How I organized our applcation and a summary of all helpful tips I have learned

[Fencesitter]

Don't be offended. I'm just saying that it will take the VO a lot of time to unclip those paperclips and take off all those sticky labels. Depending on the VO, and based on what my dad's friend said, this could piss him or her off at having to do extra work. Although you may think this is making things easier, in fact, it might be the total opposite.

I look at those pictures you posted, and honestly, although it's very organized, it also seems like you might be creating more work...and it might even be confusing trying to follow everything...just saying.

I'm going by what my dad's friend said to do and he is higher up in the CIC...he stressed NO clips...so I'm not sending clips. He stressed STRAIGHTFORWARD...so our application packages are straightforward. Basically the package we send will have everything CIC needs, but without going crazy on details...as this is unnecessary if you already have a strong case (e.g. Canadian sponsor, Canadian child - not a dependent, long relationship, living together, proof of travel, pictures, etc...).

Don't take my post the wrong way. Your application looks great!!! It is great!!! I just think most people with a strong case needn't go into so much detail...

Good luck!

FS

 

[canadiangirl78]

Our first application (visa expired) was very simple. We got our PR in less than 3 months in 2010. I am glad I didn't find this forum before I submitted it because I would have probably stressed out and done way too much work.

I did staple this time though. Oops. The first time I used paper clips.

 

[pelipeli]

Don't be offended. I'm just saying that it will take the VO a lot of time to unclip those paperclips and take off all those sticky labels. Depending on the VO, and based on what my dad's friend said, this could piss him or her off at having to do extra work. Although you may think this is making things easier, in fact, it might be the total opposite.

I look at those pictures you posted, and honestly, although it's very organized, it also seems like you might be creating more work...and it might even be confusing trying to follow everything...just saying.

I'm going by what my dad's friend said to do and he is higher up in the CIC...he stressed NO clips...so I'm not sending clips. He stressed STRAIGHTFORWARD...so our application packages are straightforward. Basically the package we send will have everything CIC needs, but without going crazy on details...as this is unnecessary if you already have a strong case (e.g. Canadian sponsor, Canadian child - not a dependent, long relationship, living together, proof of travel, pictures, etc...).

Don't take my post the wrong way. Your application looks great!!! It is great!!! I just think most people with a strong case needn't go into so much detail...

Good luck!

FS

im sorry but offense taken.
not everybody has a cic higher up family friend who can give inside info. for us common people, we rely on the guides because that is why they are there. GUIDES. and nowhere in the guide where it says no clips or sticky flags. it just says don't bind. the two are completely different. you go with ur inside info, thats fine. i am not advocating anything here and i am not saying "here people, do yours like i did mine" everyone can organize the way they want to as long as you follow guidelines, and i believe i did not break any rules in mine. dont judge and compare if u are so firm with what u did with yours.

and yes even if i believe that i have a strong case, that will not stop me from doing a thorough job . having a strong case is not an excuse to be sloppy or doing a half baked job. and i am not a canadian citizen nor do we have a child. me and my hubby come from a poor country so there. whatever i can do to make my case as strong as the cases u have enumerated, i will do it. and that includes a well organized, thought out, thoroughly researched application.

 

[Fencesitter]

Sorry for offending you. It was not my intention!

Anyway, good work on your application...I will keep my opinions to myself, though I just wanted to let others know that you don't necessarily have to go nuts with the application...not implying that you went nuts...just a general statement...

Good luck...and again...sorry if what I wrote offended you!!!

FS

 

[dadaem]

I really have no idea how an application kit should look like except that I know all the forms required should be in it. Here's how I did mine:

1. I put all sponsorship forms in one small brown envelope with a formal letter explaining my financial situation because I am a student sponsoring my husband and a checklist and my supporting docs like Option C and immigration status. I labeled it as well (sponsorship forms) but all pages were loose.

2. I put my husband's forms in another envelope, including his supporting documents like marriage certificate, police clearance, birth certificates..etc, and I labeled it as applicant's forms.

3. I included 5 stamped cards, 10 photos (YES, just 10 photos! 2 from our wedding, 3 from the first few years of our relationship when we went out of town, 2 pre nup pictures and 3 pictures of us with family and friends), boarding passes and remittance receipts because we have a joint bank account. That is all the PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP stuff we sent.

