What are the do's and dont's for MODERN INLAND COMMON-LAW sponsorship applications(NOV2018)?

[NHLNFL]

I am finishing up my application and organizing all of the pages. Are there tips of what to do or not to do for anything regarding the application? From quantity vs quality? Ink color? Degree of organization? Do ONLY what the checklist asks for and a little more? Or throw a lot of what they ask for into it? I can't decide if I should include a lot of text/communication because the checklist only asks for evidence of communication if I am currently NOT LIVING with my partner but we currently ARE. Do I still provide some texts/emails showing affection/emotion as proof of a relationship? Or do I not include any because it only asks for these if we are not currently living together. Thank you for the help and I hope this thread helps future applicants.

 

[np08]

Number one tip would be to not overthinking it.

And yes, worrying about ink color is overthinking it! Default mode for any printer or form editing program is normal black ink and there's no reason to use anything else. Especially not any silly bright colors or anything like that.

Applications also shouldn't be "overorganized" with a ton of tabs or things like that. Put everything in order and if you want, you can split it into the logical three sections: sponsor forms, applicant forms, relationship proof (as they appear in the checklist). We used those really big paperclips for this - one on each of the sections. We had a cover letter for the last part that was relationship proof that listed all the things we included in the order it appears on the checklist and we indicated what documents are for what requirement from the checklist basically.

But you can also just simply put everything together in order and leave it at that. These agents have seen thousands of all sorts of applications and between not organizing at all or totally overcomplicating it, the former is better as it makes it more simple for them. This is why they ended up making that rule regarding no stapling and the like - it just makes it harder for them to arrange everything the way they like.

Do ONLY what the checklist asks for and a little more? Or throw a lot of what they ask for into it?

This is a bit confusing. You should do and put what the checklist asks for, of course. But if the checklist asks for, I don't know, documents that show common address and you have six of those, then put six instead of just two. No harm in giving more of what they're asking for, as long as it's reasonable and it doesn't go over their limits (if something says "at least two", you can put more than two; if it says "max 20 photos", put no more than 20 photos).

If you're currently living together, then you don't need to send communication stuff. I understand that feeling as I was in that situation as well: my sponsor and I had been living together for four months when we applied, following four years of long distance that included talking to each other on the phone every day for hours and texting all the time. We had enough communication proof to drown the agents in, basically. We didn't send a single thing as it wasn't required. If they need it later on, they'll ask for it.

 

[NHLNFL]

Number one tip would be to not overthinking it.

And yes, worrying about ink color is overthinking it! Default mode for any printer or form editing program is normal black ink and there's no reason to use anything else. Especially not any silly bright colors or anything like that.

Applications also shouldn't be "overorganized" with a ton of tabs or things like that. Put everything in order and if you want, you can split it into the logical three sections: sponsor forms, applicant forms, relationship proof (as they appear in the checklist). We used those really big paperclips for this - one on each of the sections. We had a cover letter for the last part that was relationship proof that listed all the things we included in the order it appears on the checklist and we indicated what documents are for what requirement from the checklist basically.

But you can also just simply put everything together in order and leave it at that. These agents have seen thousands of all sorts of applications and between not organizing at all or totally overcomplicating it, the former is better as it makes it more simple for them. This is why they ended up making that rule regarding no stapling and the like - it just makes it harder for them to arrange everything the way they like.


This is a bit confusing. You should do and put what the checklist asks for, of course. But if the checklist asks for, I don't know, documents that show common address and you have six of those, then put six instead of just two. No harm in giving more of what they're asking for, as long as it's reasonable and it doesn't go over their limits (if something says "at least two", you can put more than two; if it says "max 20 photos", put no more than 20 photos).

If you're currently living together, then you don't need to send communication stuff. I understand that feeling as I was in that situation as well: my sponsor and I had been living together for four months when we applied, following four years of long distance that included talking to each other on the phone every day for hours and texting all the time. We had enough communication proof to drown the agents in, basically. We didn't send a single thing as it wasn't required. If they need it later on, they'll ask for it.

I am an overthinker for sure! Thanks for the relief. You're right, as long as you send them what is in the checklist/correct forms then they can always request more info unlike other types of applications.

Also dont leave blank spaces and crosscheck all the info 5x so it's all the same. Is paying online and attaching online sti an issue? I read others had apps returned because of delays in online payments.

 

[np08]

I am an overthinker for sure! Thanks for the relief. You're right, as long as you send them what is in the checklist/correct forms then they can always request more info unlike other types of applications.

