Family - Philippines - Sponsor - Research- Tips

[nedvert]

Hi there.

Just wanted to make a modern post as I will now sponsor my wife of 1 year (8 year relationship) and we both currently live in the Philippines are are looking to at some point when the Pandemic hopefully slows down move and live/work in Canada. I am a full Canadian 50 years old citizen and have lived here for roughly 14 years previously as an expat and locally hired after and she is a Filipina age 34 working here as well.

I understand I will have to prove that I intend to do that and will cite political and pandemic handling reasons, as well as simply wanting a fresh start and have already started gathering letters and documents to support this intention and if all goes well my wife will be able to transition to the Canadian company of her international company though it's kind of hard to start that all in motion when we don't know when any sort of approval will occur. The same goes for me, I can get letters to state I will be moving to Canada to say with relatives for a while and then once established finding my own residence and also trying to look for some new job options (already have though with no specific ETA its' a bit awkward).

At this point I am not financially unstable and could live for years without any income and be able to exist though of course that wouldn't be the plan.

I am doing my research online and such and this will be part of it so I wanted to reach out to any experts or persons going through these things now on anything notable to provide as tips or suggestions on things to accomplish that might not be apparent in just going through the application form.

Is it wise to apply ASAP even if we probably wouldn't want to land inside of the pandemic? I mean depending on how things go (Philippines) there might not be choices next year if things get worse politically but I want to get the ball rolling. I understand biometrics and other components might be required after. Would you pay all your fees before or after you mail your application? Any tips for the actual package and format of your application like with dividers and sticky notes for details ?

Anyway anything that anyone could share to provide a modern (as in within the last few months) perspective on what to care about or not and to set a priority list of things to accomplish and I appreciate anyone's insight ahead of time.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Canada2020eh]

Hi there.

Just wanted to make a modern post as I will now sponsor my wife of 1 year (8 year relationship) and we both currently live in the Philippines are are looking to at some point when the Pandemic hopefully slows down move and live/work in Canada. I am a full Canadian 50 years old citizen and have lived here for roughly 14 years previously as an expat and locally hired after and she is a Filipina age 34 working here as well.

I understand I will have to prove that I intend to do that and will cite political and pandemic handling reasons, as well as simply wanting a fresh start and have already started gathering letters and documents to support this intention and if all goes well my wife will be able to transition to the Canadian company of her international company though it's kind of hard to start that all in motion when we don't know when any sort of approval will occur. The same goes for me, I can get letters to state I will be moving to Canada to say with relatives for a while and then once established finding my own residence and also trying to look for some new job options (already have though with no specific ETA its' a bit awkward).

At this point I am not financially unstable and could live for years without any income and be able to exist though of course that wouldn't be the plan.

I am doing my research online and such and this will be part of it so I wanted to reach out to any experts or persons going through these things now on anything notable to provide as tips or suggestions on things to accomplish that might not be apparent in just going through the application form.

Is it wise to apply ASAP even if we probably wouldn't want to land inside of the pandemic? I mean depending on how things go (Philippines) there might not be choices next year if things get worse politically but I want to get the ball rolling. I understand biometrics and other components might be required after. Would you pay all your fees before or after you mail your application? Any tips for the actual package and format of your application like with dividers and sticky notes for details ?

Anyway anything that anyone could share to provide a modern (as in within the last few months) perspective on what to care about or not and to set a priority list of things to accomplish and I appreciate anyone's insight ahead of time.

Thanks a lot!

First of all the normal processing time is about a year, if you apply soon hopefully the pandemic will be mostly under control by that time so no reason to delay if a year down the road fits with your timeframe, you would have 1 year to enter Canada from the time of her medical being done or the expiry of her passport, whichever comes first. Being in a 8 year relationship it shouldn't be an issue in proving the relationship is genuine. You have touched on some of the most important aspects of being an expat sponsoring their spouse.

Plans for jobs in Canada, maybe a letter from your wife's employer confirming the possibility of a transfer to Canada in the future. Show that you have done some research into possible jobs for yourself. Initial contact with potential employers that you would/should qualify for a position when you get here. Showing proof of funds, savings, investments etc. showing you can support yourselves when you get to Canada.

Proof that you are both living at the same address, your drivers licence, AOR card, her TIN and Philhealth cards etc, A joint bank account is good as well as if she is a secondary card holder on your credit cards. The intent is to show you are together and share finances.

I was in your situation a couple of years ago in the PH and we are now in Canada.

 

[nedvert]

Alright thanks a lot for your in-depth response

I can prove we are at the same address as as we are both on my last 3 leases. I don't drive here and I haven't opened a new bank account in 10 years so haven't really factored that into it all at this point. Can also submit bills in both our names coming here that we both pay.

My biggest issue at this point is just staying current with the covid stuff and finding it awkward to determine when where and how enough to convince them on the application of my intentions.

Will definitely take your advice on the job stuff and keep a tracking/list of all my potential job interactions as well.

 

[Canada2020eh]

Alright thanks a lot for your in-depth response

I can prove we are at the same address as as we are both on my last 3 leases. I don't drive here and I haven't opened a new bank account in 10 years so haven't really factored that into it all at this point. Can also submit bills in both our names coming here that we both pay.

My biggest issue at this point is just staying current with the covid stuff and finding it awkward to determine when where and how enough to convince them on the application of my intentions.

Will definitely take your advice on the job stuff and keep a tracking/list of all my potential job interactions as well.

Covid itself is not preventing new PR's to come to Canada unless there are travel restrictions prohibiting travel from specific countries. But it is slowing the application processing times. Not something I would be concerned with at this time.

Form IMM5533 has a section dealing with info they want you to show that you are living together. Provide as much of what they request as you can, it isn't limited to the items they mention, anything else similar is also good. Better to give them more than they need than less.