Relationship Essay: Should I include this? Please help!!

[Solesilence]

Hi

my wife (canadian citizen) is sponsoring me from Pakistan.

I'm writing the relationship essay and I'm thinking of including why we made the decision for both of us to settle down in Canada (and not Pakistan) the main reason being that it's obviously a better environment with more opportunities for our future children.

should i include that? for some reason I'm feeling like they may seem like we're trying to 'over justify' our case/ or am I thinking to much into this?

this is driving me crazy.

I just want to send in the application already but every last detail is making me doubt. I seriously don't think I can handle having to wait longer to meet her again just because of a poorly documented case

any advice is appreciated

 

[gsize]

you are wise !

You need to be very careful with this issue. They threw it back in my partners face saying ..... 'your only interested in opportunity. You are not interested in your spouse'

They sometimes will look for the weakest link and wont let go (kinda like a pitbull)

Our case was denied. My partner left the Embassy in tears ! Here I am 4 years later (in total) IT really depends on the VO. Some are great and some are very nasty ! :-X

Lots of great people here willing to give you great advice !

 

[amikety]

I don't think you need to justify your reasons for picking Canada. The relationship essay is 100% about you and your spouse's relationship. Write about your love and how it grew.

When I sent in my application, I edited out Skype conversations where we discussed which country to live in. I didn't think why we picked Canada was the IO's business. In our case, it was personal because I'm from the USA. In your case, I think it's very understandable why you would pick Canada instead of Pakistan. (Not trying to say anything bad about Pakistan, but Canada is more peaceful.)

 

[msingh2013]

Do sponsored spouses from all countries have to write a relationship essay or is it specific for only those being sponsored from certain countries like Pakistan?

 

[gsize]

you dont have to have an Essay but it is HIGHLY recommended. In my case....My Immigration Consultant and I dont even think it was read !

 

[msingh2013]

Where in the application does it say you need a relationship essay??

 

[amikety]

Where in the application does it say you need a relationship essay??

On IMM 5490 - Question #9. Describe how your relationship developed.

Most people find the space too small to write out their relationship development, so they write an essay instead.

 

[CanadaNow]

I don't think you need to justify your reasons for picking Canada. The relationship essay is 100% about you and your spouse's relationship. Write about your love and how it grew.

When I sent in my application, I edited out Skype conversations where we discussed which country to live in. I didn't think why we picked Canada was the IO's business. In our case, it was personal because I'm from the USA. In your case, I think it's very understandable why you would pick Canada instead of Pakistan. (Not trying to say anything bad about Pakistan, but Canada is more peaceful.)

To answer the OP original question, I would strongly encourage you to include a relationship essay.

Havin said the above, amikety is absolutely correct in saying, "The relationship essay is 100% about you and your spouse's relationship. Write about your love and how it grew". Do not try to justify your choice of Canada.

What my wife did wonderfully was write the essay but she also did a 1 page "short timeline" version of that same essay. The timeline gave the VO an opportunity to glean the same info without reading the whole essay (unless they wanted to).

Best wishes.

 

[Rob_TO]

Where in the application does it say you need a relationship essay??

It's optional, and completely dependent on your particular situation. In our case of common-law, we didn't include any essay and just stuck to the lines in the form. However we felt our situation was strong enough, and there were no red flags.

Basically you need to include as much information and proof as possible, to convince the VO you are a genuine couple. If there are some red flags that you think will come up, a more detailed essay explaining your situation would be recommended. Everyone's application is unique.

 

[msingh2013]

Oh wow I didn't know this part. But if I am the sponsor, should I be writing it or should we both write our own separate essays? One essay for our first meeting and second essay to describe our relationship. So that would be four essays in total. Or should we just do one essay and include it with a timeline breakdown?

 

[amikety]

Oh wow I didn't know this part. But if I am the sponsor, should I be writing it or should we both write our own separate essays? One essay for our first meeting and second essay to describe our relationship. So that would be four essays in total. Or should we just do one essay and include it with a timeline breakdown?

I would write 1 each if you want to include one. You can discuss how you met, your first meeting, and how your love grew in the same essay. That way it flows and tells a story to the VO.

Save a copy for your spouse and share it on a special occasion

 

[msingh2013]

If we write one each, I bet we have to include our names at the bottom of the essay. How long are these essays in general? If I get a lawyer, will he type one up for me? hahaha

 

[CanadaNow]

Oh wow I didn't know this part. But if I am the sponsor, should I be writing it or should we both write our own separate essays? One essay for our first meeting and second essay to describe our relationship. So that would be four essays in total. Or should we just do one essay and include it with a timeline breakdown?

again the purpose of "the essay" is to prove your relationship is genuine. the essay does this by showing your relationship has developed over time and that it is not just fly by night.

I would suggest you and your spouse write it together as much as possible. If you are in different countries, perhaps one of you can write a summary (then the other checks it and add/modifies/deletes) then one of you takes that summary and expands it into an essay with more details (then the other checks again for any additions/mods/deletes).

 

[gsize]

best to have an essay from each of you (thats what the Imm consultants told me)

 

[amikety]

If we write one each, I bet we have to include our names at the bottom of the essay. How long are these essays in general? If I get a lawyer, will he type one up for me? hahaha

Length is up to you. I used only the lines provided on the form. Other people have written 2 pages, 3 pages, up to 11 pages is the longest one I've heard about.

I would include my name- "Amikety - Applicant"

Unless your lawyer is also a secretary, I doubt he'll type it up for you