Where is this mythical "instruction guide"

[ImmigrationForDummies]

As an ex-copywriter, the immigration papers I'm going through right now make me so, so angry. This is the worst-written garbage and it puts people's wellbeing at stake. I also have an extremely strict internship at the moment where I'm not allowed to make personal phone calls during business hours, so there goes phone assistance from Immigration Canada.

It might be a little easier if I could find this magical "instruction guide" I keep getting told to read? None of the "instruction guides" I have found remotely apply to the fields that they supposedly explain.

For example, IMM008, field 3: "How many family members, including you, are in this application (see Instructions guide)?

I'm an Australian citizen, no dependents, been living with my Canadian boyfriend in Canada for two years and am applying for common law sponsorship. So would I put "1" (just me, applying for PR), or two (we're both on the form.) In the language of "How many family members, including you, are in this application," how the $&%^ am I supposed to tell which one it is???

So yeah, instruction guide. Where is it?

 

[Kev1n]

As an ex-copywriter, the immigration papers I'm going through right now make me so, so angry. This is the worst-written garbage and it puts people's wellbeing at stake. I also have an extremely strict internship at the moment where I'm not allowed to make personal phone calls during business hours, so there goes phone assistance from Immigration Canada.

It might be a little easier if I could find this magical "instruction guide" I keep getting told to read? None of the "instruction guides" I have found remotely apply to the fields that they supposedly explain.

For example, IMM008, field 3: "How many family members, including you, are in this application (see Instructions guide)?

I'm an Australian citizen, no dependents, been living with my Canadian boyfriend in Canada for two years and am applying for common law sponsorship. So would I put "1" (just me, applying for PR), or two (we're both on the form.) In the language of "How many family members, including you, are in this application," how the $&%^ am I supposed to tell which one it is???

So yeah, instruction guide. Where is it?

In my view it was written by government lawyers, to give other lawyers (their buddies a job) because most people cannot understand so they will have to employ a lawyer.

 

[nole73]

As an ex-copywriter, the immigration papers I'm going through right now make me so, so angry. This is the worst-written garbage and it puts people's wellbeing at stake. I also have an extremely strict internship at the moment where I'm not allowed to make personal phone calls during business hours, so there goes phone assistance from Immigration Canada.

It might be a little easier if I could find this magical "instruction guide" I keep getting told to read? None of the "instruction guides" I have found remotely apply to the fields that they supposedly explain.

For example, IMM008, field 3: "How many family members, including you, are in this application (see Instructions guide)?

I'm an Australian citizen, no dependents, been living with my Canadian boyfriend in Canada for two years and am applying for common law sponsorship. So would I put "1" (just me, applying for PR), or two (we're both on the form.) In the language of "How many family members, including you, are in this application," how the $&%^ am I supposed to tell which one it is???

1

This form refers to the applicant, and not the sponsor.

 

[ImmigrationForDummies]

Thanks nole, that was fast.

Kev1n, I agree. It really sucks though, and is super un-Canadian, in my view!

 

[Nevaeha]

This forum will probably become one of your best instruction guides! There are several knowledgeable people on this site that are more than helpful with any questions you may have. We've all been where you are if that makes you feel any better.

 

[Kev1n]

This forum will probably become one of your best instruction guides! There are several knowledgeable people on this site that are more than helpful with any questions you may have. We've all been where you are if that makes you feel any better.
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I agree very good people here

 

[ImmigrationForDummies]

Thanks Nevahea, that's great. I think my blood pressure has already gone down a little, haha.

I definitely have more questions.

 

[jo-macral]

The answer is 1 (You only), and referring to the instruction guide is for determining if you need to add any dependent children to your application as well, which you do not, so you are fine.

As for the applications, I never found them too complicated or confusing, just a PITA.

The Instruction guide will tell you, line by line, what they need in the forms.

The guide you need is IMM 3999, and is on the main documents page here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp

 

[Nevaeha]

Thanks Nevahea, that's great. I think my blood pressure has already gone down a little, haha.

I definitely have more questions.

It is a very stressful process so try to remain calm and feel free to ask as many questions as you need to. I wish I would have found this forum before I submitted my application; there is a wealth of information here.

Good luck!

 

[Merlyns_Tim]

The paperwork drove me nuts. I think they must purposely make it frustrating with the idea that if a couple can get through that with any sanity left they just might stand a chance.
I've always hated anything to do with clerical work, but fortunately when my wife was younger she worked for quite a while in a large office building, so she is pretty smart with that sort of thing. She eventually did pretty much all of it with a bit of help from me, and all I had to do was go over it and make sure it all looked right and sign. If not for her I'd still be trying to figure it out. ;D

All the best with the documents. If they start to drive you crazy your best to walk away for a bit and let the cobwebs clear.

 

[CharlieD10]

The forms are divided into sponsor's forms and applicant's forms. If you bear that in mind, you will know how to answer the questions as they are asked in each set of forms. Before you go answering anything, just READ the forms and the Guide. Nothing else. JUST READ. Having read the forms and Guide through, then start thinking about answering the questions.

 

[truesmile]

And it's found here . . .

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/3900ETOC.asp

"un-Canadian"?! You must not have filed taxes here in Canada yet . . .