Sponsoring spouse in Ukraine

[eviltofu]

Hello fellow members!

I have a few questions about sponsoring my wife, who is in Ukraine, the more pressing of the ones are the following:

Due to the closure (temporary, I hope) of the Canadian Embassy in Kiev, how do I proceed? The visa is issued by the Embassy of Canada in Kiev (if I understand correctly).
Also, another question - I know that the process is a lengthy one - however I was unable to find a time of how long it takes to recieve a yes or no response, minus the time that it takes to recieve a visa.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[CharlieD10]

If an office is closed, responsibility for processing applications will be taken over by another office or offices, usually in the same regional area. It would appear CIC's website has not yet been updated to take account of the closure of kiev (Kyiv on the website) but that will come soon enough once it has been settled where the various types of applications will be handled. Whatever the case, your application goes first to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga (CPC-M). CPC-M will know where to send it thereafter, once you have been approved as her sponsor.

Timing varies for every CIC office, internally and externally against other offices. So many factors, including the applicant's background, can influence timing, that even the average times CIC provides can be misleading if you set your mind on them. You already have the correct mindset: this can be a lengthy process.

 

[eviltofu]

Thank you very much CharlieD10!

I have another question - straight from the application package (IMM5491).
There are two sections - ones for "Sponsor" - me, and another one - "Sponsored Person and Family Members".

The question that I have is the following.
Let's take, for example, a police/medical check. This is in the section "Sponsored Person and Family Members".
Considering that I am sponsoring only my wife, does "Sponsored Person and Family members" mean JUST her, or her, and her parents (HER family members)?
Do her parents (they are not coming, I am not sponsoring them) need to fill in any forms, or is it just her?

Thank you very much for your time in answering these questions, I have a few more, but I will ask them later.
Best regards, and I wish everyone the best!

EDIT:
What site did you visit to see the CIC's visa processing center? Is that the site that I will use to see which office in Ukraine will process part 2 of the application? Thanks!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Let's take, for example, a police/medical check. This is in the section "Sponsored Person and Family Members".

"Family members" refers only to the dependents (spouse and children) of the principal applicant that aren't already Canadian citizens or PRs. As her spouse, you are her dependent but you aren't included because you are already Canadian.


The only part of the application where she needs to list her parents is on IMM5406, Additional Family Information.

 

[Rob_TO]

EDIT:
What site did you visit to see the CIC's visa processing center? Is that the site that I will use to see which office in Ukraine will process part 2 of the application? Thanks!

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp

PR processing for Ukraine citizens is normally done in Kyiv.

According to stats most PR apps are processed in under a year for Ukraine. However as you noted, the office was recently closed due to situation there. As of now it's most likely a temporary closure, so apps will just be put on-hold for a while. If the closure extends and it looks like it will be long term, then CIC will make an announcement that Kyiv apps will be processed in another office for a while. Not sure when this would happen though... so anyone applying through Kyiv should expect delays.

 

[eviltofu]

Thank you again for your great help!

Another question that I have - this is all for my wife.
Under the IMM0008 - there is a "Have you ever used any other name" - this should be a yes - since she took on my family name?

Basically, there are a few documents that will not be under her new family name (my last name), is that acceptable, as long as her maiden name (previous last name) is listed here?

Another question is for IMM5490 - the Sponsored Spouse/Partner Questionnaire:
Last section - reading "Interpreter Declaration" - there is nothing wrong with having me - the husband - be the interpreter, as long as I sign it (and put my name/date)?

Thank you very much for your assistance!

 

[eviltofu]

Hello everyone! Thanks for the great feedback so far,
Just wondering if there are any ideas on the other questions from my previous post.

Thanks!

 

[marlasinger]

For her name, you use the name listed on her passport - whether that's her married or maiden name - and then list the name not on her passport as her "other" name. As long as documents show both, you'll be fine.

And I believe, the "Interpreter Declaration" is for whatever interpreter services assisted your wife in filling out the forms by translating the questions into her native tongue and filling it out for her in english. If that was you, I think you would just leave it blank.

 

[eviltofu]

Thank you marlasinger!

Just to confirm - by documents, that means the application forms, correct?

Thanks!

 

[marlasinger]

You said...

*snip* Basically, there are a few documents that will not be under her new family name (my last name), is that acceptable, as long as her maiden name (previous last name) is listed here?

so that's what I was referring too

 

[eviltofu]

Thanks for all the great input everyone!

Another question for you:

So, as proof of our relationship - we have over 5 years of emails (and pictures together, marriage certificate, wedding pics, and so on - but this question is specifically about emails).

When I submit the emails, should they be translated into English? (they are in Russian)
Also, how many should I submit?

Thanks!

 

[Regina]

When I submit the emails, should they be translated into English? (they are in Russian)

No. There are people at CIC and VO who can read emails if needed in any language.

 

[Kroshka]

Hi

I am sponsoring my wife and my son from Ukraine. Canadian Consulate is Closed until unknown, due to the recent revolution in Ukraine. It is likely that the military conflict will emerge between Ukraine and Russia. My wife lives in the region which is likely to be occupied by Russia soon (Crimea). My family there is at danger. What rights do I have as a Canadian citizen to protect my family without Canadian Papers living abroad? How can I get them moved to Canada? Can they claim refugee status immediadetely and move to Canada?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

When I submit the emails, should they be translated into English? (they are in Russian)
Also, how many should I submit?

You should translate them to English; you can do this yourself, no need to have them translated officially. I would suggest you print them out in the original language and attach the English translation.

How many to submit depends on the nature of your relationship. Did you guys meet online and it has been primarily an online relationship for the entire 5 years? Or did it start online but you have been living together for several years now? Or it wasn't ever an online relationship, it was entirely in person?

If it was the first, submit a selection of emails from over the entire 5 years that highlight your relationship, your feelings, planning for the future etc. Focus on quality over quantity; the VO probably won't bother to read a few dozen pages of your emails, let alone hundreds. If it was the second, a few emails from the start of the relationship should be fine. If it was the third, then there really isn't any need to send emails.

 

[eviltofu]

Hi
I am sponsoring my wife and my son from Ukraine. Canadian Consulate is Closed until unknown, due to the recent revolution in Ukraine. It is likely that the military conflict will emerge between Ukraine and Russia. My wife lives in the region which is likely to be occupied by Russia soon (Crimea). My family there is at danger. What rights do I have as a Canadian citizen to protect my family without Canadian Papers living abroad? How can I get them moved to Canada? Can they claim refugee status immediadetely and move to Canada?

Hello Kroshka.

The situation is difficult because currently Ukraine is not in a state of war - thus her getting refugee status would be very difficult.
The second issue is with respect to your wife and son getting into Canada. The only thing I can think of is a visitor visa, which - again, would have to be issued by the Visa office - Kiev, that is currently closed.
You can reach out to your MP and ask for assistance, but the MPs are really not connected to the CIC. I think, and very sadly, we have to wait it out and hope for their safety.
I hope that everything goes well with your wife and your son, and that they come them over soon!
Keep us posted!


----------------------------------

Firstly, again, a massive thank you to all! You have all been so much help!
Quick question myself.
This is regarding the background/police records check that my wife has to go through - is Canada looking for a form that states "Person ______ has no prior convictions... etc", issued by a government body?
Also, what is the validity period? The medical check is valid for a year, what is the validity period of the police check?

Also, about the relationship - it was mostly email to start, so 4 years of emails, but 3 years of skype (daily), and a lot of chat on social networking site - VKontakte.
Should I print out the skype log as well as the chat logs from VKontakte?

Thank you and best regards!
Looking forward to your reply!