Common-Law Sponsorship - how to notarize from abroad?

[peterlbk]

I'm a British citizen applying through outland common-law sponsorship.

The immigration application requires:

"at least two statutory declarations from individuals with personal knowledge of your relationship supporting your claim that the relationship is genuine and continuing" (IMM 3901E)

I'd like one of these letters to come from my parents, who live in the UK. If they use a British notary public, and email me the scanned docs for me to include in the application, will that be acceptable? My main concern is that the CIC website lists "approved" notaries, and they're all Canadian notaries.

Thanks!

 

[BorisTheFaun]

I used a British public notary but you need to submit the original, I'd suggest sending by courier (FedEx!) if time is important - especially if you're in BC.

As a side, in the UK a "statutory declaration" is one that is verified by a judge, don't have them use the term "statutory declaration" as the notary we used made my mum cross it out. "Personal declaration" should do the job.

Make sure you keep a copy of this notarised document just in case, notaries in the UK are an arm and a leg - not the $20 they are in Canada!

 

[Abydos]

Just to add something here: in the UK both a "commissioner for oaths" and a "notary public" can sign these declarations. Any solicitor can act as a commissioner for oaths and it is much cheaper (I think the fee is set to under £10) than a notary public. You do have to ask specifically to have something signed as a commissioner for oaths though.

I used this for my statutory declarations and it was fine. One solicitor we used was a bit rude (maybe because they were getting less money?) but the solicitor who did the other declaration was fine!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I'd like one of these letters to come from my parents, who live in the UK. If they use a British notary public, and email me the scanned docs for me to include in the application, will that be acceptable?

As said above, you must have them mail you the original.

 

[peterlbk]

Thanks all, this is really great info. I'll go with a solicitor!