I totally understand, we’re with TD too. All online statements, etc. If you were issued with a chequebook for your account, you could send a copy of a blank cheque as that should contain both names on it.
I think IRCC are stuck between a rock and a hard place on the issue of proof. On one hand, they need proof and paper copies of bank statements and bills, etc work well for this. But technology has moved on, most bills are electronic and don’t issue traditional statements anymore. Some people then move in with their partner and all bills would be single name. I imagine a lot of people don’t think to add the other name to the bills, and those who rent don’t even get utility bills.
IRCC can’t just waive the need for proof, but equally it can be very difficult to provide proof at times, despite being in a genuine relationship and been 100% honest about all circumstances.
You’re certainly right, technology has changed so much that no everyone keeps records the same way they used to, there’s less physical proof.
We had been through all this before when I got my greencard in the states, so we knew we’d have to prove our relationship and that we had lived together, and so we sent everything we had, as we had been married for now going on 4 years and have everything we could from the states and being together, it didn’t occur to me that a year later they would want Canadian proof too.
So many business’s don’t even have things with a letter head to write something for your account, or they won’t add a second name to the account even if you think to do so. They ask for things like him being on my benefits or a beneficiary, and not everyone has benefits as work or thinks to get life insurance to do that.
When they asked for proof of cohabitation, we sent in one statement from our bank as well as a letter from Our bank and our landlord wrote a letter saying we have been living here together as my husband isn’t on the lease. I even added him as an authorized user on Rogers just so it would show him on someway on the account.
Now they want more, which we are trying to come up with in every way we can.
I definitely understand why they want the proof, especially if people travel often while filing.
After being married and living together for 4 years I just didn’t expect them to ask for the Canadian side of it I guess.