IRCC told me they don't provide forms in an accessible format (?)

[armoured]

No, it is literally impossible to even view them. I checked with Adobe and they told me the format that IRCC uses is deprecated and hasn't been updated since 2012. It's called "XFA - xml forms architecture"

Apologies, but no success in terms of ipad or converting to a printable (normal) pdf. This is a terrible outdated technology. (I thought I could print in a regular non-xfa pdf but I was wrong)

There are programs (including adobe) that will allow you to print them in a normal pdf or picture form which you could read on your ipad. They cost money though and since I've no need I didn't try them. The windows world may offer many more options, or linux, but I try to limit my rabbit-hole research, and this is quite the rabbit hole.

I suspect there is a solution for office users (I mean especially those who use Acrobat at work and have site licenses) that would allow them to print in a regular, non-editable pdf that would allow you to view them on ipad, but I don't have access to one of those right now.

Sorry couldn't be of more help. Truly awful old priority architecture that I'm sure the government will move away from but doesn't help you right now.

 

[Amy23]

You can try downloading them in your ipad, then going to https://www.ilovepdf.com/pdf_to_word to convert them into a word format or https://www.ilovepdf.com/pdf_to_jpg to convert it to a jpg image that you can print from your device. Keep in mind that some of the pdfs have a validation button that you need to use to validate your forms and generate an electronic barcode, so I am not sure these solutions would suffice, do you have the possibility to go to a cybercafe or library? or borrow a friend's computer maybe?

 

[neuroCanadian]

This is a terrible outdated technology

It really is.

My programmer friend sent me this link: https://speedtesting.herokuapp.com/pdfxfa/ which seems to convert them to a normal PDF. But one form, the eimm5669e, says "the form requires javascript to validate properly" in big red letters...

Keep in mind that some of the pdfs have a validation button that you need to use to validate your forms and generate an electronic barcode, so I am not sure these solutions would suffice

I am worried about this stupid barcode thing. I mean, does it change based on what you write in the form??

I might call IRCC again today and hope they aren't douches about it.

edit: I just called and when when it started to transfer me to a human, instead it said "we can't right now. you can try calling later" and then HUNG UP on me. nice, even the govt bots can't be bothered to put me on hold... seriously though wtf

 

[armoured]

am worried about this stupid barcode thing. I mean, does it change based on what you write in the form??

I might call IRCC again today and hope they aren't douches about it.

I believe the barcode does change but I'm not certain.

Again, I think the better solution is to find a "lay person" to help - all that's really needed is a regular desktop computer and common sense and some attention to detail.

Obviously do not know extent of your reading issues but proof reading final copies before signature is the most critical.

 

[neuroCanadian]

some attention to detail.

There are 42 pages to fill out and I don't even understand the first question

For me to pay attention to the detail of 400-500 legal-type questions would actually take me about 8 months of daily study.

 

[armoured]

There are 42 pages to fill out and I don't even understand the first question

For me to pay attention to the detail of 400-500 legal-type questions would actually take me about 8 months of daily study.

Helping with the weird questions is what this forum is for.

For first time through, don't focus on what you don't understand at first - you'll see that the vast majority of the pages are pure factual questions.

Most of the parts that aren't clear at first are terminology - like any bureaucracy of any kind, terms used in different or not obvious ways.

Then there are some legal blocks of text, which require a signature. They're dense but not that complicated. A lay person can interpret / answer questions.

Believe me, the forms are daunting for everyone - at first. But bit by bit they can be chipped away at.

 

[armoured]

Note, not knowing you I can't, of course, say what's appropriate or reasonable for you to do or argue against representation. Only you can decide, and nothing wrong with whatever choice you make.

But it is much less difficult than it seems at first - everyone gasps when they first see it. You may need less intensive help than you think (data entry / organisation is the main thing).

(I looked into getting representation and when I realised it was expensive and we would still need to collect and provide most of the information anyway, decided it just didn't make sense. For us.)

