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Consultant scare

beavereh

Newbie
Feb 4, 2015
8
1
Hi all!

It seems I have found the correct forum and have lots of reading to do.

I spoke with a consultant last night and am a little worried. They pointed out several issues and said my application for spousal Visa would most likely not be approved. But they were willing to help for lots of money ;)

I'm just wondering if some of these concerns would stop my application for spousal sponsorship to Canada. (Wife is Russian):

Met on a dating website.

Have only known each other for one year total.

My income about 20k ( but I have very little expenses, own my house, have liquid assets)

She has a 7 yo daughter I will be sponsoring also.

We only video chat onve every 3 weeks (but chat daily in skype messenger)

Beav
 

MaryLou6

Hero Member
Oct 23, 2014
397
25
Category........
Visa Office......
Mississauga, INLAND
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
11-09-2014, common-law
Doc's Request.
OWP received May 26.2015, SA & AIP August 31, 2015, DM on September 3, 2015
AOR Received.
14-10-2014
Med's Done....
upfront
LANDED..........
24-09-2015
beavereh said:
Hi all!

It seems I have found the correct forum and have lots of reading to do.

I spoke with a consultant last night and am a little worried. They pointed out several issues and said my application for spousal Visa would most likely not be approved. But they were willing to help for lots of money ;)

I'm just wondering if some of these concerns would stop my application for spousal sponsorship to Canada. (Wife is Russian):

Met on a dating website.

Have only known each other for one year total.

My income about 20k ( but I have very little expenses, own my house, have liquid assets)

She has a 7 yo daughter I will be sponsoring also.

We only video chat onve every 3 weeks (but chat daily in skype messenger)

Beav
So what exactly are you asking us for? :) Have you filled up all the forms already? are you applying inland or outland? you should collect all the proof of your relationship, screen shots of Skype etc
 

bigredmoose

Hero Member
Dec 6, 2014
473
41
Category........
Visa Office......
Sydney, AUS
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
30-10-2014
AOR Received.
24-12-2014
File Transfer...
06-01-2015
Med's Done....
07-10-2014
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
31/03/2015
VISA ISSUED...
27/04/2015 (COPR)
LANDED..........
08/07/2015
beavereh said:
Hi all!

It seems I have found the correct forum and have lots of reading to do.

I spoke with a consultant last night and am a little worried. They pointed out several issues and said my application for spousal Visa would most likely not be approved. But they were willing to help for lots of money ;)

I'm just wondering if some of these concerns would stop my application for spousal sponsorship to Canada. (Wife is Russian):

Met on a dating website.

Have only known each other for one year total.

My income about 20k ( but I have very little expenses, own my house, have liquid assets)

She has a 7 yo daughter I will be sponsoring also.

We only video chat onve every 3 weeks (but chat daily in skype messenger)

Beav
How often and for how long have you been with her?
 

draxz1289

Champion Member
Apr 28, 2010
1,762
73
Category........
Visa Office......
New Delhi
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
October/28/2014
AOR Received.
Feb/04/2015, IP Since Feb/04/2015
File Transfer...
Jan/19/2015
Med's Request
Re-Medicals - Sept/23/2015
Med's Done....
Sept/04/2014
Passport Req..
Jan/18/2016
VISA ISSUED...
Oct/09/2015
LANDED..........
Feb/05/2016
Give us a bit more information.

How long have you know each other before marriage?

You income levels doent matter for spouse sponsorship - the only requirement is that you wont be on welfare.

You case it not new and we have seen plenty this forum. You will show all the realtionship proofs such as call logs, visits, photos etc.
 

ABCml

Hero Member
Jan 27, 2014
259
13
BC
Category........
Visa Office......
Beijing
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
21-Feb-2014
AOR Received.
24-Feb-2014, SponsorshipApproved 01-Apr-2014
File Transfer...
01-Apr-2014 Officially rec'd Beijing 24-May-2014
Med's Done....
29-Dec-2013 "Medical Results rec'd" 01-Apr-2014
Interview........
15-Dec-2014
Passport Req..
at interview
VISA ISSUED...
16-Dec-2014
LANDED..........
25-Dec-2014
beavereh said:
Hi all!

It seems I have found the correct forum and have lots of reading to do.

I spoke with a consultant last night and am a little worried. They pointed out several issues and said my application for spousal Visa would most likely not be approved. But they were willing to help for lots of money ;)

I'm just wondering if some of these concerns would stop my application for spousal sponsorship to Canada. (Wife is Russian):

Met on a dating website.

Have only known each other for one year total.

My income about 20k ( but I have very little expenses, own my house, have liquid assets)

She has a 7 yo daughter I will be sponsoring also.

