please help me do the Sponsored Spouse/partner questionnaire (Form IMM 5490)

[tommyn79]

Hi can anyone please answer my question.

I am sponsoring my wife to Canada, and she doesn't know English at all. Can I help her fill out the forms 5490 or she needs to get another interpreter which is not a family member? The reason why I came up with this question is because on the last page of the form 5490, the interpreter must sign at the bottom of the page. So If I am allowed to help her, then I must sign there right.. thanks..

This was written on the CIC's Guide 3900 - Sponsorship of a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child living outside Canada

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Translation of documents
Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by:

the English or French translation; and
an affidavit from the person who completed the translation; and
a certified copy of the original document.
Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a commissioner authorized to administer oaths in the country in which the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified members in good standing of one of the provincial or territorial organizations of translators and interpreters of Canada do not need to supply an affidavit.

Important information. Translations by family members are not acceptable.
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So, I guess, this part applies to the Police certificates that my wife must have from her local police station. .. if you have any clue please help me out.. Thanks

 

[Ponga]

Re-read the `important information' at the bottom that states family members (which would include you, I would think) are ineligible to provide translation.

 

[tommyn79]

I just called them.. .. and this is what they told me..

I can instruct my wife to write everything in her own hand writing .. and I can sign the last parts of the form 5490 for the interpreter declaration.

 

[Ponga]

Sorry but I'm confused...She can write English but cannot read or speak English?

So much for the `Translations by family members are not accepted' statement that you show from guide 3900.

 

[Avadava]

So much for the `Translations by family members are not accepted' statement that you show from guide 3900.

I believe this part applies to translation of documents like: Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, etc. For an interpretation, I think the sponsor can definitely do it. Translation and interpretation are similar, but not quite identical.

 

[Ponga]

I believe this part applies to translation of documents like: Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, etc. For an interpretation, I think the sponsor can definitely do it. Translation and interpretation are similar, but not quite the same.

Excellent! This is certainly good news for the OP!!!

 

[mac_0n3]

hi just to help you out. I was in a similar situation when filling out those forms. My wife doesnt speak, write or understand english to the ability needed to fill out those documents. I translated for her verbally , she responded and then i rewrote what she said in out native tongue to English. This is perfectly acceptable , don't sign the translator part , leave it blank.

my wife has just been asked to send in her passport so it all went well

GL to you .

 

[canadianwoman]

I would also just assist your wife and not sign the translator's part. It may not be strictly what CIC wants, but for a straightforward case should be OK.

However, do make sure she understands and remembers what she 'wrote'. The visa officers do not like it if they question the applicant about something in the forms, the applicant responds with some different answer, and then the explanation is 'I just signed it, I did not know what it said.'

 

[taffy7]

I would also just assist your wife and not sign the translator's part. It may not be strictly what CIC wants, but for a straightforward case should be OK.

However, do make sure she understands and remembers what she 'wrote'. The visa officers do not like it if they question the applicant about something in the forms, the applicant responds with some different answer, and then the explanation is 'I just signed it, I did not know what it said.'

Photocopy every thing you send in , then if any thing gets lost you have the information , also if they ask a question you and your wife will have it on paper .