4. I put his pictures and copy of his passport in a standard size white envelope.

5. I put everything in a big brown envelope and mailed it.


It wasn't as organized as Ms Peli's but I made sure that I have all the forms complete and signed, as well as the supporting documents and stuffs to prove how genuine our relationship is. I am not saying that I did not put much effort on it. But I just followed the checklist and kept it as simple and straightforward as possible. The checklist doesn't say how many proofs you have to send but although we have a lot of pictures, cards, emails, etc., I just picked a few like cards we sent to each other during our anniversary and birthday, and the remittance receipts. As I was reading posts from previous applicants I was so worried when they put all their efforts on their application while I did only what the checklist asked for, at least. But I was surprised to get the sponsorship approval in less than the time frame they posted on their website. Processing time then was 70 days, I got mine three weeks less than that.

In summary, your application will depend on you. The immigration guide/checklist is there to walk you through the process of completing your application but it does not limit you from sending too much or too little. Yes, it is possible that sending tons of paper will make your VO spend more time on your application because each VO has to go through EACH PAGE of your application to confirm the authenticity of your relationship. Thus, it might take a while for you to get your approval.

 

[pelipeli]

Thats what ive been trying to say sis dadaem, "to each his own" everyone has a unique situation and has their own ideas to do their app. If u think someone else's app is underdone or overdone, be nice.
Dont judge and dont go around bragging abt ur internal connections and telling people that you know better. As ive said in response to earlier reactions in this thread, my app is fairly medium sized compared to what ive seen around that they used boxes to send their apps,mine fits into a standard expanding envelope.

 

[pelipeli]

I'm just saying that it will take the VO a lot of time to unclip those paperclips and take off all those sticky labels.

and you make it sound like its going to take days and weeks to remove those clips. takes two to three minutes tops. Lol

 

[canadiangirl78]

Thats what ive been trying to say sis dadaem, "to each his own" everyone has a unique situation and has their own ideas to do their app. If u think someone else's app is underdone or overdone, be nice.
Dont judge and dont go around bragging abt ur internal connections and telling people that you know better. As ive said in response to earlier reactions in this thread,i dont feel like my app is overdone. Its fairly medium sized compared to what ive seen around that they used boxes to send their apps. Mine fit into a standard expanding envelope.

Fencesitter is a very nice member and was just offering a different perspective. Please don't be offended. You got a lot of positive feedback and he didn't mean to insult you - it is just a discussion.

 

[pelipeli]

Fencesitter is a very nice member and was just offering a different perspective. Please don't be offended. You got a lot of positive feedback and he didn't mean to insult you - it is just a discussion.

Well, Sorry, but I got offended whether he meant it or not. If he just wants to make a discussion, he can do so without judging someone else's hard work. I'm sure he is very nice though.

 

[Fencesitter]

Sorry. I don't always word things the way I mean them.

It was just a different way of looking at things. Really.

And I am not bragging about having a connection with CIC...not at all!! I'm just offering up some advice based on what my dad told me...and all this is after the fact...I was already finished my application when I found out that my dad had a friend in CIC...

Really, I do apologize...I am very sorry for offending you...you DID a GREAT job!!! You have helped a lot of people......

Cheers,
FS

 

[pelipeli]

Sorry. I don't always word things the way I mean them.

It was just a different way of looking at things. Really.

And I am not bragging about having a connection with CIC...not at all!! I'm just offering up some advice based on what my dad told me...and all this is after the fact...I was already finished my application when I found out that my dad had a friend in CIC...

Really, I do apologize...I am very sorry for offending you...you DID a GREAT job!!! You have helped a lot of people......

Cheers,
FS

thanks. anyways, lets all forget about this now. its holy week for some religions and i do believe its a time for forgiveness too. sorry also, i must admit i am extra snippy and sensitive nowadays bec of the frustration of waiting for sponsorship approval for us late January applicants. i am trying to be all positive about it and when u said/implied that my app will take a long time to process, it didnt help. so anyways.. lets go to sleep people! happy long weekend to everyone!

 

[Dr Eng X]

I can assure you I read some where they recommend using paper clips!

 

[canadiangirl78]

thanks. anyways, lets all forget about this now. its holy week for some religions and i do believe its a time for forgiveness too. sorry also, i must admit i am extra snippy and sensitive nowadays bec of the frustration of waiting for sponsorship approval for us late January applicants. i am trying to be all positive about it and when u said/implied that my app will take a long time to process, it didnt help. so anyways.. lets go to sleep people! happy long weekend to everyone!

This wait is stressful. And much too long! You'll get approved soon.

 

[Dr Eng X]

Pelipeli, thanks for sharing and your hard work.

 

[pelipeli]

Pelipeli, thanks for sharing and your hard work.

awwww thanks Dr Eng X