Moving back to Canada - Advice regarding British husband

[QuebecOkie]

That looks like a good overview for getting your application started. If you're missing anything, I don't see it. One step in the "gather all documents" step is putting together your "proof" of your relationship. Some people send in a LOT of info. In fact, after I started reading a lot here, I got really nervous about the "proof" I put together.

I only had eight photos, just color printed on regular paper, with a brief (3-5 sentences) description of each. I also included three itineraries from expedia; two showed us traveling together and our resort reservations for two vacations we took together to Mexico and Jamaica. The third showed my flight itinerary from when I flew to where he was deployed to visit him. I included a photo from each of those trips. I didn't include any chat transcripts, emails, skype logs, or phone records, but many do. We only had one photo that showed us with family, as we're terrible about taking photos. We also had a very small (us and three friends) "wedding" (just a brief ceremony at the courthouse chapel with no family in attendance). Obviously, my "proof" was enough, as we just received DM (decision made).

Coming from the U.K., I'd say don't stress *too* hard about the proof required with form IMM 5285. An assortment of photos of you together, including any wedding photos and photos with family, maybe some travel itineraries/chat logs/whatever you can scrounge up should do the trick. Those who come from non-visa-exempt countries, who have a huge age difference or very obvious cultural differences (religious differences from very traditional cultures, etc) have a greater need to send in reams of proof to try to convince case workers that their relationship is genuine. I'd say don't slack off, send a couple of photos, and call it good, but don't freak out and send 300 pages of documentation, either.

The letters from your family sound great, proving that they are aware of your genuine relationship, showing your intent to return to Canada, and demonstrating that you will have the support you need to make it financially upon your return.

No experience with RBC. Hubby had a car loan through them, which we paid off, but that's it.

You didn't mention whether or not your husband speaks French or will be interested in learning. As an outland applicant, he'll definitely be eligible for French language training (gratuit!!!) once he's a PR. However, he may be eligible earlier. He'll need the CSQ (that's the certificat de sélection du Québec - the one piece that's different here, that CIC will instruct you to request later on in the process) and either the AIP (approval in principle - not entirely sure if outland applicants get that? Sorry - we applied inland and I'm only familiar with that process) or DM (decision made) letter, for sure. You can learn about Québec's language programs for immigrants here: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/french-language/learning-quebec/index.html.

 

[katezinha82]

Hi!

Very sorry, I completely forgot to mention regarding French! I even discussed it with my husband but then ended up forgetting to write about it in my previous message. My husband doesn't speak much French, but he is working on it. The fact that my family basically only speaks French, he will be in complete immersion once we get there. He is interested in having lessons though as he want to integrate as much as possible!

Regarding the proof, what is the form IMM 5285? I don't think I have that one and I am getting confused! My husband and I are currently printing all the required forms. Are these (below) the only ones we need? Or is there more required?

Part 1: Sponsorship forms

Guide to Sponsorship [IMM 3900]

Document Checklist [IMM 5491] (PDF, 159 KB) January
Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement and Undertaking [IMM 1344] (PDF, 417 KB) August 2013
Sponsorship Evaluation [IMM 5481] (PDF, 110 KB) April 2012
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 97 KB) April 2009
Sponsor Questionnaire [IMM 5540] (PDF, 160 KB) April 2008
Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 55 KB) April 2013
Part 2: Immigration forms

Sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child living outside Canada [IMM 3999]

Forms

Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] (PDF, 366 KB) July 2013
Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP] (PDF, 472 KB) July 2011
Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669] (PDF, 170 KB) December 2012
Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (PDF, 88 KB) April 2008
Sponsored Spouse/Partner Questionnaire [IMM 5490] (PDF, 142 KB) April 2008
Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 55 KB)

Thanks for all the advice. We thankfully do have a lot of pictures so I will print a few of those. I might still have plane tickets receipt from when we went to Canada (3 times) and when we went to Paris. We also have emails exchanged, which I have saved. Would a proof of a joint bank account be good too? I mean we have been married for nearly 5 years now, so it should count for something! hehe

 

[MilesAway]

IMM 5285 is for couples applying Inland, so it does not apply to you.

Your proof, as an Outland application, is on the 2 questionnaires 5540 and 5490 I believe, where they ask about the relationship, etc.

There is another part, called Part 3. This is your country-specific list. Some countries have additional requirements, perhaps not forms, but documents required. For example, my fiancee will need to submit school transcripts as well as her labour book (it's a former-USSR thing). There may or may not be additional things there for you, but you are supposed to print off the checklist from there.

 

[QuebecOkie]

Sorry for causing confusion! I forget that the inland and outland applications have different forms for similar information.

A willingness to learn French, and to use what little French he has, will go a long way. I arrived a little over a year ago with NO French, and then my (bilingual) husband had to leave three weeks later for a nearly five-month-long course in Ontario. I won't say there was no crying, haha! But as long as I tried to use what little broken French I could muster, people tried to be helpful, and most were kind. Now, I get by pretty well, improving all the time. Most important sentence: Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, svp? Also, Desolé, je suis britannique, mon français n'est pas bon encore. :-D I am VERY quick to say I'm American, as that seems to make people even more patient and receptive. I'm not some bad ol' Ontarian who never bothered to learn French, haha, I'm a foreigner who's trying hard.

