All right, thanks to your help... here's what I've got. What do you think?

[nyssa]

  <--my "feeling super accomplished" smiley. I've gone through the "how do I organize my application?" question and done a little research... and I think I have it. "Think" being the key word, of course. So, for the big "Relationship Proofs"/what I refer to in all of my forms... here is the mega-outline. I would absolutely beyond belief appreciate your opinions. Is this too specific? Is there a better way to organize all this?

I am the applicant, by the way. Husband is the Canadian sponsor who lived in the US for most of his life (albeit illegally as a minor plus some until having to move back to Canada after being denied entry back into the states, for obvious reasons.) That may clear up some of the below.

• How We Met/How Dating Began
     a. Free Open Diary in 2003 (NO PROOF)
     b. January 19, 2006 - MySpace Re-Connecting Message (mentions the above)
     c. January 15, 2007 - Applicant Reveals Feelings About Sponsor (LiveJournal Entry)
  Dating Before Living Together
     a. Communication
        1. Applicant - LiveJournal Entry
        2. Sponsor - MySpace Entry
        3. April 29, 2007 - Applicant Birthday Letter to Sponsor
        4. April 29, 2007 - Applicant Birthday Tattoo Picture
        5. Youtube Channel Picture (screenshot of videos applicant made to sponsor)
     b. Sponsor Visits Applicant (state, usa)
        1. Pictures
        2. Sponsor MySpace Entry
        3. Applicant LiveJournal Entry
     c. Applicant Visits Sponsor (different state, usa)
        1. Pictures
        2. Sponsor MySpace Entry
        3. Applicant LiveJournal Entry
  Living Together In The USA
     a. Applicant Moves In With Sponsor (sponsor's state, usa)
        1. Flight Itinerary
        2. Pictures
           a. Applicant's Family Visit
           b. Sponsor's Sister Visit
        3. Sponsor's Anniversary Card to Applicant (2008)
     b. Sponsor and Applicant Move to Applicant's State, USA
        1. U-PACK Receipt
        2. Greyhound Receipt
        3. Sponsor's new state Phone Number
        4. Pictures from July '08 - April '09
  Sponsor and Applicant Visit Canada for Sponsor's Sister's Wedding
     a. Flight Itineraries
     b. Pictures
     c. Sponsor's Sister's Wedding Proofs
  Applicant Visits Sponsor DATE to DATE
     a. Flight Itineraries
     b. Pictures of Proposal (at the airport)
  Applicant Visits Sponsor DATE to DATE
     a. Flight Itineraries
     b. Applicant's Canadian Pay-as-you-go Phone Account Setup
     c. Photocopy of a collage of bus tickets where Applicant visits Sponsor after work
     d. Movie Tickets (2) - photocopied
     e. 7 Receipts of dining/Blockbuster
  Wedding
     a. Conversations about the Wedding (with various people, mostly Sponsor's Sister)
     b. Ceremony Contract
     c. Ceremony Deposit
     d. Reception Contract
     e. Reception Payment (bank statement)
     f. Pictures
     g. Guest Book
     h. Cards from Family and Friends
     I. Sponsor's Facebook Status Update - Comments   
  Honeymoon
     a. Greyhound Tickets
     b. Hotel Reservation
     c. Facebook Status Updates
     d. Activity Receipts/Tickets
     e. Pictures
  Communication
     a. Text Messages (from May '09 to time of filing)
        1. Proof of Sponsor's Telephone Number
     b. XBOX Live
        1. Applicant purchases XBOX Live Video Camera for Sponsor
        2. Proof of Sponsor's XBOX Live Account
        3. Proof of Applicant's XBOX Live Account
        4. Messages
        5. Screenshots of XBOX Live Game Avatars
     c. Phone Calls
        1. Applicant's House Phone Records
     d. Facebook
        1. Screen Shots of Chats
        2. Full Chats
        3. Status Updates
     e. SKYPE Video Chat(s?)
        1. 12-10-09 History
        2. 12-10-09 Screenshot
  Proof of Joint Funds
     a. Joint Bank Account Information
     b. Sponsor's Beneficiary on Life/Health Benefits
     c. Applicant's Beneficiary on Credit Card
  Western Union Receipts
     a. Applicant to Sponsor - dated
  “Care Packages” to Sponsor by Applicant
  Support Letters
  

One more quick question. Instead of adding yet another thread. Is it possible for the applicant to pay instead of the sponsor? (If so, I can get the application moving a bit quicker!)

[AllisonVSC]

Looks like you are set to go. And Yes, You can pay the application fees. To do it online, you will need a credit card.
Good luck!

Completing the application really is the hardest part, though the waiting and worrying gets to a lot of people. Once it is out of your hands, try NOT to worry as there is nothing you can do until you hear from immigration.

[ariell]

WOW!!!!!!!! 

That is way more detail than we had and we were approved with no problem. That looks great. I don't think you'll have any problem.

