Seoul Timeline~Common-Law Partner Sponsorship

[achkorea]

Oh by the way, did they request a biopage and all of the pages of the passport or a certificate of travel history? We had a request for the biopage only and still trying to figure out if the request was a good indication that we're going to hear soon.

 

[stevelo]

We also had for biopage only. As for travel history we didn't get asked for a certificate but on the general form or some other form we had to fill out all the previous addresses and such. Really who can certify a travel history anyhow?


Let's see.. I don't remember exactly but our app got to Seoul office in early June 2011, and we got a response from Seoul office in Feb. 2012 asking for proof that we intend to live in Canada. We didn't know better then and got a 'fairness' (scary) letter in March saying we didn't explain enough about our intent; since then we got back to Canada and updated that we are back, there was nothing until August (last month) when they asked us for an updated crim check (there's new requirements since we applied I think so that's why they ask ppl to redo).

I am hoping our latest correspondence will get processed soon maybe similar batch to Barlowe's and we get some positive response. Since the timeline was similar but they got theirs a week or so before we got our letters.

 

[achkorea]

OK our dates are very similar, we were asked to do a new medical and criminal check at the same time in May. Then, in August we got that request for just the biopage and updated Korean address to 'ensure proper delivery'. You are both in Canada, right? My partner thinks that maybe because we were already here that they may have that info in the system and since he was able to get a Temp Res visa, nothing negative showed up in the system when he entered, and as a result, they may not need the rest of the pages (I hope). I see the biopage request as a good thing, I just kept reading about people having to send copies of the extra pages too and I was unsure. Of course when I read it first, I just saw 'passport' and thought we were done haha Soon enough, my friend.

I will post immediately if I hear anything, please do the same. I may swear a little if you're first, just as I expect the same from you if we're first haha Stay in touch.

 

[newlywed]

Hi everyone, I just got a similar letter from Seoul processing. Can anyone explain exactly what they did for this item:

(X) Certificate of entry/exit records from Korean immigration office showing all records since age 18 until present for you

I'm a little confused about what this is.

 

[Harju]

The Entry/Exit Certificate is an official document from Immigration showing all movement in and out of Korea for Korean nationals (this comes in an English/Korean version or a straight Korean version; ask for the English version to avoid having to translate).
Here are instructions from the US Embassy website on how to get one. I was never able to find instructions on the Canadian embassy website. Other people have also sent photocopies of all their exit and entry stamps in their passports. We just used the certificate.

http://seoul.usembassy.gov/entry_exit_record.html

 

[stevelo]

Hmm, they asked us for it too.

Harju, how is your immigration coming along? Haven't seen you on forum for a long time.

 

[Harju]

Harju, how is your immigration coming along? Haven't seen you on forum for a long time.

I am still hanging around. Our process has been completed for a while. It took about a year for us. Basically 10 months of hearing nothing, then a flurry of requests and eventual issuance of the visa. One thing to note is that all of the requests for information we received were for things we had originally sent with the application. They did request another entry/exit certificate at the end. It does not take that long to get, provided you are in Korea or have someone their to get it for you.

 

[stevelo]

Harju,

Do you know of anyone who had to go for interview at Seoul office? We will have to do that and it would be good if there is some past reference to Seoul interviews.

 

[Harju]

Sorry, I do not know anyone who has had an interview.

 

[Rob_TO]

Hi guys,
I can share my timeline experience with you from the Seoul office. I'm Canadian and sponsored my common-law Korean spouse, while we are both living here in Canada (shes under student visa now).
They approved me as a sponsor in Canada on Aug 21, and at that time sent the app for PR for my spouse to Seoul office. Then just yesterday they updated status to "Decision made". So total of around 2 1/2 months in Seoul.

Permanent Residence
We received your application for permanent residence on July 16, 2012. (Sponsor app started processing in Mississauga)
We started processing your application on October 16, 2012. (PR app started processing in Seoul)
Medical results have been received.
A decision has been made on your application. The office will contact you concerning this decision.

On Oct 16 they only asked for 1 additional document:
(X) Korean exit / entry certificate since age 18 for you

My spouse wrote a letter authorizing her sister (who lives in Korea) to pick up this official document for her from the local government office in Seoul, and mailed it directly to the Seoul Canadian Embassy.

And that was it. Few weeks later and the "decision made" status popped up. I'm hoping since there were no additional requests or concerns raised... it is good news.

We had provided a photocopy of my spouses passport and current visa, as well as all the medical stuff, all right from the beginning of the application process. Funny how the exit/entry certificate thing is not on their checklist of required docs, but seems they always ask for it.

 

[stevelo]

Congrats Rob_TO. I am both happy and envious of you guys. ;D

But every case is different, and every officer is different. I suspect your case was fairly straight-forward. I hope ours can be resolved with the interview coming up. Thank you for sharing your experience though, Seoul office people fighting!

I think you have good news coming; I would assume there were no flags and they expedited your case.

 

[Rob_TO]

Well we just got the letter today, and it was indeed good news as my spouse was approved for her PR

If it would help, for anyone else applying under common-law and through the Seoul office in particular, i'd be happy to share any of our experiences in filling out all the paperwork and some details of our app package and general situation. We prepared everything ourselves, and it was a very minimal package with only the basic proofs, pictures and info sent.

Stevelo and the rest that are having difficulty with Seoul office, i really hope you guys do well in your upcoming interview and get some good news shortly after. In all my (soon to be) wife and I only waited 5-6 months in total from beginning to end and i thought that was long... so i can't even imagine what you're feeling going on 1-2 years!!

 

[stevelo]

Congrats Rob_TO!

Anyway it is what it is. We know we are the real couple; let's hope the officer will also see that. Stressed out though I think I need meds.

 

[achkorea]

My partner finally, after 17 months of waiting, received his COP. Thanks for everyone's help along the way. If you're still waiting, continue to stay positive!

 

[Harju]

Congratulations achkorea!