Spousal sponsorship-out of status 4 years

[Janadian]

So i know this couple that are married and want to do a inland spousal sponsorship.
The problem is that the husband had already overstayed on a visitors status by 2 years when he met his Canadian wife 2 years ago.

She wants to sponsor him inland..but what do they put on the background declaration?

He lived with "illegals" for the time he was out of status-so where does he put him home address?
He worked to support himself (and not with a WP)- so how does he explain how he lived?

They seem like a very loving couple and i have no doubt they are genuinly in love...

But i don't see how he can explain how he stayed in Canada for the 2 years he wasn't with his spouse while not working and not paying for an place to live or food.

p.s he is from a visa exempt country


If anyone has any ideas..i'll pass it along.

Thanks

[canadianwoman]

I think he should just answer the questions honestly. Put the address where he was living, even though it was with 'illegals'; list his job, even though he was working without papers. If he doesn't, and CIC later finds out, he could be refused for misrepresentation.

[Leon]

Agreed.  Being illegal can easily complicate their application and it may take longer but being illegal in itself is not a reason somebody would get refused.

[justina]

Also agree. Lawyers advise the truth. If an applicant is caught in a lie, then goodbye application. Making up the past will only cause problems.

[Janadian]

Thanks guys for your answers. As they say...the truth shall set you free.
I'm going to pass the info and maybe advise them to still seek council for their situation, sometimes its best that friends don't give friends advice on such life changing matters.

But i knew there would be some great advice out there!