There are several reasons why online application might be processed faster and is considered better.
a) When you apply on paper, some one in CIC scans and uploads all your docs after verification and creates your file. This might take up to a week or more. You skip this step with online submission.
b) In case there is something wrong with your application (say they need a form or you missed a sign) and they want to return your app unprocessed so you fix and resubmit. Some times a physical submitted application lies dormant for months and you only discover it was incomplete when you ask CIC and they return it to you saying it was unprocessed and you should resubmit. This actually happened to me and i lost nearly 2+ months due to this even when mistake was on CIC's part i.e. they wrote something was waived in requirements incorrectly and i followed but they actually required it. When you submit online either your file is not accepted or created so you know right away OR they ask you latter to submit / upload additional docs while keeping the original date of submission intact.
c) Mostly, they ask for original docs when submitted on paper. This means your degrees and other valuables lie with CIC for an extended period of time. Where as in case of online app, you don't submit any thing in original at all. Even the original passport is asked for only when you know pretty much certainly that you are going to get visa and CIC would stamp your passport. This phase comes pretty late in the process and usually you passports only remain with embassy for 15-20 days max. In case you don't realize how important this is, i know of a couple with immigration application pending, CIC actually lost all their originals (degrees, experience letters, marriage certificate and what not). They do not take any liability in case of a loss. So the couple had to go through a lot of pains to get duplicates of all originals. You just don't face any such risk in case of online app.
Lastly, No a spouse doesn't have to prove she has a decent job or one at all. Mine doesn't work nor some of my friends spouses who have gone to Canada on open work permits before. However, if you have any of those things, it would help and make the case over all better.
One word of caution though. If you are applying together for a work permit + open work permit, it probably doesn't matter at all regarding spouse. BUT if you are already on some kind of pending permanent residence application, and are trying to skip the period it takes to get FAM sponsorship through using open work permit, then Visa officers are usually critical about it i.e. they look for strong ties of spouse to home country in order to return to grant open work permit i.e. good job, owning property, past travel etc. Probably they are of the view that if you really intend to go permanently, then you should wait till permanent application is through for the spouse.
hiep3010 said:
So does online submission really affect the result of the application because i think it shouldn't?
And if she'll apply for OWP based on my current work permit, does she still have to prove to the officer that she has a decent job, and money in the bank, so she'll come back? That sounds a little bit odd.
thanks