Also dont leave blank spaces and crosscheck all the info 5x so it's all the same. Is paying online and attaching online sti an issue? I read others had apps returned because of delays in online payments.

You get a payment confirmation when you pay online and that's what you put at the top of all the forms. Online payment is instant and you get emailed your confirmation that they ask you to include. Basically, you wouldn't get a confirmation if it didn't go through, and you can't send the app without said confirmation.

 

[Jazzercise]

I am an overthinker for sure! Thanks for the relief. You're right, as long as you send them what is in the checklist/correct forms then they can always request more info unlike other types of applications.

Also dont leave blank spaces and crosscheck all the info 5x so it's all the same. Is paying online and attaching online sti an issue? I read others had apps returned because of delays in online payments.

Please see the other thread where I responded to some of this stuff you asked. Additionally, keep in mind what np08 has told you over there and in this thread. It's good advice.

As far as showing communication even though you're living together... my spouse and I actually did include some communication even when we've been under the same roof. Why? Basically what you said: to show we were a genuine couple. We didn't over-do it though, as we included a couple of screenshots of us talking about picking up groceries and odds-and-ends followed by heart emojis. And other stuff like that. We by no means provided years and years worth of texts, social media messages, etc. Just a little color for all the dull black and white forms and financials we submitted. (Yes, use black ink.)

 

[np08]

Please see the other thread where I responded to some of this stuff you asked. Additionally, keep in mind what np08 has told you over there and in this thread. It's good advice.

As far as showing communication even though you're living together... my spouse and I actually did include some communication even when we've been under the same roof. Why? Basically what you said: to show we were a genuine couple. We didn't over-do it though, as we included a couple of screenshots of us talking about picking up groceries and odds-and-ends followed by heart emojis. And other stuff like that. We by no means provided years and years worth of texts, social media messages, etc. Just a little color for all the dull black and white forms and financials we submitted. (Yes, use black ink.)

Yes, you definitely can slip in a few things here and there if you really want to, for your own peace of mind. But it's not necessary and if you do, it should be a few things.

Kind of like how they ask for social media posts so if you print out your Facebook or Instagram posts, you can basically slip in additional photos that way that don't count towards the actual 20 photo max. We also talked about our trips in our cover letter and I included my flight itineraries at the very bottom of the application that I referenced in said cover letter. This was due to that question that says, "If you're not living together, do you visit each other?" I wanted to somehow show that we did visit each other past just the stamps in the passport and photos. So I wrote about our visits in the letter and did a quick, "See attached flight itineraries," in there, lol.

Basically, they will not return your application for putting in the forms in the "wrong order" or going a bit over what they ask for, etc. There's no need to stress over small stuff like that.

 

[NHLNFL]

Yes, you definitely can slip in a few things here and there if you really want to, for your own peace of mind. But it's not necessary and if you do, it should be a few things.

Kind of like how they ask for social media posts so if you print out your Facebook or Instagram posts, you can basically slip in additional photos that way that don't count towards the actual 20 photo max. We also talked about our trips in our cover letter and I included my flight itineraries at the very bottom of the application that I referenced in said cover letter. This was due to that question that says, "If you're not living together, do you visit each other?" I wanted to somehow show that we did visit each other past just the stamps in the passport and photos. So I wrote about our visits in the letter and did a quick, "See attached flight itineraries," in there, lol.

Basically, they will not return your application for putting in the forms in the "wrong order" or going a bit over what they ask for, etc. There's no need to stress over small stuff like that.

That all makes a lot of sense. Thank you all for helping me/us out. I will probably end up asking more questions until I have physically parted ways and sent the application! Everyone is also recommending printing everything single-sided. Will this keep things much easier for them to look at/organize as well? And when I meant which ink, I meant when signing with a pen. Also is it okay to print a form that I filled on the computer and then possibly write by hand in the detail boxes?

 

[np08]

That all makes a lot of sense. Thank you all for helping me/us out. I will probably end up asking more questions until I have physically parted ways and sent the application! Everyone is also recommending printing everything single-sided. Will this keep things much easier for them to look at/organize as well? And when I meant which ink, I meant when signing with a pen. Also is it okay to print a form that I filled on the computer and then possibly write by hand in the detail boxes?

Not sure if there is a rule about it, but it didn't even occur to me to not print single sided. It's just cleaner and easier for them to deal with.

