Spousal sponsorship blocked by Quebec CSQ quota – can I move to Ontario (Ottawa) to avoid delays?

[Dreth19]

Hi everyone,

I’m a Canadian citizen living in Gatineau, Quebec, and I’m currently sponsoring my husband for permanent residence.

Here’s the situation:

IRCC is already processing our sponsorship file. They even recently asked my husband for additional documents, so things are moving forward on the federal side.

The problem is with MIFI and the CSQ. I received the CSQ form from MIFI in July, but unfortunately our application was not accepted because of the quota limit. Our lawyer told us that if we wait for the CSQ, this could delay us for up to 5 years.


Because of this, I am considering moving to Ottawa, Ontario to avoid the CSQ requirement.

Some details about me:

My sister already lives in Ottawa (30 minutes from where I currently live).

I also have a church community in Ottawa, with friends and brothers/sisters in Christ who know me well.

I currently work in Gatineau, but since Ottawa is so close, I could continue working there while living in Ontario.

The challenge: I don’t have enough money right now to rent my own apartment in Ottawa. I could either stay with my sister temporarily (and use her address) or look for a room rental / cheaper option.


My questions:

1. Has anyone here been in the same situation and successfully switched from Quebec to Ontario while IRCC was already processing the sponsorship?


2. Would it be acceptable to use my sister’s address in Ottawa until I can afford my own place?


3. Would letters from my church in Ottawa and support from my family/friends be considered strong enough evidence for IRCC?


4. Any tips on how to prove my genuine intent to settle in Ontario, so IRCC doesn’t delay or refuse our file?



Thank you so much Your advice or personal experiences would really help me make the right decision.

 

[scylla]

Hi everyone,

I’m a Canadian citizen living in Gatineau, Quebec, and I’m currently sponsoring my husband for permanent residence.

Here’s the situation:

IRCC is already processing our sponsorship file. They even recently asked my husband for additional documents, so things are moving forward on the federal side.

The problem is with MIFI and the CSQ. I received the CSQ form from MIFI in July, but unfortunately our application was not accepted because of the quota limit. Our lawyer told us that if we wait for the CSQ, this could delay us for up to 5 years.


Because of this, I am considering moving to Ottawa, Ontario to avoid the CSQ requirement.

Some details about me:

My sister already lives in Ottawa (30 minutes from where I currently live).

I also have a church community in Ottawa, with friends and brothers/sisters in Christ who know me well.

I currently work in Gatineau, but since Ottawa is so close, I could continue working there while living in Ontario.

The challenge: I don’t have enough money right now to rent my own apartment in Ottawa. I could either stay with my sister temporarily (and use her address) or look for a room rental / cheaper option.


My questions:

1. Has anyone here been in the same situation and successfully switched from Quebec to Ontario while IRCC was already processing the sponsorship?


2. Would it be acceptable to use my sister’s address in Ottawa until I can afford my own place?


3. Would letters from my church in Ottawa and support from my family/friends be considered strong enough evidence for IRCC?


4. Any tips on how to prove my genuine intent to settle in Ontario, so IRCC doesn’t delay or refuse our file?



Thank you so much Your advice or personal experiences would really help me make the right decision.

1. Yes, others have successfully done this.
2. Yes, as long as you are actually living there. You want to avoid any risk of misrepresentation.
3. No. You need more. Things like getting an Ontario driver's license and Ontario health card, updating your address with your bank and employer, updated address on cell phone, credit card and other bills, etc. Eventually CRA.
4. You need to really physically relocate full time outside of Quebec and update your address and IDs across the board.

 

[canuck78]

Would add you need to get rid of your home in Quebec. Would be best if you could be added to a lease for housing in Ottawa. Given that Ottawa/Hull/Gatineau is essentially considered greater Ottawa for employment working in Quebec won’t be an issue. In other cases it would.