Just wondering what the XBOX Live messages are under Communication. Are they online chat messages? I didn't notice you including any emails or letters -- if you have those, they would be good to include. Also a letter that ties all your details together -- a letter that essentially tells your story -- is also good to have. In our case, we each wrote our own and they were 2-3 pages long.

I don't see any reason why the applicant couldn't pay though I don't know specifically of anyone who's done this.

Good luck to you!

[nyssa]

XBOX Live Messages are like e-mails in a sense, not online chat. We don't have any of that, unfortunately (no e-mails or online chat, really. Well, a couple but those were just a few instances where he was able to go on his sister's computer). We have a huge stack of text messages which carry the most weight in the "Communication" part. Our pictures carry the most weight in the entire application.

And ariell are you referring to the part at the end of each spouse's Spouse Questionarre with the "provide on a sheet of paper any additional detals to prove your love is genuine and continuing"? Or the "love story" part at the beginning of the relationship proofs?

And thank you! I was worried maybe I went into too much detail (too large of an outline) and should possible cut it down into fewer groups. I also forgot to add Christmas cards in there, and I'm still not sure if I'm going to throw the Western Union receipts at the end or behind the Sponsorship Questionarre (which may not be it's proper place, actually...)

[diddagirl]

Wow nyssa- that is SUPER detailed! Nice work...I dont see how they could not approve with all that

[ariell]

And ariell are you referring to the part at the end of each spouse's Spouse Questionarre with the "provide on a sheet of paper any additional detals to prove your love is genuine and continuing"? Or the "love story" part at the beginning of the relationship proofs?

Yes, I meant the part at the end where you're asked to provide any additional details. We used that as the chance to tell our whole story rather than just providing additional proof that our relationship was genuine and continuing.

[AlanWales]

Yes, I meant the part at the end where you're asked to provide any additional details. We used that as the chance to tell our whole story rather than just providing additional proof that our relationship was genuine and continuing.

Yes, that is what we did too, I wrote out a complete timeline from the time we first spoke to the time we applied for my PR. That is an impressive list Nyssa, I thought my application was comprehensive, but it is nothing compared to yours and we sailed through with barely a hiccup. Good luck.

[NYCtoNB]

Yes, that is what we did too, I wrote out a complete timeline from the time we first spoke to the time we applied for my PR. That is an impressive list Nyssa, I thought my application was comprehensive, but it is nothing compared to yours and we sailed through with barely a hiccup. Good luck.

i did the same thing
easy way to realize just how boring you are. 

[nyssa]

Wow, again, THANK YOU!!! I've never felt better! 

Okay then. I will attach the timeline as suggested (well, my husband and I both) at the end of the sponsor/partner and sponsor questionares. At the end of it (or maybe during it?) I will say "See Appendix 1: How We Met" or "See Appendix 7: Wedding". And well all throughout those forms too, hahaha.

And perhaps make an Office Depot run to pick up a million tabs. I'm assuming:
Headers - one color (i.e. - Appendix 1: How We Met color BLUE TAB and all other headers down to Support Letters will all be in blue.)
Subheaders - one color (i.e. - Appendix 1: How We Met color BLUE TAB, a. b. and c. will be all a different color, say Pink.)
After subheaders - one color (i.e. - Appendix 3: Living Together In The USA - BLUE TAB
   a. Applicant Moves In With Sponsor (sponsor's state, usa) - PINK TAB
      1. Flight Itinerary - YELLOW TAB

And then it appears we are going with the route:
1. Sponsor Forms
2. Applicant Forms
3. Supporting Documents (everything I listed in the beginning of this thread).

The sponsor document checklist at the beginning of the sponsor forms.
The applicant checklist at the beginning of the applicant forms.
The cover letter at the beginning of... all the forms?

And I guess any explanation letters will go right behind that individual form, from what I think I read on the forum more often than not.

Phew!! What a relief to be sending this package out SOON! *happy dance* I'm pretty exhausted collecting information every time he sends me a text or something. It would be really nice to let loose a little ;-)

[nyssa]

Also!  I am writing the timeline as we speak... in the fashion I believe others have done. Here is an example:

In January 2006, we reconnected on MySpace, another Internet journaling website, (see Proofs #1, letter b) where xxxx mentions remembering the talks we had that summer of 2003.
[and]
I introduced him to my family, friends and co-workers, and everyone fell in love with him instantly (see Proofs #13, supporting letters.)

However, again, I am the applicant, not the sponsor, but I am the one doing this entire application. So... my husband's letter at the end of his sponsorship questionarre is not going to be anywhere even close to that, considering he doesn't know the proofs I have in the order I have them. Is that going to be an issue, do you think?

[AlanWales]

I did a pretty detailed timeline, and my wife (the sponsor) did her own towards the end and did a more concise version in her own words. Ours went through fine.

