How to declare yourself a non-resident Canadian citizen?

[toby]

Toby, he asked about your income because it was low or nonexistent? or just asked about it to verify his papers?

No, my income is fine; the VO was just verifying it.  I assume from this desire to verify that income is important in some unspecified way, even though there is no official minimum-income requirement.  As I recall, one or two people in this forum explained that CIC does not want married couples to be a drain on Canada's social programs.  But this strikes me as a de facto minimum-income requirement, so I really do not understand CIC's interest in income levels for sponsors. 

Perhaps someone can cast some light on this.

[Leon]

I have read about one case that was denied because of it being unclear how the people would support themselves.  In that case, the husband & sponsor was making very little money for the last few years, working in a restaurant.  I think about $8000 a year so obviously he can barely support himself from that.  The wife spoke very little English so immigration thought it unlikely that she would be able to work. 

[toby]

I have read about one case that was denied because of it being unclear how the people would support themselves.  In that case, the husband & sponsor was making very little money for the last few years, working in a restaurant.  I think about $8000 a year so obviously he can barely support himself from that.  The wife spoke very little English so immigration thought it unlikely that she would be able to work. 

I think it was you, Leon, who first alerted me to this case.

But it DOES seem to me to be a de facto minimum-income requirement. If the sponsor cannot support himself and spouse, then CIC won't award a spousal visa.  It's just that the "minimum" is not stated objectively, and so may be up to the subjective judgment of the VO.  And CIC seems willing to accept the would-be sponsor's assertions about income. In my case I did not provide objective proof; I provided only a spreadsheet showing income sources.

[Leon]

Right, I think it is on a case by case basis.  If the guy who was making 8,000 a year had a good reason why he only made 8,000 that year and stood to be making more the following year, he might have been approved.  Same as if his wife had been considered employable in Canada, they might have been approved.  I am sure there are cases where the sponsor is a homemaker or on disability and is not able to support their spouse but still gets approved because the spouse is the breadwinner.

[theedge]

I see. That's what I feared...an unwritten minimum income

Since I'm not making any $ I don't know if they will approve my sponsorship or not..and I'm gonna live in Quebec so I don't know if this is going to make more problem?

My wife and I are both under 25 and willing to work. I don't think I'll have to much problem getting a job when I'm back in Canada. I've finished my Cegep and almost finished my Bachelor. My parents would let us stay with them until we could get our own place

Should I still send my application? or should I wait and go back to Canada to get some job first?
Honestly I'd rather stay with my wife while the process takes it course...but if I got no choice

[canadianwoman]

You can send it now. Get a letter from your parents stating they will give you a place to stay when you and your partner move to Canada, and listing any other help they will give you.