 

[katezinha82]

Haha, no worries! It did confuse me for a moment... But I feel quite relieved now!

My husband and I have selected 20 pictures to send with the application, all taken during the past 6 years. We don't really have email correspondence though, as we live together so we don't tend to email each other! What else should we send? Joint bank account statements?

Also, are all the documents I listed above the only ones required? (I know there will be some for Quebec, but I meant for Canada).

My husband can actually understand French a lot... More than he can speak it so I am sure he will manage! Somehow... hehe

 

[QuebecOkie]

Haha, no worries! It did confuse me for a moment... But I feel quite relieved now!

My husband and I have selected 20 pictures to send with the application, all taken during the past 6 years. We don't really have email correspondence though, as we live together so we don't tend to email each other! What else should we send? Joint bank account statements?

Also, are all the documents I listed above the only ones required? (I know there will be some for Quebec, but I meant for Canada).

My husband can actually understand French a lot... More than he can speak it so I am sure he will manage! Somehow... hehe

Joint bank account statements are good. They show combined finances, which support the genuineness of your relationship. Again, I really think a lot of people stress too much about proof. Visa-exempt nationals who had a traditional sort of relationship (they are of similar cultural backgrounds, they met, dated, lived together/got married, carried on "comme du monde") just need to show that progression. A Canadian and a Brit together for six years, with letters from family demonstrating knowledge of and support for the relationship, shouldn't face undue scrutiny. 20 pics taken over the years, those letters from family you mentioned, and copies of joint back statements cover your bases pretty well. An itinerary or two from travel together, or copies of a lease or mortgage showing you living together, those types of additional things won't hurt. Copies of cell phone bills, perhaps, where it shows you're on a family plan? Or auto insurance that lists both of you on an account? Just trying to think of what else you might easily acquire and include. More for your peace of mind than for the case worker's need for it, I think. Again, I included NOTHING but 8 pics and some travel itineraries as extra proof, and it's all over but the landing and PR card for us at this point. I stressed for a WHILE about how little we included (no letters from family - "DOH *kicking myself* Why didn't I send those?!?!?" etc.), but we were fine.

I can't answer on the documents, as we applied inland. AND I screwed up some things in the beginning, haha, but that's another story, and it's all fixed now.

Ooh, then he's WAY ahead of where I was when I arrived! I still have a great deal of trouble understanding even words I know when people up here say them. Do you know of the Saguenay region? My husband is fluently bilingual since early childhood, and even he can't understand some of the people up here. STRONG accent, which I know I'm picking up as I learn, haha (I've noticed my pronunciation is far more nasal and "twangy" than Rosetta Stone's French). My best advice to your hubby is just to spit it out, however broken his spoken French is. The only way to improve is to DO IT. Yep, he'll feel stupid. A LOT, haha! But feeling stupid never killed anyone. The first few months were tough for me, especially with the husband away, but having to fend for myself helped me get over the fear and embarrassment that paralyzed me early on. Now, despite still have a very small vocabulary and pretty bad pronunciation/grammar, I'll freely make small talk with people out in public and have little to no trouble getting help when I'm out running errands. Where does your family live in Québec?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

My best advice to your hubby is just to spit it out, however broken his spoken French is. The only way to improve is to DO IT. Yep, he'll feel stupid. A LOT, haha! But feeling stupid never killed anyone. The first few months were tough for me, especially with the husband away, but having to fend for myself helped me get over the fear and embarrassment that paralyzed me early on. Now, despite still have a very small vocabulary and pretty bad pronunciation/grammar, I'll freely make small talk with people out in public and have little to no trouble getting help when I'm out running errands. Where does your family live in Québec?

Good advice QuebecOkie

When I was learning Spanish, my teacher told me the cheapest, fastest and easiest way to learn any language was to get a bf/gf who only spoke that language . And she also recommended drinking a lot, loosens the tongue lol (my Spanish does improve remarkably after a few drinks ).

 

[frege]

As for the bank, I have had an account with Royal Bank of Canada for like forever... Have you guys had any experience with them?

No, but here is the list of required ID to open an account with RBC.

http://www.rbc.com/canada/_assets-custom/includes/pop-up/list-of-valid-identification.html

Here is the list for CIBC:

https://www.cibc.com/ca/acceptable-identification.html

IMM 1442 is a visitor record.

 

[katezinha82]

Ooh, then he's WAY ahead of where I was when I arrived! I still have a great deal of trouble understanding even words I know when people up here say them. Do you know of the Saguenay region? My husband is fluently bilingual since early childhood, and even he can't understand some of the people up here. STRONG accent, which I know I'm picking up as I learn, haha (I've noticed my pronunciation is far more nasal and "twangy" than Rosetta Stone's French). My best advice to your hubby is just to spit it out, however broken his spoken French is. The only way to improve is to DO IT. Yep, he'll feel stupid. A LOT, haha! But feeling stupid never killed anyone. The first few months were tough for me, especially with the husband away, but having to fend for myself helped me get over the fear and embarrassment that paralyzed me early on. Now, despite still have a very small vocabulary and pretty bad pronunciation/grammar, I'll freely make small talk with people out in public and have little to no trouble getting help when I'm out running errands. Where does your family live in Québec?

