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

[NHLNFL]

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.

Yes I agree. I know it's all case-by-case as well. I will explain my reason of losing status in both attached letters of explanation.

I can imagine many other applicants that didnt have status and applied for sponsor PR. An expired permit/visa is the only exception to the sponsorship applications.

It all comes down to the officer and how they feel about my application. I'm not a "newcomer " to canada. I've lived here 6 years on valid visas: study, off-campus WP, PGWP, and I let my status slip because I thought I applied for the right renewal but did the incorrect one long story but I am on hold with IRCC atm and will update what they say.

Sorry didnt want this to go semi off-topic!

When do you know if you will receive an OWP or not? Do you get an email confirmationAT the 3-4 month mark with a decision? Or do you get notified relatively soon after AOR and it takes a few months to get it mailed in?

 

[Jazzercise]

Yes I agree. I know it's all case-by-case as well. I will explain my reason of losing status in both attached letters of explanation.

I can imagine many other applicants that didnt have status and applied for sponsor PR. An expired permit/visa is the only exception to the sponsorship applications.

It all comes down to the officer and how they feel about my application. I'm not a "newcomer " to canada. I've lived here 6 years on valid visas: study, off-campus WP, PGWP, and I let my status slip because I thought I applied for the right renewal but did the incorrect one long story but I am on hold with IRCC atm and will update what they say.

Sorry didnt want this to go semi off-topic!

When do you know if you will receive an OWP or not? Do you get an email confirmationAT the 3-4 month mark with a decision? Or do you get notified relatively soon after AOR and it takes a few months to get it mailed in?

If your OWP application is not returned, you'll know in about 3-4 months. AOR for inland PR application comes much sooner than that, as nowadays it's taking about 20 days after application was received.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean when you write "An expired permit/visa is the only exception to the sponsorship applications."

 

[NHLNFL]

Yes I agree. I know it's all case-by-case as well. I will explain my reason of losing status in both attached letters of explanation.

I can imagine many other applicants that didnt have status and applied for sponsor PR. An expired permit/visa is the only exception to the sponsorship applications.

It all comes down to the officer and how they feel about my application. I'm not a "newcomer " to canada. I've lived here 6 years on valid visas: study, off-campus WP, PGWP, and I let my status slip because I thought I applied for the right renewal but did the incorrect one long story but I am on hold with IRCC atm and will update what they say.

Sorry didnt want this to go semi off-topic!

If your OWP application is not returned, you'll know in about 3-4 months. AOR for inland PR application comes much sooner than that, as nowadays it's taking about 20 days after application was received.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean when you write "An expired permit/visa is the only exception to the sponsorship applications."

I just mean if having a valid status is the only requirement an inland sponsor PR waives off if you have LOST status and are in restoration.

UPDATE: I got off the phone with an agent. So I am clear to apply for the OWP WITH PR APP because I am WITHIN my 90 day restoration period. She also said you could send in a "Restoration App", "Sponsor PR App", AND "OWP App" all in one package if I haven't submitted restoration yet. She said stated that since I am within 90 days of status expiration that I don't need to worry about it. She said I am "implied visitor". The agent was debating with colleagues while I was on hold because I asked what should I put as my CURRENT status in Canada. They could not decide if I am "foreign nation" or "other" because I guess you don't really apply for an OWP in this manner. But the key is to put an explanation letter with my OWP stating I have already sent in my restoration application. The officer can look in the system to see if it's legit(which it is) so they won't question the OWP application.

She only said I could send my Restoration, PR and OWP applications at the same time because the officer will have all of the paperwork in front of them instead of taking a couple steps to check the computer. Either way you will have the same outcome(so long as they approve restoration).

I hope this helps and you can pass on this information but remember everyone has a different story.

Also the application guide states this "

• Don’t use staples, binders, plastic sleeves, folders or albums to submit your application. Elastic bands for photos or paper clips are acceptable."