[nyssa]

Thanks AlanWales,
I suppose I will just have my husband make a note at the end saying "Please see my wife, the applicant's timeline for a detailed response with reference to the Relationship Proofs throughout her letter". I would love to have his letter signed, which is why we don't just throw it in there (we're already mailing back & forth a lot this month with all this and he doesn't have a car so walking in the snow to the post office and back really isn't his cup of tea, lol)

[nyssa]

Well you guys, really, I can't thank you enough for your help and support. The advice you have given me (and encouragement!) since I first created an account here in May is unbelievable, and truly I am forever grateful. I hope to be a service to this forum and help others.

After a long, long day/night of reading through all of your messages here as well as messages on my other threads and anything/everything else pertaining to organization, here's my final list. Again, I ask (with my tail between my legs) if you can offer any critisism or encouragement. This IS my final outline (the big one!) so if you guys all approve it, it must be good to go.

COVER LETTER/OUTLINE

Folder 1: Sponsor Forms
   1. Outline of Sponsor Forms
   2. Forms
      a. Application to Sponsor and Undertaking
      b. Sponsorship Agreement (Photocopy!)
      c. Sponsorship Evaluation
      d. Use of Representative Form - CROSSED OUT
      e. Copy 2 of Receipt of Payment (paid by Applicant)
      f. Statutory Declaration of Common Law - CROSSED OUT
      g. Sponsor Questionnaire
   3. Appendix A: Sponsor Forms (here is where I will put the explanation letters, etc. instead of behind each form. This way, I can say “Please see Appendix A, number 4” referring to page 4 in this particular Appendix. The Sponsor timeline and letter providing additional relationship details will also be here.)

Folder 2: Applicant Forms
   1. Outline of Applicant Forms
   2. Forms
      a. Application for Permanent Residence
      b. Schedule 1 - Background Declaration (3 copies)
      c. Additional Family Information
      d. Spouse/Partner Questionnaire
      e. Use of Representatives - CROSSED OUT
   3. Appendix B: Applicant Forms (The Applicant timeline and letter providing additional relationship details will also be here.)

Folder 3: Sponsor Supporting Documents
   1. Outline of Sponsor Supporting Documents
   2. Canadian Passport
   3. Letter: No co-signer, so #14 and #15 on Document Checklist does not apply (signed by sponsor)
   4. Letter: No previous marriages or common-law relationships, so #16 on Document Checklist does not apply (signed by sponsor)
   5. Option C Printout - Explanation Letter in lieu of Option C Printout (signed by sponsor)
   6. Paycheck stubs (photocopied) from employer in lieu of Option C Printout
   7. Original letter from Employer
   8. Letter: No minimum income requirement necessary for sponsor, so #19 on Document Checklist does not apply (signed by sponsor)
   9. Letter: No biological or adopted children, so #21 on the Document Checklist (Medical Condition Statement) does not apply (signed by sponsor).

Folder 4: Applicant Supporting Documents
   1. Outline of Applicant Supporting Documents
   2. Appendix A of Country Specific Guide (USA) Document Checklist
   3. Appendix A - Choice of Interview Location
   4. Identity and Civil Status Documents
      a. Birth Certificate
      b. Marriage Certificate
   5. Letter: Applicant and sponsor both have no children, so #7 on Document Checklist - Immigrant does not apply (signed by applicant)
   6. Passport photocopy
   7. Proof of Relationship to Sponsor (this from my understanding will just be a letter signed by myself saying “See Folder #5 / Appendix C for the Outline, Applicant's Timeline of the relationship with detail to the proofs and the Supporting Documents.)
   8. Police Certificates
      a. Outline of their order, along with repeating what dates I lived at what states, signed by applicant.
      B. FBI Clearance
      c. xxxx State Clearance
      d. xxxx State Clearance
   9. Proof of Medical Examination (copy 2 of the Medical Report, section A.)
   10. Photos - 4 photos as required in Appendix B of the Country Specific Guide
      -one photo with my name, birth date and date the photos were taken.
      -on the envelope: my name, birth date and SELF: APPLICANT

Folder 5: Supporting Documents / APPENDIX C
   1. Outline (as you guys have seen posted originally!)
   2. All of the relationship proofs in their own little folders, tabbed (by colors?).


SO! I feel really good about all of this. And I also feel that this method is probably common... I sure hope I understood everything you guys said correctly! I tried as best I could to soak in all the information

I also plan on using this on the forms when it comes to the page numbers on the top left corner:

MY NAME
APPLICANT
Page x of y in Appendix B: Applicant Forms
Or
Page x of y in Appendix C: Supporting Documents

Still a little unsure how to incorporate the timeline. But hey this post is long enough as it is. And if I'm on the right track here, then I hope my post can help others! Thank you!!

[Suin]

you've made a great job, nyssa!
best of luck with your application! 

[tgchi13]

I told Nyssa earlier I was using her outline for our reapplication in March!

YAY Nyssa!