Extensive travel history?

[BCgirl2012]

I've noticed by reading the posts on the forum, that sometimes fellow members mention that they have/don't have travel history. I'd like to know what is meant by it, and how it might affect the process?

Thanks in advance

 

[Fencesitter]

From what I understand, if the principal applicant has a lot of travel history, it takes longer to do all the background / security checks. I'm not sure if this also applies to the sponsor? I know there is probably a security check done on the sponsor as well, but does travel history also delay sponsorship approval?? This is the question I'd like to know more about...

FS

 

[rjessome]

Travel history can be part of the background check IF the persons bio data triggers any red flags such as name and date of birth the same or very close to a person on a "watch" list. Background checks can take a VERY long time in certain cases, especially if someone has entered countries illegally or lived in countries illegally, perhaps using false papers, etc. But at the same time, if a person has just travelled a lot in their lives, the checks can be as fast as a person who has never travelled.

What really can slow things down is when a person has lived for 6 months or more in several different countries. Police clearances need to be obtained and verified and not all government agencies are cooperative with this process. It can be quite a struggle for some. If people have held politicial office or military posts in war zones that can also create a lot of difficulties.

These checks are something everyone has to go through so don't stress about them. There is nothing you can do to speed up the process when it comes to this. Keep in mind that for most, the checks come back quickly even if you've vacationed in lots of countries or lived in a few.

 

[Fencesitter]

I know there is probably a security check done on the sponsor as well, but does travel history also delay sponsorship approval??

 

[rjessome]

I know there is probably a security check done on the sponsor as well, but does travel history also delay sponsorship approval??

There's no security check done on the sponsor. Only an RCMP check to ensure the sponsor meets the requirements of the Act/Regs pertaining to eligibility to sponsor. When you are required to fill out a travel history form as an Applicant in a family class case, you do not have to complete the travel history for the spouse (sponsor). Remember that these documents are standardized forms that are used for most immigration applications. So typically, in the economic classes which are the majority of PR applicants, the spouse would NOT be a Canadian citizen or PR.

 

[BCgirl2012]

Thanks Fencesitter, rjessome for replies!

I'm happy to hear that just travelling won't cause delays. We have travelled a lot together, so I was worried.

Hubby has lived in 3 countries since he was 18: Georgia (the republic), Russia, and the States. He currently lives in Georgia. Russia was when he was 18 to attend college, then back to Georgia, then to the US for a few years to study (this is where we met), then back home to Georgia to work. Do you think this will cause delays? Long distances aren't easy (kinda stating the fact, as many people on this board already know this first hand.)

 

[fhj1203]

Thanks Fencesitter, rjessome for replies!

I'm happy to hear that just travelling won't cause delays. We have travelled a lot together, so I was worried.

Hubby has lived in 3 countries since he was 18: Georgia (the republic), Russia, and the States. He currently lives in Georgia. Russia was when he was 18 to attend college, then back to Georgia, then to the US for a few years to study (this is where we met), then back home to Georgia to work. Do you think this will cause delays? Long distances aren't easy (kinda stating the fact, as many people on this board already know this first hand.)

it will not cause delay but he will need to get police clearance from those countries..and some took months before you can get the reply so you better ask him to get it sooner..

 

[BCgirl2012]

Thanks fhj1203

You're right, it took us a few months to get the Russian and the FBI checks done. The Georgian one was a breeze, though. They did it in 2 days.

I sometimes get really worried in case we need to re-do those lengthy police certificates. I know they expire in 3 months, and with 3 months only to approve the sponsor, it seems these police certificates will be expired by the time the VO looks at them. Oh well. No one said this was gonna be easy. We have worked for 3 months and we are almost done with the file. After I send it, only then the main challenge will start for me: waiting day in and day out with not much updates.
Sooooo looking forward to the day he receives his visa ;D

 

[rjessome]

Thanks fhj1203

You're right, it took us a few months to get the Russian and the FBI checks done. The Georgian one was a breeze, though. They did it in 2 days.

I sometimes get really worried in case we need to re-do those lengthy police certificates. I know they expire in 3 months, and with 3 months only to approve the sponsor, it seems these police certificates will be expired by the time the VO looks at them. Oh well. No one said this was gonna be easy. We have worked for 3 months and we are almost done with the file. After I send it, only then the main challenge will start for me: waiting day in and day out with not much updates.
Sooooo looking forward to the day he receives his visa ;D

They don't expire in 3 months. CIC doesn't want them to be more than 3 months old when submitted.

 

[BCgirl2012]

Thanks rjessome! So we're good then

 

[hopeful4]

My background check has lasted two years so far
I Have lived in two countries (Egypt, Germany) while my spouse lived in three (Egypt, Germany, Hungary)
D you think that this might be the reason of the delay?

 

[Steph C]

I know there is probably a security check done on the sponsor as well, but does travel history also delay sponsorship approval??

Hmm quite possibly. I have more travel history then anyone here I am willing to bet! But I don't know how the government actually knows where I have been or for how long.

 

[NicJohn]

I have travelled a lot over the last 4 years, and it was a pain trying to figure out where i was extactly at the right time, but i managed to find all my information for flights or accomodation. I just made sure every country i had visited was on my application. figured it be best to include even day trips to another country. was a long list, but rather give them everything then they come back asking for more information....

 

[hmian1992]

hey!!!

i am sorry if this was already answered, but for the travel history, do i need to put in my travel history along with the applicant? I am born and raised in Canaa.

I am the sponsor, and i have traveled to the USA at least 100 times in the past 15 years, idk if it is required for the sponsor to enter that info or is it only my hubby who does.

I was confused because on the travel history form it asks for Principle applicant details, the spouse (which is me) details.

 

[canadianwoman]

Since you are the sponsor, you do not have to fill out the travel history form.