So NO folders at all? Only paperclips and binder clips are allowed? You must be able to put the whole thing into one folder and the folder into the mailing slip.

 

[np08]

Yes I agree. I know it's all case-by-case as well. I will explain my reason of losing status in both attached letters of explanation.

I can imagine many other applicants that didnt have status and applied for sponsor PR. An expired permit/visa is the only exception to the sponsorship applications.

It all comes down to the officer and how they feel about my application. I'm not a "newcomer " to canada. I've lived here 6 years on valid visas: study, off-campus WP, PGWP, and I let my status slip because I thought I applied for the right renewal but did the incorrect one long story but I am on hold with IRCC atm and will update what they say.

Sorry didnt want this to go semi off-topic!

When do you know if you will receive an OWP or not? Do you get an email confirmationAT the 3-4 month mark with a decision? Or do you get notified relatively soon after AOR and it takes a few months to get it mailed in?

Yes, being out of status isn't a disqualifying for the PR application, just the work permit one. You need to be in status for the OWP. So basically note that you're out of status and you can write an additional explanation on a separate sheet where you say that you also applied for a restoration (though they'll probably see it all in their system anyway).

When you OWP is approved, you will get an email confirmation first and then the physical OWP will arrive in the mail within ten or so days from that email. You have to wait for the physical one to go get your SIN and all the other stuff, email isn't enough.

 

[NHLNFL]

Yes, being out of status isn't a disqualifying for the PR application, just the work permit one. You need to be in status for the OWP. So basically note that you're out of status and you can write an additional explanation on a separate sheet where you say that you also applied for a restoration (though they'll probably see it all in their system anyway).

When you OWP is approved, you will get an email confirmation first and then the physical OWP will arrive in the mail within ten or so days from that email. You have to wait for the physical one to go get your SIN and all the other stuff, email isn't enough.

That's what I mean. It's not like I am applying for OWP and expecting to get it without any status. I will explain it all. By then I will have a decision on my restoration anyway. The fact that I was told I could apply for all 3 at once let's me relax. I'm not saying I am guaranteed but apparently it will not affect the 3-4 month period waiting for an OWP. Restoration is estimated at 8-10 weeks processing time. Anyways at least I got an answer and was told to explain, like you suggested.

 

[np08]

That's what I mean. It's not like I am applying for OWP and expecting to get it without any status. I will explain it all. By then I will have a decision on my restoration anyway. The fact that I was told I could apply for all 3 at once let's me relax. I'm not saying I am guaranteed but apparently it will not affect the 3-4 month period waiting for an OWP. Restoration is estimated at 8-10 weeks processing time. Anyways at least I got an answer and was told to explain, like you suggested.

Yeah, you can always attach any additional explanations you'd like. Same goes for the PR application of course, just make sure to always clearly indicate somewhere in the header what the explanation is for (we would list the name and number code of the form and the question we were addressing) to make it more clear.

Good luck! And do update when you get the decision, I'm sure it'll be helpful to others.

 

[NHLNFL]

Yeah, you can always attach any additional explanations you'd like. Same goes for the PR application of course, just make sure to always clearly indicate somewhere in the header what the explanation is for (we would list the name and number code of the form and the question we were addressing) to make it more clear.

Good luck! And do update when you get the decision, I'm sure it'll be helpful to others.

Thank you so much for all the help. I hope I do not seem annoying! Also the guide says no folders...so should I only send a stack of papers that are split with clips and a cover page with each section?

 

[np08]

Thank you so much for all the help. I hope I do not seem annoying! Also the guide says no folders...so should I only send a stack of papers that are split with clips and a cover page with each section?

Nah, don't worry about it. It's normal to be nervous, just try not to worry too much.

Yeah, that's fine. That's pretty much what we did. For the photos we put a band around the stack of them (as they say in the application that they should be loose, but can be held together by a band) and then we put them in a smaller envelope that said PHOTOS on it. We were afraid the band might slip and didn't want the photos spilling all over the rest of the big envelope. The others, like I said, we split into the three main parts with the big clips and that's basically it. It doesn't necessarily look super tidy, but it also isn't terrible either.

