What is the lesser of the evils?

[mr70]

What would look worse for a potential re-application for spousal PR if the first one was withdrawn or would not using the visa be better,if issued?

 

[Sunshine87]

I would think a withdrawal would be better. You'd be wasting your time and money to go through the process, only to not complete the visa requirements.

 

[KJG]

I would think a withdrawal would be better. You'd be wasting your time and money to go through the process, only to not complete the visa requirements.

I agree with Sunshine87....

 

[OhCanadiana]

What would look worse for a potential re-application for spousal PR if the first one was withdrawn or would not using the visa be better,if issued?

It probably depends on WHY you withdraw (which you should explain upfront). If it's because your spouse just got an awesome job and you jointly decided to put off plans for a year or so for this wonderful opportunity that will help you get settled when you move you're in a different position than, if say, you are on the verge of a divorce because your spouse was wildly unfaithful and you don't trust them enough to sponsor them. Extreme examples to make my point

HOWEVER, since it sounds like you are already in the process, you are unlikely to get a refund. And, since it sounds like you are planning to re-apply, it may be well worth finishing it so that there are records of your relationship already in the records showing you have been approved. This should help you get approved in the future and avoid questions on why you may have withdrawn.

As an example, there was a recent case that was very fast, likely in part due to the fact that they didn't use the visa they received a couple years ago when they decided to stay put after getting pregnant. Perhaps she'll chime in here if she has a moment amidst the we're-about-to-really-move-prep.

 

[canadiangirl78]

Hi there!

We were approved for a visa that we received in 2010. It was kind of a back up plan, we had no real plans to move but were both concerned about getting laid off, and wanted the option to go to Canada. We were a bit clueless - we got the visa very fast and were expecting it to take a year and really didn't think about it expiring. I don't regret the application because we may have needed to move to Canada but it just didn't work out. I emailed Mexico City asking them to extend the visa but they said no, we would have to apply again and pay the fees again. I was pretty bummed to let it expire because it took SO much work and wasn't cheap but we couldn't just land and return to the US because my husband has no status here so we had no choice.

I don't know what stage you are at but if you are past the point of a refund, I would let the visa get approved and then just let it expire. Before it expires, tell the VO you won't be using it because of a change of plans. In my experience, they don't really care why you didn't use it and it doesn't hurt you with a second application as long as you give a reasonable explanation. I wrote a letter saying this was our second application and that we had to let the first expire because of some unexpected life changes and mentioned that I was pregnant at the time.

We got the second visa after just over 1 month of getting the VO AOR so I do think a previous approval helped us with the second application a lot.

So I would not withdraw.

 

[canadiangirl78]

Also, couldn't your spouse just land in Canada and then go back to where you are currently living? If you are both living outside of Canada she will meet the residency requirements as long as you, the Canadian citizen, are with her. Or him. (We couldn't do that which I explained above but I know people do.)