New to Forum and just trying to get everything all together to apply

[zacvv]

Hello,

I am an australian and my girlfriend of 3 years is from canada. We have been working over the last 6 months getting everything together to send away my paperwork. It has been very difficult to find out some specific information as some say do it one way then the others say dont...
Can you help me with the following:-

What exactly and how do i obtain a statutory deceleration from friends about our relationship? Who does these forms?

Do i need to do my medical before i send my paperwork in?

I only just now know the difference between outland and inland applications but which one is better? I currently live in canada and work here.

If you could help me with that then im confident i have everything

 

[spaceexp]

Hello,

I am an australian and my girlfriend of 3 years is from canada. We have been working over the last 6 months getting everything together to send away my paperwork. It has been very difficult to find out some specific information as some say do it one way then the others say dont...
Can you help me with the following:-

What exactly and how do i obtain a statutory deceleration from friends about our relationship? Who does these forms?

Do i need to do my medical before i send my paperwork in?

I only just now know the difference between outland and inland applications but which one is better? I currently live in canada and work here.

If you could help me with that then im confident i have everything

Hi and welcome! I can partially help you:
1. Do i need to do my medical before i send my paperwork in? - You do! The latest checklist for outland application asks for upfront medical: "Proof of medical examination for the sponsored person and each of his or her dependants (Copy 1 of Medical Report: Client Biodata and Summary (IMM 1017), signed and provided by the panel physician"

2. I only just now know the difference between outland and inland applications but which one is better? I currently live in canada and work here. - You can apply outland even though you are in Canada. You can read elsewhere on the forum that outland is better option in most cases, since inland applications are just taking way too long.

 

[zacvv]

Thank you for getting back to me. So outland will be a quicker time frame? One other thing on my generic application it has a UCI question. What is a UCI?

 

[spaceexp]

Thank you for getting back to me. So outland will be a quicker time frame?

Well, as I see on cic web site, Australian outland processing time is 2 months (sponsor)+11 months (principal applicant). This is only average, so if you have a straightforward application it can be even quicker. Inland applications take about a year just for stage 1 and then 6-8 months for stage 2.
Everywhere on the forum people STRONGLY recommend outland applications.

One other thing on my generic application it has a UCI question. What is a UCI?

UCI number was given to you only if you dealt with CIC before. If you don't have one, or don't know if you have it, you can leave that part of the form empty. (i.e. I had UCI for a visitor visa, but I still left that part empty).

But, wait for other people to add onto my answers, maybe someone has more advice for you

 

[spaceexp]

It is probably the best for you to join Australian tread: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/thread-for-applications-through-sydney-australia-office-t46958.2010.html

They might be able to give you more help

 

[fruitball4u]

As for declarations from family and friends, I just created a letter template addressed to CIC and emailed it to my friends and family. They filled out their names/info and then wrote a short page or two letter describing my relationship and how they know us and that they believe we're in it for the long haul. I had people print them out, sign them, and then scan it back to me. I'll just include all of those in my application.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Well, as I see on cic web site, Australian outland processing time is 2 months (sponsor)+11 months (principal applicant). This is only average, so if you have a straightforward application it can be even quicker. Inland applications take about a year just for stage 1 and then 6-8 months for stage 2.
Everywhere on the forum people STRONGLY recommend outland applications.

UCI number was given to you only if you dealt with CIC before. If you don't have one, or don't know if you have it, you can leave that part of the form empty. (i.e. I had UCI for a visitor visa, but I still left that part empty).

But, wait for other people to add onto my answers, maybe someone has more advice for you

the first rule of outland processing is that the posted times on the CIC website are misleading and not accurate. they do NOT represent what applicants are experiencing TODAY! Australia certainly does NOT have a 11 month processing time, just like ottawa certainly does not have a 16 month processing time.

to know what current Australian applicants are facing, it's best to check out the australian applicant threads, and there will probably be a spreadsheet that tracks progress. Australia used to be super quick (3 months), then slowed a bit (6 months?). I am not sure what the current "trend" is, though i assure you it is NOT 11 months!!!!!!!!!!!

Australians should be applying OUTLAND, not inland! even if they are in canada when the application is submitted.

 

[zacvv]

So one more quick question for you guys. Will the process require me to go home for an interview if it was needed? Or can i do the interview here in canada if i submit my application as an outland?

 

[spaceexp]

So one more quick question for you guys. Will the process require me to go home for an interview if it was needed? Or can i do the interview here in canada if i submit my application as an outland?

As far as I know, IF they require an interview you will have to go to your VO. But not so many people are called for an interview, depends on red flags and how good a case you have.