We only video chat onve every 3 weeks (but chat daily in skype messenger)

Beav
Your sponsorship stage will most likely be approved. CIC's focus will be on the various (and common) red flags with the genuineness of the relationship. My guess would be that unless you have an overwhelming number of 'green lights' and an overabundance of the usual supporting materials, your wife will likely get a recommendation for an interview. This is not to be negative in forecasting (I've been there) but to just prepare for the long haul. Your diligence and positive reinforcement with your spouse will bring the best results.

No need for a consultant. This is the place to find everything you need to know - if you have the time and are willing to invest it - you'll learn more than you could ever imagine.
 

chris1302

Star Member
Sep 12, 2014
127
3
ottawa
Category........
Visa Office......
Mississauga
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
I think it will all depend if you have any red flags regarding your relationship. Have you guys spent any time together over the course of the year? Where was the wedding, large ceremony? Is there a large age difference between the two of you?
Income does not matter for spousal sponsorship, ou just can't be collecting welfare or have claimed bankrupcy.

I would suggest you avoid the consultants and/or lawyers to help you with the application process. It's a waste of money, I know people who have used their services and nothing differnet them filing yourself it just takes time and a lot. Stick to this forum and it will help you out a lot. It sure helped me :)
 

Rob_TO

VIP Member
Nov 7, 2012
11,427
1,551
Toronto
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Seoul, Korea
App. Filed.......
13-07-2012
AOR Received.
18-08-2012
File Transfer...
21-08-2012
Med's Done....
Sent with App
Passport Req..
N/R - Exempt
VISA ISSUED...
30-10-2012
LANDED..........
16-11-2012
Have you actually met her and her daughter in person? If not, then I would agree that your app has slim to no chance of success. Same if you met and got married on the very first meeting. It could look very suspicious to CIC, like she is using you just to get PR status for her and her daughter.

#1 thing I would work on, is to spend as much time as possible with her and her daughter in person before getting married and applying for her PR.
 

Ponga

VIP Member
Oct 22, 2013
10,417
1,469
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
Rob_TO said:
Have you actually met her and her daughter in person? If not, then I would agree that your app has slim to no chance of success. Same if you met and got married on the very first meeting. It could look very suspicious to CIC, like she is using you just to get PR status for her and her daughter.

#1 thing I would work on, is to spend as much time as possible with her and her daughter in person before getting married and applying for her PR.
Sounds like they ARE married, since he said ("Wife is Russian").
 

Rob_TO

VIP Member
Nov 7, 2012
11,427
1,551
Toronto
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Seoul, Korea
App. Filed.......
13-07-2012
AOR Received.
18-08-2012
File Transfer...
21-08-2012
Med's Done....
Sent with App
Passport Req..
N/R - Exempt
VISA ISSUED...
30-10-2012
LANDED..........
16-11-2012
Ponga said:
Sounds like they ARE married, since he said ("Wife is Russian").
Ahh yes.
Same still applies though. If they met and got married on their first meeting and all other contact has been on-line only, could be in for a very rough PR processing.
 

Panamai

Hero Member
Oct 3, 2013
495
30
Kingston, Ontario
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Ottawa
App. Filed.......
29-01-2015
AOR Received.
28-03-2015
File Transfer...
31-03-2015
Med's Request
upfront
Med's Done....
16-01-2015
Interview........
waived
Passport Req..
DM 05-11-2015
VISA ISSUED...
17-11-2015
LANDED..........
23-11-2015
As long as you have actually met her in person (which you must have to be legally married in Canada), I don't see too many issues. The fact that she's Russian will raise more eyebrows than if she were from the US, sure, but the rest of that sounds fine. I met my common-law partner on an online dating site too and we have known each other only about one year and a half now (moved together about 6 months after meeting online and about 4-5 trips between the two of us meeting in person). As other commenters said, for spousal applications, it doesn't matter your income as long as you don't use welfare. I don't know your ages, but if you are fairly close in age and you have similar religious and political views, interests, and dreams for your future together, it should be fine. Do not use a lawyer! From what I've seen around here, most lawyers know less than the members of this forum. I did my entire application on my own and it was very easy. The CIC website (as well as this forum), walks you through every step. Good luck!
 

beavereh

Newbie
Feb 4, 2015
8
1
Thanks for all the responses, sorry I guess I was a little vague.

We talked about 6 months before I went to stay with her and her daughter. I stayed for 10 days at 5 at a tourist type camp and we have lots of pictures. 5 days in her apartment with a few dozen pictures. I have corresponded with her practically every day for ~10 months and we just got married on my second trip to her in January and it was also 10 days. Marriage was just at ZAGS but all of her Family attended and lots of pictures with smiles all around. A small reception with her family at a Cafe. In total I have about 125 pictures of us doing family style things and having a good time;)

We video chat every 2-3 weeks but the time difference (+10 hours) can make it difficult.

About 60 emails, mostly skype IM now.

After my first visit we applied for a one month tourist visa for her and daughter to visit me in Canada but it was denied(they thought she would not return to Russia)

She is 42 and I am 48, there are no barriers on my end I have a good history. She has no criminal record or problems that I know of.

