Dates missing in application

[littlesunbee]

Hey guys,

I am sponsoring my husband to Canada and he was a member of many campaigns and donated a few dollars to a few charities in the past but he doesn't remember the dates in which he was a member. In one question on the background application they ask about the dates. What if he doesn't know them? Should he just make up the dates? I think it looks very strange if there are many blanks in the date section. He can't find any proof of these memberships. Thank you!

[ddobro2]

You mean like political campaigns? If this refers to the section on one of the documents that I recall asks about the applicants affiliations, I wouldn't stress too much about each and every organization he was in some way affiliated with. I would just focus on the major ones. I would imagine that is a big grey area as what one is "a member of" depends on a number of factors and interpretations. I doubt donating money is more important than holding some kind of position in the organization in CIC's understanding of "membership."

[littlesunbee]

Well actually he was just a member of them, such as "Human Rights Campaign" etc...And he supported organizations such as "Scouts of America". So he was just a member but didn't have any involvement in all these. Should we mention that at all, since they ask whether you were a member or supported and organizations?

[can_usa_97]

I did mention things like that but mainly because I wasn't sure and rather indicate more than less.

[ddobro2]

Yeah I agree, that if he's at all considered - or would consider himself - a member of these organizations, to include them is better than not to. But I guess what I would suggest is to put the ones that he was most affiliated with at the top (especially since there is limited space on the form not to mention in the visa officer's day  , you know?) By the way, the HRC is fabulous and does great work as I'm sure you know and that's great your husband is so civically minded. I remember when I was doing these forms I also got really interested in every little detail....but I think you have to find that fine line between when to let go and when something deserves a second thought  . Anyhoo, all the best.

[canadianwoman]

Don't lie about the dates. Just put whatever you do know - maybe just the year - then add the explanation that he doesn't remember exactly when he joined up.