 

[Jazzercise]

Thanks for the update, NHLNFL. Very useful information to know.

For that extra sheet in the OWP, make sure it has your name, date of birth and the form number it is supplementing.

As for the folders thing, I think they mean no filing folders. Envelopes (to hold stacks of documents together) are fine. Many applicants use them to keep things tidy, which is key. I think I've stated before that I organized my application into four "folders" (envelopes): OWP, Part A, Part B - Sponsor, Part B - Principal Applicant. Within each folder we paperclipped together forms and related documents to make it slightly neater.

 

[np08]

Thanks for the update, NHLNFL. Very useful information to know.

For that extra sheet in the OWP, make sure it has your name, date of birth and the form number it is supplementing.

As for the folders thing, I think they mean no filing folders. Envelopes (to hold stacks of documents together) are fine. Many applicants use them to keep things tidy, which is key. I think I've stated before that I organized my application into four "folders" (envelopes): OWP, Part A, Part B - Sponsor, Part B - Principal Applicant. Within each folder we paperclipped together forms and related documents to make it slightly neater.

Yes this is correct - you can use "organizing" envelopes within your package, but again, don't go overboard and have ten different ones. Use the logical breaks in the checklist for it and you should have no more than 3-4 in the end.

I believe we put both the PA and sponsor's names and dates of birth at the top of each additional sheet. Not sure if the instructions said so or we just wanted to play it safe.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I just mean if having a valid status is the only requirement an inland sponsor PR waives off if you have LOST status and are in restoration.

UPDATE: I got off the phone with an agent. So I am clear to apply for the OWP WITH PR APP because I am WITHIN my 90 day restoration period. She also said you could send in a "Restoration App", "Sponsor PR App", AND "OWP App" all in one package if I haven't submitted restoration yet. She said stated that since I am within 90 days of status expiration that I don't need to worry about it. She said I am "implied visitor". The agent was debating with colleagues while I was on hold because I asked what should I put as my CURRENT status in Canada. They could not decide if I am "foreign nation" or "other" because I guess you don't really apply for an OWP in this manner. But the key is to put an explanation letter with my OWP stating I have already sent in my restoration application. The officer can look in the system to see if it's legit(which it is) so they won't question the OWP application.

She only said I could send my Restoration, PR and OWP applications at the same time because the officer will have all of the paperwork in front of them instead of taking a couple steps to check the computer. Either way you will have the same outcome(so long as they approve restoration).

I hope this helps and you can pass on this information but remember everyone has a different story.

Also the application guide states this "

• Don’t use staples, binders, plastic sleeves, folders or albums to submit your application. Elastic bands for photos or paper clips are acceptable."

So NO folders at all? Only paperclips and binder clips are allowed? You must be able to put the whole thing into one folder and the folder into the mailing slip.

I really do hate the Call Center. To clarify, you do not currently have any status, Implied or otherwise. Applying for Restoration allows a person to remain in Canada while waiting for an answer but they are still out of status during that time.

If applying for Restoration as a worker, you do that directly on the OWP form; it wouldn't be a separate app with the OWP/PR app. You would need to pay the $200 Restoration fee for this app as well. There is still no guarantee that the OWP will be approved because as I said, the requirement is to be in status when the app is submitted, not when it is eventually looked at; some people who have done this have gotten the OWP in the normal time while others were refused until AIP.

 

[Jazzercise]

Yes this is correct - you can use "organizing" envelopes within your package, but again, don't go overboard and have ten different ones. Use the logical breaks in the checklist for it and you should have no more than 3-4 in the end.

I believe we put both the PA and sponsor's names and dates of birth at the top of each additional sheet. Not sure if the instructions said so or we just wanted to play it safe.

Thanks for clarifying, np08. Yes, put both the sponsor and principle applicant's names and dates of birth at the top of each additional page for the PR application . For the OWP though, I think you can just put the applicant's name.