The consultant emailed me again and said I should not proceed and any firm that advised me I should proceed should be doubted. I did spend about an hour on the phone answering questions for him

I have only completed the 7 page application to sponsor...undertaking form at this time on my own. Its outland btw.

I'm looking for opinions should I go ahead and finish all the paperwork and submit everything or wait and build up more history with my new Wife?

Thanks Beav
 

blueangel371115

Champion Member
May 24, 2012
1,030
44
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
CPP-Ottawa
App. Filed.......
13-01-2014
Doc's Request.
10-02-2014
AOR Received.
17-07-2014
File Transfer...
17-07-2014
Med's Done....
02-12-2013
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
waived
VISA ISSUED...
08-01-2015 (returned 1/19 due to errors), 26-01-2015
LANDED..........
05-02-2015 Finally
Personally ( in my opinion)

1. Don't hire a consultant. They can be very expensive and often times wrong. I've heard horror stories. This site is informative and free.
2. Personally, I'd wait and spend more time together and gather more proofs. Either country is fine. But that's me opinion.
 

ABCml

Hero Member
Jan 27, 2014
259
13
BC
Category........
Visa Office......
Beijing
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
21-Feb-2014
AOR Received.
24-Feb-2014, SponsorshipApproved 01-Apr-2014
File Transfer...
01-Apr-2014 Officially rec'd Beijing 24-May-2014
Med's Done....
29-Dec-2013 "Medical Results rec'd" 01-Apr-2014
Interview........
15-Dec-2014
Passport Req..
at interview
VISA ISSUED...
16-Dec-2014
LANDED..........
25-Dec-2014
beavereh said:
Thanks for all the responses, sorry I guess I was a little vague.

We talked about 6 months before I went to stay with her and her daughter. I stayed for 10 days at 5 at a tourist type camp and we have lots of pictures. 5 days in her apartment with a few dozen pictures. I have corresponded with her practically every day for ~10 months and we just got married on my second trip to her in January and it was also 10 days. Marriage was just at ZAGS but all of her Family attended and lots of pictures with smiles all around. A small reception with her family at a Cafe. In total I have about 125 pictures of us doing family style things and having a good time;)

We video chat every 2-3 weeks but the time difference (+10 hours) can make it difficult.

About 60 emails, mostly skype IM now.


After my first visit we applied for a one month tourist visa for her and daughter to visit me in Canada but it was denied(they thought she would not return to Russia)

She is 42 and I am 48, there are no barriers on my end I have a good history. She has no criminal record or problems that I know of.

The consultant emailed me again and said I should not proceed and any firm that advised me I should proceed should be doubted. I did spend about an hour on the phone answering questions for him

I have only completed the 7 page application to sponsor...undertaking form at this time on my own. Its outland btw.

I'm looking for opinions should I go ahead and finish all the paperwork and submit everything or wait and build up more history with my new Wife?

Thanks Beav

Well you won't be charged anything by all the consultants here ;) - as well, you won't be required to do as you're told..

Our story is somewhat similar to your timeline thus far, along with a refused tourist visa, but with 2 more visits, one of those being within the application processing time (and reported to the VO)

I can say that based on my wife's interview, our relationship was the key factor, with the officer (thru the translator) grilling her on why she sought out a "Canadian man" in particular. With many similar and often lightly rude questions (which she confidently answered, btw,) my own take on the process is that the onus is on the sponsored spouse (their background history, region, and potential number of dependents) and are quite often considered guilty until proven innocent. It seems that the main job of many foreign visa offices is to flush out marriage fraud like blood hounds, which I feel often wrongfully leaves some innocent applicants heartbroken and confused.

Given our experience (and successful dose of good karma,) if I had to do it all over again, I would've squeezed another couple visits in prior to the application and that might have helped to avoid the "required" interview...

Yeah, 'more visits' by all means if possible. What's generally good for the relationship is always favorable in the eyes of CIC.
 

DanSlh

Champion Member
Dec 24, 2014
1,279
81
124
Brazil
Category........
Visa Office......
Sao Paulo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
09-03-2015
AOR Received.
17-04-2015
File Transfer...
07-05-2015 AOR2............: 15-05-2015
Med's Request
Upfront
Med's Done....
19-02-2015
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
22-06-2015
VISA ISSUED...
25-06-2015
LANDED..........
02-07-2015
I have a similar...
We've met each other at internet, started dating august, 2013.
We both born at the same country (Brazil).
We talk everyday on videochat and whatsapp.
She came to visit me at first time in may, 2014 (stayed for 3 months) and now, january 2015 and we get married.
Now she is back on Canada.
We have lots of pics, Skype screenshots, photos with family and friends, marriage, trip of honeymoon, etc...
Is it a good case in your opinion?
Is there any red flag?
I'll send my file on next month, just waiting for my upfront medical.