Background Declaration: Trouble remembering historical details

[marilamb]

Hi all,

I'm a Canadian citizen sponsoring my husband, an American, for PR. The Appendix A: Background Information form asks him for a detailed history (with no time period left unaccounted for). My husband has a bit of a chaotic past and some memory impairment, and can't remember certain details about where he was living/what he was doing at certain times (he was traveling around a lot). He's trying to remember to the best of his ability, but the chronological order is stumping him a lot of the time; it also stresses him out a lot thinking about that period of his life, so it's very unpleasant for him to try to recall all the details.

Does CIC cross-reference information with other sources? For instance, could they compare his PR application with his visitor status renewal application? They both ask for work histories, but he's not sure if the one he gave for his status renewal is entirely accurate (I did ask his Mom about part of it, but it may still be a little off with some of the dates). We thought about changing some details but we're hesitant if there's a chance they might compare documents. Also, what about his border crossings--do they check those? He did visit Canada a few times, but may not remember all of the trips and dates, exactly. We can try to ask his family about that if necessary.

Also, how detailed does it need to be, really? Does he need to include every bit of travel, for instance, even if it was only a few days? What are they really looking for?

Any advice or helpful hints appreciated!

This is almost exactly the issue we are having with my hubby. He was kicked out/had to leave his mothers multiple times (because they didn't have the best relationship at times due to his step dad. He couch surfed a lot, stayed with other family. Most of them being under 6 months. Never updated his addresses in his state but 2-3 times (more recently). Can we just put the ones he had for a long while. Like his moms (he would go with a friend then when things were better he move back in with her). He has a very bad memory and thing are hazy for him as well. He wasn't doing good in life at that time. I have been with him for 10 years but I didn't save all the places he stay. We could possibly get 80% of the address but dates there is really no way. I have sat down with him countless times. I am about to ask him mom and friends. It always been in the USA tho and in the same town/state - minus 2. I know this post is old but can I get help too?