You can use this same principle for the organizing folders/envelopes, too. Names and dates of birth clearly labeled on the outside. We also wrote something indicating what type of application the contents were for (something like "Spouse - Inland," don't quite remember).

 

[NHLNFL]

I really do hate the Call Center. To clarify, you do not currently have any status, Implied or otherwise. Applying for Restoration allows a person to remain in Canada while waiting for an answer but they are still out of status during that time.

If applying for Restoration as a worker, you do that directly on the OWP form; it wouldn't be a separate app with the OWP/PR app. You would need to pay the $200 Restoration fee for this app as well. There is still no guarantee that the OWP will be approved because as I said, the requirement is to be in status when the app is submitted, not when it is eventually looked at; some people who have done this have gotten the OWP in the normal time while others were refused until AIP.

Yes it seems like you have a lot of experience under your belt and I value your knowledge. So at this point: My application for restoration as a VISITOR has been sent in already. It is not a work permit restoration as I had a PGOWP maxed at 3 years. The restoration fees have been paid as my application for that is already in. The restoration application is form is different than that of "application to change/extend conditions" form. So in my case it is a separate application. Either way I have paid any fees that would have applied. I will attach the OWP with PR and leave it at that. I am curious at why some people were granted the permit and others not. Either every officer has a different look at it or every case that was approved/refused was different. If all the cases were the same and officers followed the same rules then they would have all had the same result. The fact that some were approved and some others shows that every case had different circumstances. Do officers consider prior Canadian history? Time spent in Canada? Traveled in/out of Canada appropriate with all paperwork? It is hard to answer if we do not know why there is a split in the results.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Yes it seems like you have a lot of experience under your belt and I value your knowledge. So at this point: My application for restoration as a VISITOR has been sent in already. It is not a work permit restoration as I had a PGOWP maxed at 3 years. The restoration fees have been paid as my application for that is already in. The restoration application is form is different than that of "application to change/extend conditions" form. So in my case it is a separate application. Either way I have paid any fees that would have applied. I will attach the OWP with PR and leave it at that. I am curious at why some people were granted the permit and others not. Either every officer has a different look at it or every case that was approved/refused was different. If all the cases were the same and officers followed the same rules then they would have all had the same result. The fact that some were approved and some others shows that every case had different circumstances. Do officers consider prior Canadian history? Time spent in Canada? Traveled in/out of Canada appropriate with all paperwork? It is hard to answer if we do not know why there is a split in the results.

When you apply for Restoration, it does not have to be for the same status you held previously, i.e. a person who was a worker can apply for Restoration as a worker, student or visitor, provided they qualify for that status at the time of Restoration.

In this situation, many people apply just for Restoration as a worker with the PR app. You would not be applying to restore your PGWP; you would be applying to restore your legal status as a worker based on the inland PR app.

The Restoration app is not different from the "application to change status". IMM5710, the OWP form, has the option to apply for Restoration on it.

No one knows why some are approved and some aren't.

 

[Jazzercise]

Yes it seems like you have a lot of experience under your belt and I value your knowledge. So at this point: My application for restoration as a VISITOR has been sent in already. It is not a work permit restoration as I had a PGOWP maxed at 3 years. The restoration fees have been paid as my application for that is already in. The restoration application is form is different than that of "application to change/extend conditions" form. So in my case it is a separate application. Either way I have paid any fees that would have applied. I will attach the OWP with PR and leave it at that. I am curious at why some people were granted the permit and others not. Either every officer has a different look at it or every case that was approved/refused was different. If all the cases were the same and officers followed the same rules then they would have all had the same result. The fact that some were approved and some others shows that every case had different circumstances. Do officers consider prior Canadian history? Time spent in Canada? Traveled in/out of Canada appropriate with all paperwork? It is hard to answer if we do not know why there is a split in the results.

There are a host of factors in play during the immigration process. One big factor is the person reviewing a file. The bureaucrat wields a whole lot of power.