In most things standard accepted pen colors are black and blue. We followed that same logic (I think specifically we used blue ones simply because we have a ton of those so we grabbed those first). Definitely don't go all green or orange on them!

I know that some people put N/A written by hand in boxes that don't accept it, as a last resort. I'm not familiar with anyone actually filling out the form or anything longer by hand (much cleaner with a computer and no chance of confusion due to handwriting). Not sure why you would and I can't say if it's allowed or not. I'm inclined to say it's allowed, but I'm not sure. Though you definitely have those forms that need to be validated and you can't do anything but fill them out on a computer in order to get the barcodes.

 

[NHLNFL]

Not sure if there is a rule about it, but it didn't even occur to me to not print single sided. It's just cleaner and easier for them to deal with.

In most things standard accepted pen colors are black and blue. We followed that same logic (I think specifically we used blue ones simply because we have a ton of those so we grabbed those first). Definitely don't go all green or orange on them!

I know that some people put N/A written by hand in boxes that don't accept it, as a last resort. I'm not familiar with anyone actually filling out the form or anything longer by hand (much cleaner with a computer and no chance of confusion due to handwriting). Not sure why you would and I can't say if it's allowed or not. I'm inclined to say it's allowed, but I'm not sure. Though you definitely have those forms that need to be validated and you can't do anything but fill them out on a computer in order to get the barcodes.

Okay that clears things up. The little things that may seem obvious are what give me more questions! Thanks. I'll fill it all out on the computer either way except for the signatures. Any extra pages will be typed and printed as well. I will do all black anyway.

 

[NHLNFL]

You get a payment confirmation when you pay online and that's what you put at the top of all the forms. Online payment is instant and you get emailed your confirmation that they ask you to include. Basically, you wouldn't get a confirmation if it didn't go through, and you can't send the app without said confirmation.

I have a question: Which fees do I pay for if I am including OWP application? "Work permit - $155" AND "OWP Holder - $100". If I have a restoration to restore visitor status currently in process, am I only paying for these two? To restore status I paid for visitor visa already.

 

[np08]

I have a question: Which fees do I pay for if I am including OWP application? "Work permit - $155" AND "OWP Holder - $100". If I have a restoration to restore visitor status currently in process, am I only paying for these two? To restore status I paid for visitor visa already.

Yes, it's $255 for the OWP.

You went out of status? As you need valid status in order to apply for the OWP, I'm not sure if applying for restoration is enough or if you actually need to restore it first. Let me ping a couple of seniors to clarify that.

@canuck_in_uk @scylla

 

[NHLNFL]

Yes, it's $255 for the OWP.

You went out of status? As you need valid status in order to apply for the OWP, I'm not sure if applying for restoration is enough or if you actually need to restore it first. Let me ping a couple of seniors to clarify that.

@canuck_in_uk @scylla

Alright thanks. Well an agent I spoke with last week I can send in my common-law PR app along with an OWP application. The key is as long as I have a restoration application in then it can get processed. The decision on my temporary status will be before there is a decision for my OWP.

I am allowed to apply as a "foreign national" for my PR as it is an option. "Foreign national" is also a status option in the "application to change conditions" form 5710. But you can let me know and I will try to confirm with an agent tomorrow.

 

[np08]

I see. It's good that it's possible and that they decide on the restoration first and then look at your OWP. Cases of people extending their visitor status (as opposed to restoring them) are more common so I'm more familiar with them and I know for sure that you can successfully apply for an OWP with an extension in progress. I just don't know much about restorations. Learn something new every day!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Alright thanks. Well an agent I spoke with last week I can send in my common-law PR app along with an OWP application. The key is as long as I have a restoration application in then it can get processed. The decision on my temporary status will be before there is a decision for my OWP.

I am allowed to apply as a "foreign national" for my PR as it is an option. "Foreign national" is also a status option in the "application to change conditions" form 5710. But you can let me know and I will try to confirm with an agent tomorrow.

The requirement for the OWP app is to have valid status at the time of submission. There is no guarantee that the OWP will be issued even if your visitor status has been restored by that point.

You need to select "Other" and put "out of status".

 

[Jazzercise]

The requirement for the OWP app is to have valid status at the time of submission. There is no guarantee that the OWP will be issued even if your visitor status has been restored by that point.

You need to select "Other" and put "out of status".

Yup, in your OWP you'll have to put "out of status" because the day you filled out and signed the application, you were in fact out of status. Having said that, it appears as though by the time they weighed in on your OWP, they'd be able to see that your status was (hopefully) restored.