Statutory decleration of common law union

[TheHal]

Hi there,

So gotten some other information taken care of, now I'm looking to get this done.

Who do we go see to get it validated?? I got forms from the bak, that states we have had accounts together for more than 2 years, and I can prove we have lived together for more than 3 years, so now I guess all i need is to declare that we are common law.

Can I get away without the declaration, if we claim to be engaged or is that no good?
Only trying to save some coin.

As an aside, we are getting married next summer, but I want this application done and sent ASAP, before my work permit expires.

Cheers
H.

[matthewc]

Actually for a spousal sponsorship, a statutory declaration doesn't help much. That's typically used when a common-law partner is co-signing a sponsorship application for another family member.

See OP2 section 9:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op02-eng.pdf

"Self-serving statutory
declarations carry little weight unless they predate interest in immigration."

If you want to get one anyway, just go to see a lawyer or notary public. Most will do them relatively cheaply. Much better is if you get someone else who knows you both and your relationship to provide a statutory declaration attesting to your relationship being genuine and continuing, how long they know you've been living together, etc. That holds much more weight.

[TheHal]

Thanks!

It seems, the more I look at this, that it will be less hassle to apply for the Spousal sponsorhip, rather than CEC.

Even if when we apply (INLAND) it will take somewhat longer.

I'm actually less scared of it now...
Cheers
H.

[matthewc]

Don't apply inland unless there's a good reason. Even if you're in Canada, the outside Canada sponsorship route is usually better; it's faster, with a right of appeal.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/fc.asp

[TheHal]

My reason to apply inland is that I am already here, working fulltime, and thought it would be a hassle if I have to go to England to my CHC office, if for any reason they want to do an interview or issue documents.

So less cost.

I have work permit valid until 10/2011 so should be good for another year, and will not (THANKFULLY) have any problems getting another.

Are there any other reasons why I should NOT go inland?? If the application gets dumped, I suppose I can apply under a different stream, no?

Cheers
H.