Proof of Relationship Documents for Spouse - Not Co-Habitating

[RapsFan905]

Hi there, I am a Canadian citizen and my wife is a U.S citizen. We are legally married and are applying for spousal sponsorship. Under the PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP TO SPONSOR section, we must prove 3 of the following:

Joint ownership or joint residential leases
Joint utilities
Important documents showing the same address
Important documents showing you are recognized as each other's spouse
Evidence of financial support
Other proof of legitimacy (letters, etc.)

We do not live together, so right away the first 2 options are not available. We are wondering if anyone has been in the same boat, and if so, what documents did you submit?

As of now the only option we are certain about is the letters from friends and family (our parents and friends have agreed to write for us). However, is there a certain format the Canadian government requires these letters to be written in?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Hurlabrick]

Some examples here (I know you are married not common law, but the same comments apply):

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spousal_Sponsorship-Canada/FAQ_-_New_Application_Forms#Item_7_.28Common-law_only.29:_My_common-law_partner_and_I_are_not_currently_living_together._Is_this_ok.3F

 

[RapsFan905]

Thank you very much for the response! It's tough as so much seems to depend on living together. I'm calling them today to inquire further.

 

[viva-c]

We were in the same situation and supplied documents from the last three items on the list. It was definitely tricky since we don't "technically" live together or have our names on any joint documents.

Important documents showing you are recognized as each other's spouse:
I provided documentation showing that my husband is listed as the beneficiary on my life insurance, and also that he is listed as my husband and emergency contact with my employer.

Evidence of financial support:
I provided screenshots of Paypal transfers between us over the past year (primarily from him to me) it wasn't much, but still showed that we have been sharing some money.

Proof that our relationship is recognized by friends/family:
Social media screenshots showing our family members interacting with posts about us and posting about our wedding/engagement, as well as email screenshots from our family members over the course of our relationship showing proof that we had spent time with our family and nice messages from them to us and whatnot.

Hope that helps!

 

[RapsFan905]

Hi Viva C, sorry I have not been on for a little while - been very busy! Thank you very much for sharing this information with us. At the moment our 3 pieces of documentation we will be providing are:

I am creating a will and including her as my spouse and primary beneficiary
We have created a joint bank account here in Canada as well as a line of credit with the intention of using it together when she lives here
We are having our parents and friends write us letters indicating how they know us.

Is there anything specific we should make sure our parents/friends include in the letters? I'm assuming it must include
1) how they know us
2) how long they have known us
3) what they know about our relationship
4) can they also provide personal commentary (i.e. they're a great couple who love each other very much? Haha I know it sounds corny but we just want it to be as good as possible!)

Thank you so much everyone!

 

[RapsFan905]

Sorry all please ignore my questions regarding the letters. I forgot a previous poster had provided a great link to answers regarding the contents of the letters. It's tough to keep track of everything sometimes lol. If anyone else has experience with providing a will and joint bank accounts and if that was successful, feel free to share though!

Thank you