Is a notary really necessary?

[Kahisys]

Greetings.

My partner and I are currently filling applications for a PR based on common-law, seeing as we've finally been living together for more than a year as of the 11th of this month. While we're happy to get things started (and raising hopes of me finding an employment in the futur to support us), we keep finding more and more expenses that are frankly not affordable for a couple living with only one minimum-wage worker: the thousand for the application, almost $600 for a medical exam,...

Now, we're seeing that we apparently need a notary/commissioner of oaths/commission of taking affidavits. I just want to make sure: is it really necessary? I mean, don't get me wrong, all this is worth it in the long run, but for our situation right now, saving up on unecessary expenses would be grand.

 

[profiler]

Greetings.

My partner and I are currently filling applications for a PR based on common-law, seeing as we've finally been living together for more than a year as of the 11th of this month. While we're happy to get things started (and raising hopes of me finding an employment in the futur to support us), we keep finding more and more expenses that are frankly not affordable for a couple living with only one minimum-wage worker: the thousand for the application, almost $600 for a medical exam,...

Now, we're seeing that we apparently need a notary/commissioner of oaths/commission of taking affidavits. I just want to make sure: is it really necessary? I mean, don't get me wrong, all this is worth it in the long run, but for our situation right now, saving up on unecessary expenses would be grand.

Because affidavits are sworn documents, you need a commissioner (notary or a commissioner of oaths) to swear your document. That said, some city halls or courthouses do offer the service for nominal or no fee. You might want to call to find out.

 

[Ponga]

I just want to make sure: is it really necessary? I mean, don't get me wrong, all this is worth it in the long run, but for our situation right now, saving up on unecessary expenses would be grand.

Yes. For a common-law sponsorship you must provide at least two notarized/sworn letters from family/friends speaking to your relationship. They should cover both parts of your relationship; That you are a loving couple AND that you are living together.

 

[Kahisys]

Oh, I see. Thanks for the tips! It is quite a bit annoying but I guess it can't be helped.

On that matter, it means I'm going to have to bring the original documents alongside the copies to get them certified, too?

 

[justanerd]

Have you check whether the sponsor has met the income requirements for being a family class sponsor?..that's a bigger issue I think..

 

[just a square]

Have you check whether the sponsor has met the income requirements for being a family class sponsor?..that's a bigger issue I think..

There are no income requirements for spousal applications with no kids.

 

[Ponga]

Have you check whether the sponsor has met the income requirements for being a family class sponsor?..that's a bigger issue I think..

There is no minimum income required for a spouse or common-law partner sponsorship. There is for parents and grand parents.

 

[Kahisys]

Indeed, at first I was worried, but I checked the details, and since we're just a young couple with no children, we're not affected by this (thank lord).

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Oh, I see. Thanks for the tips! It is quite a bit annoying but I guess it can't be helped.

On that matter, it means I'm going to have to bring the original documents alongside the copies to get them certified, too?

The people who write the letters need to take them to be notarized. You need to then submit the original notarized letters.

 

[Kahisys]

I meant more about the documents provided other than letters, like birth certificates and such.

 

[profiler]

I meant more about the documents provided other than letters, like birth certificates and such.

You can submit copies of those. Unless it states originals, you can submit copies. No need to notarise.

 

[Kahisys]

Alright so the letters to testify our relationship are the only documents asking for a notary expertise?

 

[profiler]

Alright so the letters to testify our relationship are the only documents asking for a notary expertise?

Also anything that needs to be translated from a language other than english or french. At least that is what CIC's call centre told us, and they didn't reject our application.

 

[Kahisys]

Well I'm lucky to be from France so I won't have that issue.

Thank you very much for your help!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Alright so the letters to testify our relationship are the only documents asking for a notary expertise?

You need to look on your country-specific checklist. It specifies which documents need to be certified and which can be just photocopies.