Spousal Sponsorship - Sponsor Requirements suggestions needed

[fashionx]

Dear all,

I've gone through the application guide as well as having studied this forum, I have the following thoughts regarding my own application as the Sponsor:

Major concern:
1) Since I filed my 2012 tax return (Ontario) as non-resident, would filing my taxes for 2013 (thus filing back-taxes for 2012 as well) raise any red flags - talked to an accountant re my situation and he suggested that applying for sponsorship as soon as I do so might seem suspicious to CIC / CRA
But I have to file taxes eventually when I return.

2) I’m a freelance photographer and just started my studio Dec 1st of 2012, and business has been unstable - would savings in Canada / RRSP be sufficient support for my ability to sponsor (I understand that there’s no minimum income requirement if sponsoring spouse, although I have yet to pinpoint that in official CIC documents). Bride-to-be is able person and will seek employment upon receiving PR status.

Scenarios / Potential Issues I foresee as a SPONSOR:
1) file income tax for 2013 as resident (visited home Dec 2013 for three weeks) hence no need to establish intent to return - but might seem suspicious to CIC / CRA that I’m doing so only for the purpose of sponsorship application, and the amount of income is of personal concern

2) not filing tax return = need to establish intent to return PLUS still need to show proof of income
since I’m freelance (it's difficult to establish intent to return), would 2 active checking / savings account, 2 active credit card (with regular activities), effective insurance policy, and notarized letter from parents saying we will be staying with them sufficient intent to return / ties ? I read that writing a plan of return / upon return also helps.

As for proof of marriage and/or genuineness of relationship other than marriage certificate (to be received mid June 2014), photos on the day of civil wedding (but reception to be held in 2015 due to tradition / lunar date / religious believes), we also plan to submit electronic correspondence (Facebook chats, text history, video chat screen captures while on business trips etc.), photos, diaries - I believe these to be sufficient evidence but would like to know to what extend (i.e. level of detail, aka privacy) we need to present them (and do we need to have professional translate what's not in English for these personal correspondences?).

Any comments / suggestions are appreciated.

 

[truesmile]

First of all, CIC and CRA are two distinctly separate federal agencies, both of whom have deep respect for and are bound by the Privacy of Information Act - to ANYONE. The only exposure CIC has to your taxes is the "Option C" that you include with your application. (There would be exceptions to this of course in the event some major investigation is launched against someone.)

Secondly, an application for PR has WAY MORE to do with the principle applicant over you the sponsor, than your whole list of concerns implies.

Forget what your accountant said, there will be no additional suspicion(s) attached simply for filing your returns just before you apply. Many people rush to file so they can include their most recent "Option C" with their application.

Your most valid concern is applying while your last known address is outside of Canada. In your shoes, I would file last years return (which places you back in Canada and eliminating your need to prove intent to settle in Canada), get the Option C a few weeks later and then file your PR application. There is no minimum income requirement for spousal sponsorship.

Include as MANY photos WITH family members present at your wedding, that's the nuts and bolts of your application right there. As an aside you may wish to review threads of other applicants from the same country your spouse is coming from (in case they have a difficult VO). Otherwise, not to worry (although you most certainly will).