who does CIC contact to verify relationship?

[blossom87]

Hello!
I have a few questions regarding spousal sponsorship as my husband and I are just about to start the process. Keeping it neat and tidy here is our situation: Last year my husband's student visa expired, and while we were waiting to see if it would be renewed we decided to eloped here in Canada as a precaution in case it was denied (he applied after the 3 month grace period) and so I would be able to sponsor him without him having to return home (Pakistan) which neither of us wanted him to do. As it happened, his student visa was denied and we've had to start the sponsorship process. However, while our relationship is genuine in every way, we've kept our marriage secret because my husband wanted the chance to approach his parents about our relationship in person (they're in Pakistan, he's Muslim, I'm Christian) as well as ask my father permission and do it the good ol'fashion way. But he can't leave the country now. So here's my question...

Will the CIC contact our parents if I apply to sponsor my husband? Do they contact family that isn't being sponsored to verify the sponsor or sponsoree?

We do have select friends here who know we've eloped and have written letters from them verifying our relationship. And my parents do know of our relationship and that it is serious, they just don't know we eloped, and I'd rather them hear it from me instead of a random CIC employee!


Thanks so much for taking the time to help us!

 

[Seronic]

Kinda weird that your parents don't know your married. >.>

 

[Rob_TO]

To my knowledge CIC never contacts relatives or friends. They go by the proof you've presented them (at least i've never heard of them contacting anyone).

How long did you date before getting married? If it was a short time, then a small wedding with no family present might pose a concern to the VO.

 

[Ponga]

Hello!
I have a few questions regarding spousal sponsorship as my husband and I are just about to start the process. Keeping it neat and tidy here is our situation: Last year my husband's student visa expired, and while we were waiting to see if it would be renewed we decided to eloped here in Canada as a precaution in case it was denied (he applied after the 3 month grace period) and so I would be able to sponsor him without him having to return home (Pakistan) which neither of us wanted him to do. As it happened, his student visa was denied and we've had to start the sponsorship process. However, while our relationship is genuine in every way, we've kept our marriage secret because my husband wanted the chance to approach his parents about our relationship in person (they're in Pakistan, he's Muslim, I'm Christian) as well as ask my father permission and do it the good ol'fashion way. But he can't leave the country now. So here's my question...

Will the CIC contact our parents if I apply to sponsor my husband? Do they contact family that isn't being sponsored to verify the sponsor or sponsoree?

We do have select friends here who know we've eloped and have written letters from them verifying our relationship. And my parents do know of our relationship and that it is serious, they just don't know we eloped, and I'd rather them hear it from me instead of a random CIC employee!


Thanks so much for taking the time to help us!

First of all, if your husband is in Canada without legal status, it's possible that he could be deported...which would kill your Inland application. While he does not need to maintain legal status to apply, he does need to have legal status to ensure that he can remain in Canada while the application is being processed.

To answer your question, CIC can contact anyone they choose to verify your relationship. While it might be rare to contact family members, it has happened, I'm sure.

Your biggest concern should be your husband's lack of status.

Good luck!

 

[steerpike]

When you apply you have to list who attened your wedding and you have to specifically explain why either of your parents did not attend. So are you going to lie in that explaination or are you going to tell them that neither parent knows anything about the marriage?

However, while our relationship is genuine in every way, we've kept our marriage secret because my husband wanted the chance to approach his parents about our relationship in person

It's a bit late for that. I agree that would have been a good way to do it. But you didnt do it that way.

as well as ask my father permission and do it the good ol'fashion way.

What is he doing to say? "Sir, i'd like permission to marry your daughter. we already did it so you have to say yes". Why bother? Honestly?

The best way to proceed at this point is to have a proper wedding ceremony, invite your parents. Attempt to get visitor visas for his parents and other close relatives to attend the wedding. If the visitor visa is denied for the parents then you have a perfect excuse for why they didn't attend the wedding ceremony. Best if you do all this before you apply.

 

[Obronibini]

Good points stated by others and to add to that you kind if caused a bit problem for yourselves by hiding your marriage and again waited till last minute , I've read that cic scrutinize cases where the applicant just got refused some kind of visa being it student or refugees etc, when such people marry after that it raises suspicion . So both ways seem some way I mean remarrying so that both parents can there or aware like stated above. You will need to do a bit more . Gather as much prove as you can .try to get done kind of endorsement from both parents , maybe explain the situation to them and have them write letters stating reasons why they didn't attend the Weddin . They shouldn't say it because you didn't invite them though. All the best