Statutory Declarations from Family or Friends. Is it required?

[redherring]

Hi,

I was just wondering if the statutory declarations are required from family or friends? We are applying for common-law sponsorship and I don't know if we could get these letters. The best we could probably get is from neighbors saying that we are staying together. Would immigration actually call the people that wrote the letter? I have a friend that doesn't know English so I would help her write the letter and have it notarized. I'm just worried that if immigration calls and she wouldn't understand them.

 

[zacklib]

Two Notarised letters from family or friends are mandatory when applying for common law stream. You can't skip them.

I do doubt if CIC would call these people.

Hi,

I was just wondering if the statutory declarations are required from family or friends? We are applying for common-law sponsorship and I don't know if we could get these letters. The best we could probably get is from neighbors saying that we are staying together. Would immigration actually call the people that wrote the letter? I have a friend that doesn't know English so I would help her write the letter and have it notarized. I'm just worried that if immigration calls and she wouldn't understand them.

 

[canadianwoman]

Yes, two statutory declarations from people who know you are required. (It will say so in the country guide.) CIC is unlikely to call anyone who makes such a declaration. However, if the person does not know English, it might be better for him or her to make the declaration in their own language and then have it translated.

 

[zacklib]

•If you are a common-law or conjugal partner, provide evidence that your relationship is genuineand continuing and has existed for at least 12 months prior to your application. Also providedetails of the history of your relationship and at least two statutory declarations from individualswith personal knowledge of your relationship supporting your claim that the relationship isgenuine and continuing.

So here they Just say individuals..did specify family or friends. Do your friends or ratlines know about your relationship?. It makes more sense if these letters come from some one close rather than a random neighbour. You can give it a try with just make sure there are TWO and not one.

Two Notarised letters from family or friends are mandatory when applying for common law stream. You can't skip them.

I do doubt if CIC would call these people.

Hi,

I was just wondering if the statutory declarations are required from family or friends? We are applying for common-law sponsorship and I don't know if we could get these letters. The best we could probably get is from neighbors saying that we are staying together. Would immigration actually call the people that wrote the letter? I have a friend that doesn't know English so I would help her write the letter and have it notarized. I'm just worried that if immigration calls and she wouldn't understand them.

 

[Rob_TO]

Hi,

I was just wondering if the statutory declarations are required from family or friends? We are applying for common-law sponsorship and I don't know if we could get these letters. The best we could probably get is from neighbors saying that we are staying together. Would immigration actually call the people that wrote the letter? I have a friend that doesn't know English so I would help her write the letter and have it notarized. I'm just worried that if immigration calls and she wouldn't understand them.

How are you applying? For outland apps from certain countries, the stat declarations are not required, they are only recommended. For other countries they are mandatory. Read the country specific guide to check.

 

[redherring]

Thanks for the input.

@Rob_TO, I'm applying inland. Is it required?

 

[Rob_TO]

Thanks for the input.

@Rob_TO, I'm applying inland. Is it required?

The statutory declarations for inland process are optional, not mandatory.

From the guide: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5289ETOC.asp
f you are in a common‑law relationship
Proof of your common‑law relationship, such as:
joint bank account statements,
joint savings account statements,
joint credit card statements,
joint line of credit statements,
jointly signed lease,
jointly signed mortgage papers or purchase agreement,
statutory declarations from persons/individuals with knowledge that the relationship is genuine and continuing.

The stat letters are one of several proofs you are recommended to include for common-law. While not mandatory, it would be a good idea to do some but really this depends on your case and how strong your other common-law proofs are.