Can Utility bills be accepted as a good way to prove residency?

[ENGLISHFORCITIZENSHIP]

Just wondering whether utility bills like phone bills or credit card card bills can be produced for residency at the time of interview. will they accept them?

 

[poseidon87]

From what I know, no one asked a proof of residency beyond what is mentioned in the application.

 

[ENGLISHFORCITIZENSHIP]

The reason is this. Will they BE definitely looking at my past employments?

 

[devilhimselff]

The reason is this. Will they BE definitely looking at my past employments?

Well employment is one of the proof of your residency, filling taxes that match your jobs is another proof. Off course if they suspect something fishy they are gonna have a look at it in depth, RQ etc.

Anything you provide in the application has a reason for it being there and it should be assumed that it will be verified, unless otherwise.

 

[ENGLISHFORCITIZENSHIP]

I have filed my taxes since 2012. But as I was doing a job in which I was not issued t4 slips. How does that work?

 

[kushari]

I have filed my taxes since 2012. But as I was doing a job in which I was not issued t4 slips. How does that work?

As I mentioned in your other thread, you were volunteering.

 

[marcher]

Just wondering whether utility bills like phone bills or credit card card bills can be produced for residency at the time of interview. will they accept them?

You are trying too hard, stick to the documents requested.

 

[scylla]

From what I know, no one asked a proof of residency beyond what is mentioned in the application.

Unless they get RQ - in which case those types of documents (and more) do have to be provided.

 

[_MK_]

If they ask you to send these, you send them. Otherwise you dont.

 

[dpenabill]

Unless they get RQ - in which case those types of documents (and more) do have to be provided.

I concur that this is an important observation. Huge difference between those who are not asked to provide additional information and documentation to support their application, particularly as to meeting the presence requirements, versus those who are issued RQ.

The "and more" part of this demands emphasis, AND MORE! And, actually, for those issued RQ the "more," that is proof other than utility bills and credit card statements, is more important. Utility bills, in particular, are passive evidence and do not directly document a person's presence in Canada.

As for bringing and presenting such evidence at the interview: while some additional evidence might, only might help, utility bills and credit card statements are NOT likely to help at this stage. If IRCC has concerns about the applicant's account of presence in Canada, presenting this evidence at the interview is not at all likely to resolve those concerns.


Reminder: The interview is NOT a hearing. It is not an opportunity for the applicant to make his or her case. The interview is IRCC's opportunity to review original documents and ask questions of the applicant in person, for the purpose of verification, to verify the information in the application is accurate and complete and is sufficient for IRCC to make the determination that the applicant meets the qualifications for a grant of citizenship. It is, essentially, to screen the applicant in person to determine whether IRCC needs to make any further inquiries or obtain additional information before making a decision.

If what is already in the file is not sufficient for IRCC to comfortably grant citizenship, as confirmed or verified in the interview, it is highly unlikely the applicant will be able to supplement the application sufficiently to avoid non-routine processing, which relative to the issue of physical presence means being issued either RQ-lite (CIT 0520) or full-blown RQ (CIT 0171).


Practice Guide: Applicants who anticipate that IRCC may have significant questions about the applicant's presence in Canada, meaning applicants who apprehend IRCC is likely to want additional proof of presence, should seriously considering waiting longer to apply, long enough to substantially strengthen their case. This is not merely to build a bigger margin of presence in Canada, although that is important as well, but to be gathering objective documentation which shows the paper trail of a life being lived in Canada. Thus, for someone who thinks it could help their case if they bring additional documents to the interview, like utility bills and credit card statements, and thinks they need such help, that is a good reason to seriously consider waiting longer to apply and building a stronger case in the meantime.

(Too often I tend to not follow my own advice, but on this account I did: I actually waited nearly two years beyond when I became eligible for citizenship, which it should be noted was due to circumstances specific to my situation. And that is the key: WHEN to apply is not merely a matter of passing the minimum presence threshold but is a question most applicants should seriously consider taking into account the specific circumstances in their own case.)