Proof of marriage if you have child

[ikovach]

Hi, I'm sponsoring my spouse. We have child born on 16 Oct 2011, we married on 07 Jan 2012, but without ceremony just sign the papers with our withnesses. We have a lot of pictures with my wife, when she was pregnant, with friends, on vacations etc.. Do you think , I need declarations from family members and friends about our relationsship and marriage?  Thank you in advance.

[CharlieD10]

The child is proof you are capable of reproducing.  Letters from your friends and relatives supporting your relationship go towards demonstrating it is a genuine relationship, known to and acknowledged by family and community (as per OP2), and not just a marriage entered into to gain status under IRPA for the woman and child.  The presence of a child is not incontrovertible proof of a genuine marriage, so don't assume that because you have one, you may ignore other types of proof you have available to submit to CIC.

[ikovach]

Thank you for your advice! How many letters do you think I need from friends and family members?

[CharlieD10]

It depends on you.  Some send one or two, others send more.  Try not to overwhelm the officer, but do try to get a good sampling, such as from a parent, from a sibling, and one or two close friends/co-workers.