Sponsoring spouse questions.

[katie3234]

I am engaged to a wonderful Albanian man, and we have plans of marrying this summer. I am just wondering about a few things regarding the sponsorship process.

1.) I understand that there is no minimum income necessary to sponsor a spouse. However for the year of 2009, I only worked for four months since I was with my fiancee in albania and therefore made below the poverty line. What can I do?

2.) What sort of extra documents do you send along to show that the relationship is real? I don't have phone records since I use calling cards to phone him ..... will that be an issue?

3.) Is hiring a representative necessary to get things done fast, and properly? Or is it possible to figure things out on your own?

4.) I have read that if you apply for out of Canada, and get refused you are able to reapply, is this the case? Also how long does it take to usually find out the status of your application, 8-12 months?

Any information, or personal stories regarding my questions, or other helpful information would be greatly appreciated and welcome.

Thank you,
Katie

 

[ritosgirl]

hello katie!!

well... let's see about these questions...

1) yes, there is no minimum income requirement... even if you only worked 4 months... it doesn't matter. spousal sponsorships are income exempt.

2) i used phone cards to talk to my husband too! however, even when i used the phone cards, it still showed up on my phone bill. i made copies of all the phone bills that had the phone card number, and the times when i dialed straight to his phone. don't send the phone cards, immigration doesn't want them. any letters, or any form of correspondence. lots of pictures from any time you have spent together and of course the wedding, documentation from traveling, hotel bills. anything that has your name and your husband's name on it.

3) doing the paperwork does look really intimidating. but, hiring a representative isn't necessary. read through all the forms, appendicies, and information. go through the paperwork step by step... and be assured that there are many knowledgable people on this forum that are more than happy to help you out along the way.

4) i'm not too sure about this question. i do know however, that if you have your forms filled out correctly, you have loads of documentation, and provide the immigration officer with enough information to prove that you are indeed in a genuine, and continuing relationship you should have no reason at all to be refused. it's hard to say how long it will take for your application to go through... it's different for every consulate.

hopefully this helps out a bit!!

 

[missingmyhubby]

you can also add letters of support from friends and family members as some proof of a genuine relationship. Have some family members or close friends write a letter about your relationship and why and how they see it as genuine....pictures pictures pictures and write a date and description on the back

 

[katie3234]

Thank you both so much for your help, and for replying so fast. Its very comforting to know that I have an online resource with knowledgeable people who have been through the process and are willing to share what they have learned!