 

[mdmqbck]

Regarding the barcode, you can actually scan them with regular smartphone apps. For instance I use one named "QR & Barcode Scanner" on Android. The codes are just the contents of the fields in the form, and some of them include a "last saved/printed" date.

 

[canuck78]

To be fair the government is trying to make the forms accessible in most locations in the world. Most do not have ipads and will be operating on a laptop or even desktop.

 

[neuroCanadian]

operating on a laptop

I have a laptop, it just doesn't have Windows on it.

And "most people don't have ipads" is the stupidest thing I've ever heard, and also completely besides the point.

This is would be the same as: in 2017, you were told you needed a computer that Flash player could run on, even as adobe announced it was ending support for it.

 

[PaoTalamantesh]

No, it is literally impossible to even view them. I checked with Adobe and they told me the format that IRCC uses is deprecated and hasn't been updated since 2012. It's called "XFA - xml forms architecture"

Hi. I have read the problem you have. I have asked my husband, he occasionally works on Linux programing and he said that maybe this program can help you.

You have to download it first from this page:
https://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf-reader/

And then from your command console you must put this:

gzip –d FoxitReader_version_Setup.run.tar.gz
tar –xvf FoxitReader_version_Setup.run.tar
./FoxitReader_version_Setup.run

It is an Adobe-like reader with interactive features and digital signatures.

I hope this is a little help in your case.

 

[canuck78]

I have a laptop, it just doesn't have Windows on it.

And "most people don't have ipads" is the stupidest thing I've ever heard, and also completely besides the point.

This is would be the same as: in 2017, you were told you needed a computer that Flash player could run on, even as adobe announced it was ending support for it.

Immigration documents not being supported on a mobile device isn’t a crazy concept for governments that tend to lag in technology upgrades.

 

[neuroCanadian]

Immigration documents not being supported on a mobile device isn’t a crazy concept for governments

I was never expecting such a thing: I just wanted paper forms. And especially so, as I am legally disabled in a way that makes lengthy reading on a computer screen impossible.

Instead, I was told by the IRCC agent that their forms are available on mobile (partly true: the 8-year-old Adobe technology here should work on android tablets).

he then told me they are under no obligation to provide forms in alternative formats for disabled people, and I’m pretty sure he is dead wrong. I’m waiting for the human rights lawyer to get back to me.

 

[neuroCanadian]

have asked my husband, he occasionally works on Linux programing and he said that maybe this program can help you.

You have to download it first from this page:
https://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf-reader/

I tried Foxit but it didn’t work. But I found a free lawyer through donvalleylegal.ca so I think I’ll have the support I need.

 

[Amalthea]

So if we're doing outland sponsorship, does that mean I print 3 forms, following the guide, and my spouse prints 5 forms and has to submit them from outside Canada? because it said we need to submit them at the same time... but that doesn't mean from the same place (I assume? because how could an outland sponsor application work otherwise)

edit: also, if we don't use a representative, do we each still have to print that form (twice; once for each of us?)

You do need to submit them together, as one application. My husband mailed me the forms I needed, signed, because I was doing our entire application myself. He actually forgot to sign the forms and mailed me blank ones, which is hilarious, but I digress.

Outland applications do not have to be mailed outside of the country, nor do you two have to be apart, to send it in. For instance, you could both be living in Canada together and apply Outland. This is quite common.

I am very sorry the forms are inaccessible. It's absolutely inexcusable. They are difficult enough to navigate for able-bodied, neurotypical individuals. They don't just open; you have to right click+save link as, set program defaults to Adobe and all kinds of crap on Windows otherwise you get an error.

he then told me they are under no obligation to provide forms in alternative formats for disabled people, and I’m pretty sure he is dead wrong. I’m waiting for the human rights lawyer to get back to me.

I am so glad to hear you have been in contact with a lawyer about this, and that they are representing you.

When you get a chance, and if you are able to view it, bookmark the "Detailed Guide" to Spousal Immigration. They literally go through and explain every single question on every single form, starting at about 1/3rd of the way down the page.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5289-sponsor-your-spouse-common-law-partner-conjugal-partner-dependent-child-complete-guide.html