Hey -
I am from NYC - and my husband is from Ontario.
We have been a couple for 5 years and married since May 10th 2014.
This is our timeline so far.
1. I began putting together proof of our relationship once we decided he was going to sponsor me. This was around late 2013 (originally I was going to get PR through work - that didn't pan out).
2. We were married in NYC on May 10th 2014
3. Our officiant submitted marriage license and we got marriage certificate 1 week later.
4. Around May 20th - got fingerprinted and submitted FBI request. (note: I chose to NOT change my maiden name right now. Everything is submitted with my maiden name.)
5. FBI a answered back 4 weeks later telling me the prints were rejected because they were blurry (great
)
6. I submitted new prints again!
*** while I waited for FBI - I researched and also called panel physicians in NYC and Ottawa to ask about prices, if they submitted electronically and if the fees included the physical, labs and chest X-ray)
7. July I recieved my FBI Check back and I visited my husband for us to start working on putting together the application. I got my Medical as soon as I came to Ottawa on 7/25/14. It is about $200+ cheaper in Ottawa compared to NYC. They wanted $450 in NYC. We paid $210CAD here (all included).
8. I filled out my forms and my husband filled out his forms.
9. We double / triple / quadruple checked each others forms.
10. In the meantime I began putting together all our relationship proof for the past 5 years. Everything CIC asks for PLUS what I felt would help prove we were genuine.
11. It too about 2 months to get it all together. I am a bit meticulous so my application was tabbed / indexed and have 3 tables of content (1 for sponsor forms / docs ... 1 for applicant forms /docs and 1 for relationship proof). Everything was held together with paper clips and or black clips. You can't use binders.
12. My husband had to call CRA to order his option C. (It took 2 weeks to get to us.)
13. Received his option C on 9/6/14
14. Put it in with his forms and ran to post office. Paid for 1 day express mail with tracking (canada post)
15. Application arrived in Mississauga 9/10/14 (Canada post messed up sadly :-( )
16. Received SA 10/28/14. Now my app is in the Ottawa VO and I am waiting for them to contact me.
We didn't want to pay a lawyer. Honestly they are overpriced and if you have a straightforward app you shouldn't need one.
I followed the guide step by step and answered the questions with the guide.
When I had questions I came here, once I called CIC because I couldn't find an answer to a question very specific to my situation.
So far - CIC hasn't contacted me with any issues or problems with my application. I pray it stays that way! Lol