Oh yes, I know the Saguenay region. In fact, my dad was born and adopted there! He is Native American (Innu) and was born in Pointe-Bleue. However, his adoptive parents and himself relocated in the Montreal region when he was very young. When I was a child, we used to go for a few weeks almost every year, so I love Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean! Where about do you live?
I can't imagine what it must have been like, on your own! I struggled when I first arrived in UK 7 years ago... Especially as I was originally in Glasgow! I couldn't understand a word! hehe
My family lives (most of them) on the South Shore of Montreal (Montérégie), so even at first, with very broken French, he will be able to function!

Good advice QuebecOkie

When I was learning Spanish, my teacher told me the cheapest, fastest and easiest way to learn any language was to get a bf/gf who only spoke that language . And she also recommended drinking a lot, loosens the tongue lol (my Spanish does improve remarkably after a few drinks ).

Haha. I have noticed that actually... When we're visiting family and he has a beer or two, his French comes out easier!

No, but here is the list of required ID to open an account with RBC.

IMM 1442 is a visitor record.

Once again, thank you! Despite the fact I have been with RBC for most of my life, if they cause us troubles I will simply go to CIBC! I have an auntie who is quite high up at CIBC, so that should count for something!


Would you guys, for those who know, recommend we do fill the IMM 1442 form? Or is it just better to simply come into the country on a tourist visa?

(P.S. Why am I not able to post links? It says I am not allowed... Even in quotes!)

 

[Sweden]

Would you guys, for those who know, recommend we do fill the IMM 1442 form? Or is it just better to simply come into the country on a tourist visa?

(P.S. Why am I note able to post links? It says I am not allowed... Even in quotes!)

you need 10 posts to be able to quote, send private messages and update your profile info. Almost there
I didn't need the IMM 1442 form to open a bank account (BMO) but it seems a little random... difficult to know in advance if you will need it or not. You could also add your partner on your credit card, to start with, and have him open a bank account when he is a PR. He should be able to get one year of free banking (BMO does it, it's on their website, so you can tell RBC about it )

 

[QuebecOkie]

We're between Chicoutimi and Jonquière. It's a very pretty area, especially coming from a land with no hills, haha. (Oklahoma, USA) I've been pleasantly surprised by how kind and understanding folks are up here about the language stuff. I always try in French, and I'm improving all the time, but it's still pretty broken. The husband called Saguenay the "heart of separatist Québec," so I was kind of worried that people would be rude or unhelpful, but that's not been the case.

 

[katezinha82]

you need 10 posts to be able to quote, send private messages and update your profile info. Almost there
I didn't need the IMM 1442 form to open a bank account (BMO) but it seems a little random... difficult to know in advance if you will need it or not. You could also add your partner on your credit card, to start with, and have him open a bank account when he is a PR. He should be able to get one year of free banking (BMO does it, it's on their website, so you can tell RBC about it )

I see! Well, it's a good way to avoid spams!
I will look into banking once we get there... As long as I have my account anyway, we'll be fine!

When should I contact "Régime de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec"? Does anyone know? I mean, as I've now been in the UK for 6 1/2 years, I don't have my card anymore...

We're between Chicoutimi and Jonquière. It's a very pretty area, especially coming from a land with no hills, haha. (Oklahoma, USA) I've been pleasantly surprised by how kind and understanding folks are up here about the language stuff. I always try in French, and I'm improving all the time, but it's still pretty broken. The husband called Saguenay the "heart of separatist Québec," so I was kind of worried that people would be rude or unhelpful, but that's not been the case.

It is indeed a fantastic area! People are very friendly over there... In fact, my husband was very impressed at how friendly people were everywhere in Canada. Much nicer than here in the UK!
I am sure your French is better than you think!

 

[frege]

When should I contact "Régime de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec"? Does anyone know? I mean, as I've now been in the UK for 6 1/2 years, I don't have my card anymore...

As England and Wales don't have an agreement with Quebec, you'll have a three-month waiting period when you return.

You need to phone them within 15 days of your moving back to Quebec. After that, you have 45 days to go in to one of their offices. Otherwise your coverage start date may be delayed.

If you have a choice between, say, moving back on January 31 or February 1, picking January 31 will give you an extra month of coverage. (It would start on April 1 rather than May 1.)

 

[katezinha82]

As England and Wales don't have an agreement with Quebec, you'll have a three-month waiting period when you return.

You need to phone them within 15 days of your moving back to Quebec. After that, you have 45 days to go in to one of their offices. Otherwise your coverage start date may be delayed.

If you have a choice between, say, moving back on January 31 or February 1, picking January 31 will give you an extra month of coverage. (It would start on April 1 rather than May 1.)

It looks like we picked the wrong date to move back then! We're flying out on the 03rd December!

 

[frege]

It looks like we picked the wrong date to move back then! We're flying out on the 03rd December!

Right, I'd forgotten about that part of your first post. So your coverage would start in March.