Application returned - help!

[canusa13]

Sent our outland application 2 weeks ago and they returned it. I'm almost in tears, I'm so upset.

Background: I'm sponsoring my American husband, we both are living in Canada. He is staying on a tourist visa, which we intend to extend, once the time comes.

In IMM008, as his residential address, we put his American address (his brother's house), and as mailing address we put my Canadian address (where we both technically reside, though he just as a visitor). The situation is explained in various documents, such as history of our relationship or on the form where they ask if we live together.

This is what they wrote in the return note: "A correction to the mailing address specific on the IMM008 to reflect the mailing address of the principal applicant; or if the principal applicant wishes to have correspondence mailed to the address specified, a completed and signed Use of Representative form is required for the authorization of release of documents and information to the individual residing at this address"

WTF? What does that even mean? Clearly, they didn't review this application because it is clear that the principal applicant (my husband) lives under this address as a visitor, hence this is his mailing address for the time being.

I'm so frustrated.

So what do I do? Change the address on IMM008 to Canadian address or complete the Use of Representative form?

Also, for people who are obsessing over organizing the application - don't even bother. I had everything nicely organized, inserted tabs and paper clipped documents - it all came back to me as loose pages. I'm so mad. It took me days to organize it and they didn't even bother to send it back the way they received it. I hope the pages are at least in order so that attachments to forms aren't displaced.
But yeah, I'm not even gonna insert tabs when I resubmit it. I'll just put a paper clip and that's it. It is obvious that they remove everything once they receive it and organize it in their own folders.

 

[scylla]

What did you say on the Background Declaration form under Personal History? Did he state that he's currently in Canada as his most recent entry in this section?

Sorry about the returned app...

 

[canusa13]

What did you say on the Background Declaration form under Personal History? Did he state that he's currently in Canada as his most recent entry in this section?

Sorry about the returned app...

In the Background Declaration, we put the American address as his most recent address. I mean, that is his residential address. His mailing address is my address in Canada. Not sure why they found it confusing. If this is so important to them, they should provide definitions of "mailing address" and "residential address". Some people receive mail at an address different from their residential address. That's the point of having both mailing address and residential address on various forms (not only immigration). Just because the mailing address if different from residential, doesn't mean there is a representative that should be indicated. It's really quite ridiculous.
Anyway, I just want to know what should I do/how to amend the forms. Anyone?

 

[Alurra71]

It is because of that reason you just stated that they are confused.

Have your husband fill that form out again, giving your Canadian address as his current home address as well as his mailing address. Because he put that he has a residential address in the USA and wants all correspondence sent to a Canadian address they assume he is using a representative and must have a use of representative file on hand to mail correspondence. There is no reason he can't have an address in Canada even when filing an outland application. Just put his previous address in the US as his previous address.

 

[scylla]

It is because of that reason you just stated that they are confused.

Have your husband fill that form out again, giving your Canadian address as his current home address as well as his mailing address. Because he put that he has a residential address in the USA and wants all correspondence sent to a Canadian address they assume he is using a representative and must have a use of representative file on hand to mail correspondence. There is no reason he can't have an address in Canada even when filing an outland application. Just put his previous address in the US as his previous address.

Exactly. This is why I asked the question I asked.

Updated the Background Declaration to state that he is currently living in Canada as a visitor at your address.

This will address the issue.

 

[canusa13]

It is because of that reason you just stated that they are confused.

Have your husband fill that form out again, giving your Canadian address as his current home address as well as his mailing address. Because he put that he has a residential address in the USA and wants all correspondence sent to a Canadian address they assume he is using a representative and must have a use of representative file on hand to mail correspondence. There is no reason he can't have an address in Canada even when filing an outland application. Just put his previous address in the US as his previous address.

Thank you. Anyone else? I really need to amend it properly, so that we don't encounter any more issues.

You might be right but I'm still not sure how that is confusing, since it's mine/the sponsor's address (and not some random address that doesn't appear anywhere else) and it is stated that he is currently visiting me.

