Need help with form 5532

[paki786]

Hi,
I was wondering if someone could help me with this. I did search the forum and there were some relevant threads but I still wasn't sure how to answer this. I'm sponsoring my wife from Pakistan (she is my first cousin). I'm stuck at Part C question 1 & 2 on form 5532. The question is 'When was the first time you met in person'. I technically 'met' her in person when she was born. After that, we always saw each other at family gatherings. After moving to Canada, I visited Pakistan multiple times and I met her every time at family gathering. However, there was nothing between us until we decided to marry (a month ago, family arranged). So how do I answer this question? And also question 2 'Did you have any contact before you met in person'

Thanks

 

[Ukrainian girl]

Hi,
I think it is clear that the time when you first met in person was when you both were kids and you should describe it in that box just like you did in your post. Regarding the second question “Did you have any contact before you met in person” the answer in my opinion would be “No” because this question is more relevant to the couples that met over the internet and travelled to visit each other. In your case you both have known each other since birth and you should just explain it.

 

[paki786]

Thanks Ukrainian girl. Yes I can explain that, but I wasn't sure what date to put in there? Should I just pick a random date from childhood?

 

[jordo]

It's never a good idea to pick random dates. If you can recall when you met her when she was an infant then use that. Were you there at the birth? Did you meet her a few days after she was born? a month later? It's ok to estimate a date based on your memory but that's different than picking a random date.

And if you can't remember, maybe her parents or your parents have an idea?

 

[paki786]

Yes I was there at her birth. I was going to use her birth date but wasn't sure.

Also another question, I will be going back to Canada soon and send my application next month. Should I have my wife sign the forms now with current date or wait till I have more evidence about the relationship (calls, messages) and then? But that would mean she will have to mail me the signed forms. Or should she sign now and I can date it later? How do people do this?

 

[Ukrainian girl]

Yes I was there at her birth. I was going to use her birth date but wasn't sure.

Also another question, I will be going back to Canada soon and send my application next month. Should I have my wife sign the forms now with current date or wait till I have more evidence about the relationship (calls, messages) and then? But that would mean she will have to mail me the signed forms. Or should she sign now and I can date it later? How do people do this?

Thanks Ukrainian girl. Yes I can explain that, but I wasn't sure what date to put in there? Should I just pick a random date from childhood?

You can just write that you met her in XXXX year (the year when she was born) and that you can’t provide the exact date as you also were a kid back then when you met her. Just describe it in that box like you did here. There are people, not robots working with the applications so I’m sure they will understand what do you mean. It’s ok to not remember the exact date of an event that happened in your childhood....Just make sure you describe it in the box and explain that you can not provide the exact date as it happened so many years ago.

 

[Ukrainian girl]

Yes I was there at her birth. I was going to use her birth date but wasn't sure.

Also another question, I will be going back to Canada soon and send my application next month. Should I have my wife sign the forms now with current date or wait till I have more evidence about the relationship (calls, messages) and then? But that would mean she will have to mail me the signed forms. Or should she sign now and I can date it later? How do people do this?

She has to put the exact date when she signs the papers. She can either do it now or mail it to you later if you decide to gather more communication proofs before applying.

 

[paki786]

Thanks. If she signs now then how should I answer the question 'Are you currently living together'? Because I will be going back to Canada soon and then send my application in from there and at that time we will be living apart. Sorry, I'm really confused over these questions. Maybe I'm over thinking

Also, I noticed that on some of the forms that my wife (principal applicant) has to fill out ask about Spouse. For example, Additional Family Information and Travel Information. Should we still have to enter my information in there? I'm the sponsor.

 

[Ukrainian girl]

Thanks. If she signs now then how should I answer the question 'Are you currently living together'? Because I will be going back to Canada soon and then send my application in from there and at that time we will be living apart. Sorry, I'm really confused over these questions. Maybe I'm over thinking

Also, I noticed that on some of the forms that my wife (principal applicant) has to fill out ask about Spouse. For example, Additional Family Information and Travel Information. Should we still have to enter my information in there? I'm the sponsor.

I think even if your wife signs the forms now the answer on the question “ Are you currently living together” would still be “No”because technically you are not living in your home country, your just visiting there. Also on the other form you’d have to confirm that you currently are residing in Canada and then it would contradict it if you had put that you were living with your wife in her country currently...but that’s my opinion. Your wife could sign and date the forms now and you could sign and date them after you actually get back to Canada. It’s ok If there’s a couple weeks difference between your signatures. But make sure you put all the dates of your visits to see her and if you stayed together at the same location then put it too.

Yes, on the additional family information form your wife should list you as her spouse and also if you have any children from previous marriages (if any) your wife would have to list them too as her step children.

I don’t know about the travel information, I didn’t have that form on my list.

 

[paki786]

Thank you so much! I will ask other questions in the Pakistani thread.