rjessome said:
ADR is not easy for everyone. RobsLuv had a horrific time at hers.
CBSA streams appeals and the officer reviewing it will decide whether or not it can go to ADR or directly to a full hearing. ADR is mainly controlled by Minister's Counsel. Basically, they can come in there saying there is no resolution, full hearing required, and the meeting is over. Or they can choose to hear what the Appellant has to say and then decide if they are willing to agree to overturn the refusal. I know of a couple that were resolved even before the ADR took place but those had unique circumstances. But it is totally up to Minister's Counsel regarding what will happen at ADR.
Lois Lane is right that a representative doesn't need to be there. If there is going to be a conversation at all, it will take place between Minister's Counsel and the Appellant. Your representative is only allowed to observe during the meeting and can also ensure that their client is treated in a non-abusive fashion.
its true that robsluv had a horrendous time, BUT her sponsorship is not the norm. she applied inland, with children, one of the children was inadmissable, even though he wasnt coming to Canada that created the mess
for a "normal' spousal sponsorship being refused because they are questioning the relationship being genuine, it really is easier than people think!!! I too was totally in a panic! robsluv didnt want to tell me the name of her minister counsel in case it was the same one so that i wouldnt be freaked until after my ADR, turned out it was the same one.
Specifically because of robsluv ADR which my lawyer (also her lawyer) attended he recomended I withdraw from my ADR after waiting ten months and go to a full hearing.
I refused, knowing that if i wasnt approved at the ADR the full hearing was still a possibility, but at that point i would go back on the list which would mean potentially waiting another ten months instead of 6 weeks i had left. So i went on my own and won.
if for example, they are questioning the relationship being genuine when there has been a previous attempt by the applicant to enter Canada, (even just to visit a family member) I would STRONGLY recommend getting legal advise before the ADR. such a case is difficult to win at ADR albeit not impossible.
it is a very relaxed setting at the ADR, I got the distinct impression that they had already in principle made the decision to allow my appeal based on my submissions, but never the less went through the formality of asking virtually, all the questions that are on the application to sponsor,
i showed them the added pictures of my last visit with my husband and his family, i had sent copies with my submissions but i took the originals, i also took stacks of calling cards, i gave examples of my husbands actions which made me believe that he is not just wanting to come to canada....and not live with me
ie my sister inlaw took a pic of a dinner, put it on facebook, i had gone to with my brothers, there was a live band, the singer insisted i stand up, and he gave me a kiss on the cheek, obviously NO BIG DEAL AT ALL, my husband saw it was really upset, he was angry that i was smiling so i must of enjoyed it...blah blah blah...is insignificant as that was to me and anyone living for a while in Canada, it was an issue for him...if my husbands intentions were not to stay with me, that wouldnt have been an issue for him either
another example...(now i dont want to get any flack about this!!!!) i think its silly but. it is what it is, my husband wont accept me wearing clothes that show cleavage, nor tops that dont cover my butt, even while i am in canada, one of the emails he sent me made reference to him seeing me on cam, he was happy to see my cleavage but annoyed that others could also see it...i know alot of Muslim husbands dont care but it lends to the possibility that he must deem our relationship as genuine or it wouldnt be an issue if his intent was just to come here
wow that was a novel
hope some of it helps
all the best to EVERYONE, whether waiting for your husbands or you have your husbands here, living day to day with someone is a challenge!