 

[Alurra71]

Thank you. Anyone else? I really need to amend it properly, so that we don't encounter any more issues.

You might be right but I'm still not sure how that is confusing, since it's mine/the sponsor's address (and not some random address that doesn't appear anywhere else) and it is stated that he is currently visiting me.

'Visiting' is the term CBSA wants him to adhere to until he is a PR. 'Living' is the term CIC wants to see in terms of the PR application. Even as a sponsor in order for YOU to receive any information regarding his application you'd need to have a "use of representative" form on file before they would give you even the remotest detail. It doesn't matter that you are married and know more about him than he probably knows himself They have 'rules' to follow and they bend for nobody.

So, recap. He is not visiting you for CIC purposes. He lives with you while he is awaiting his PR application to be finalized.

 

[canusa13]

Exactly. This is why I asked the question I asked.

Updated the Background Declaration to state that he is currently living in Canada as a visitor at your address.

This will address the issue.

Thank you.

What is confusing though, is CIC. My husband doesn't LIVE here, he's VISITING. Hence, his residential address is in America and his mailing address is in Canada. I thought it's illegal to LIVE in Canada without status. Pretty inconsistent on CIC's part. Also, I'm not his representative, I'm his wife. What's wrong with me receiving his mail anyway?

 

[canusa13]

'Visiting' is the term CBSA wants him to adhere to until he is a PR. 'Living' is the term CIC wants to see in terms of the PR application. Even as a sponsor in order for YOU to receive any information regarding his application you'd need to have a "use of representative" form on file before they would give you even the remotest detail. It doesn't matter that you are married and know more about him than he probably knows himself They have 'rules' to follow and they bend for nobody.

So, recap. He is not visiting you for CIC purposes. He lives with you while he is awaiting his PR application to be finalized.

Doesn't make any sense to me but thank you for this explanation.
I guess off to re-do the forms. Sigh.
I'm beyond frustrated.

 

[TracyCa64]

When you submit an Outland application the only way that CIC would know if he is residing in Canada is by the address you put down for his residence. The way you wrote it up might make them think that he is back in the States and not with you. He can stay in Canada while the PR application is processed even if it's an Outland app. Yes, legally his status is a "visitor", but for CIC they want to know where he is living/residing.

 

[Aquakitty]

We went through the same unsureness when we did my husband's app, and yes if he is currently living in Canada, put that address for everything. It makes things much simpler. The CBSA and CIC tend to have different definitions of "living" and "visiting". I agree it's confusing! Just remember with the PR app, it's not a bad thing to be in Canada. It proves to them his intention to live here and fulfill his PR obligation.

 

[ayrazar]

Looks like you've got it sorted now, I'm sorry that happened I'd be ripping my hair out.

2 weeks though? I thought they didnt mail it back until the AOR period, like in 1-2 months. They got to yours quick! Im sure they will again

 

[canusa13]

Thanks, guys. It's such a relief that I can come here to vent and get some advice. Earlier today, I felt like I'm going to have a nervous breakdown.
Tomorrow, I'll amend the forms and sort the package they sent me. It seriously makes me want to vomit just by looking at the pile of loose pages.

 

[Aquakitty]

Thanks, guys. It's such a relief that I can come here to vent and get some advice. Earlier today, I felt like I'm going to have a nervous breakdown.
Tomorrow, I'll amend the forms and sort the package they sent me. It seriously makes me want to vomit just by looking at the pile of loose pages.

And don't worry you are certainly not the only one this has happened to. I've read a few people with the exact same situation, a beautiful application, neatly organised, returned after MONTHS in a pile, in a plastic bag, and even missing documents. One person even had no explanation, just a returned application.

2 weeks is no big deal. Once this is all over you'll forget it even happened. Just think of it as a second chance to look over your documents ;D

 

[canusa13]

OMG I just saw on the forum that they changed the photo specifications. It means we need to take new photos, on top of everything else. I wonder what other changes have they made in the last 2 weeks. I know that one of the forms has been updated in November (I literally had to re-do it on the day we sent the application). Anyone?