Here's a manual they work by:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op02e.pdfI'm sure they have more than just that, but it should give you an idea on the basics. From what I understand, there is no point system as such. But in an essence, they have one in their heads. They have to look over everything you send them and "score" your relationship. If you're convincing enough that it's a genuine relationship, approved. If not, probably interview. This is the gist of it:
Officers must form an opinion based on factors which, taken together, could lead a reasonably
prudent person to conclude that a relationship was not genuine and was entered into for
immigration purposes. It is important for officers to examine the particular circumstances of a
relationship and to assess it in the context of the cultural norms of the country.
As for the documents... not sure. I guess that could be forged as well. I had nothing notarized, but then I had nothing like that to submit. I mean, getting the emails we sent to each other notarized would be kinda silly.
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