation for our application.

 

[keesio]

While we honeymooned in Indonesia, we were at her home town, and while there received a great letter from the head community supporting us. We also had an unexpected gathering of the community at my wife's house there, as celebration of the marriage. We got a ton of pics, including me with the head community, and even the local Iman (Muslim cleric), who is the father of my wife's best friend from childhood. There must have been 30 people there, with tons of food and drink.

While in Indonesia, there was also an outing with her extended family to one of the local beaches, after which I brought them all to a nice hotel/resort in a nearby town. We also took the kids to a local water park - all of which we got pictures.

CONGRATS! This all great evidence. I think your application will be very strong