Hi guys,
so my partner and I are working on gathering all the required documents to apply for sponsorship, it's going to be an inland app but the thing is that we have been reading in this forum and the immigration website and we are still not exactly clear on everything and how it works. so we have a few question and we were hoping to get some clarification.
1- all the forms must be filled in a computer than printed and signed and then mailed with the supporting documents correct ? does that mean that there's no an online application that can be tracked?
2- we are going to apply for OWP as well, and from what we have read it's a separate app would that be filled online or on paper ? would it help if we apply for it separately ?
3- what does linking the application mean ? and when do we need to do that ?
4- would an OWP work as a visa and can be used to re-enter the country during the PR application or do we need to issue another temporary visa for that purpose ?
5- if there is no minimum income required from the sponsor how can we prove the financial ability ? can we use a financial statement from the PA bank account instead ?
6- CIC websites says "For some countries, originals of certain documents are required. In these cases, you must submit the original and not a copy" what does this mean ? would the origin country have a say in the PR application or is this a confidential application that goes through the Canadian government only?
Thank you
Hopefully this helps a bit! If you haven't already, have a look at the Basic Guide and the specific forms/checklist you need to fill out:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/spouse.asp
1. Correct. See answer to question 3 about online tracking.
2. You fill out the OWP the same way you do for the PR app (fill out on the computer, print out forms and supporting documents, send by mail). I have seen people claiming that it can be faster if you send it separately after sending the PR application, but I am yet to see someone who actually did it and their timeline. For November applicants, the delay to get the OWP approved has been just over 3 months, but the standard is closer to 4 months. Both applications would be sent in the same envelope to Mississauga, as the checklist and CIC website state.
3. About 6-8 weeks after your application is received, and if all forms, supporting documents, and paid fees are correctly included in the application, you will get an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from CIC. You will then have an Application Number and UCI and you can link your application online by going through the steps on GCKey (there's a lot of posts on the forum specifically about how to link the application). This is where you will see updates on your application and messages from CIC (for example, when they request a medical exam, or when they start your background check). You can also link your OWP application.
4. I think so. Hopefully someone else can clarify this point. It does not guarantee an entry to Canada though, as that is always to the discretion of the border officer. It is recommended to limit travel and only to short periods of time - if you are not in Canada, your inland application will be refused.
5. Look at the checklist under "Employment/Source of Income" - it states very clearly what they require.
6. Again, look at the checklist and "country specific requirements" on the CIC website. Depending on the country of origin of the Principal Applicant, you would need to provide the original version of some documents (for example a Marriage Certificate) or only a photocopy.