Applying under the Family class, living in Canada vs living outside Canada?

[blaze123]

Hi everyone,

I need some guidance on the following query:

I am applying for a Spousal sponsorship PR application to sponsor my wife. My wife is the principal applicant and currently lives in India. I got my permanent residency in Canada last year, and I travelled to India last month (February) for our wedding. Now I am back in Canada after completing the wedding. My wife already had a Canadian TRV before our marriage, and she will be travelling to Canada for the first time as a visitor. Once she has arrived in Canada, I will be submitting her application under the following Class: "I am currently living in Canada, and I am applying under the Family Class".

While filling out all the forms, I am confused about the following question:

• According to IMM5533e - Document Checklist Spouse - Under Supporting Documents for Sponsored Persons

Question 7: Proof of Relation to Sponsor

1. Are you and your spouse currently living together?

If I check YES on the above question, they have asked to provide at least 2 of the following documents:

• Proof of joint ownership of residential property.
• Rental agreement showing both the applicant and sponsor as occupants.
• Proof of joint utility accounts, joint credit card accounts, or joint bank accounts (minimum of one joint bill).
• Vehicle insurance indicating both individuals as residents of the insured address.
• Government-issued documents for both individuals showing the same address (minimum of one document per person).
• Other documents showing the same address, whether held jointly or individually (e.g., cell phone bills, pay stubs, tax forms, bank or credit card statements, insurance policies).

As per the above documents, I just have the Rental agreement showing both of us as the occupants. But since she's coming as a visitor, she couldn't open a bank account, or put her name on the utility account, or any bills. What should I submit as a second set of documents to prove that we live together in my case?

Secondly, considering I submit the application while she is in India - "Under Family class, but living outside Canada." In that case, I check NO to the above question, provide the documents to prove our relationship, and then she travels to Canada as a visitor. I want to know how the application process works after she lands in Canada as a visitor.

Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[armoured]

As per the above documents, I just have the Rental agreement showing both of us as the occupants. But since she's coming as a visitor, she couldn't open a bank account, or put her name on the utility account, or any bills. What should I submit as a second set of documents to prove that we live together in my case?

The rental agreement should be enough, include a short letter of explanation that she's only recently arrived and this is all she has for time being. You could get a mobile phone account/agreement in her name if you like.

Secondly, considering I submit the application while she is in India - "Under Family class, but living outside Canada." In that case, I check NO to the above question, provide the documents to prove our relationship, and then she travels to Canada as a visitor. I want to know how the application process works after she lands in Canada as a visitor.

You advise iRCC that she has moved and is residing in Canada, etc. At time of approval, they should initiate the virtual landing process instead of passport request through consulate/embassy. (Sometimes they send passport request instead with instructions to advise them if applicant in Canada). That's pretty much the only difference.

 

[steaky]

As per the above documents, I just have the Rental agreement showing both of us as the occupants. But since she's coming as a visitor, she couldn't open a bank account, or put her name on the utility account, or any bills. What should I submit as a second set of documents to prove that we live together in my case?

For Other documents, you can show tenant insurance policy (if you don't have it already, I suggest you get one to protect yourself).

 

[blaze123]

The rental agreement should be enough, include a short letter of explanation that she's only recently arrived and this is all she has for time being. You could get a mobile phone account/agreement in her name if you like.

You advise iRCC that she has moved and is residing in Canada, etc. At time of approval, they should initiate the virtual landing process instead of passport request through consulate/embassy. (Sometimes they send passport request instead with instructions to advise them if applicant in Canada). That's pretty much the only difference.

I appreciate the response. Thanks for the information. Now as she recently landed in Canada, we have decided to apply under "Family class, living in Canada". We will be living together but I have few doubts that I would like to clear:

1. Do I still need to check YES on the question - "are you and your spouse living together?" in IMM5533e form as she is a temporary resident on her visitor visa which technically makes it as visiting me.
2. If yes, along with the LOE, should I also provide the documents listed under the checkbox "NO" ? - to have strong points to explain
3. Should I also update her address with the Canadian address where we are living together in all the forms wherever required?
4. Will this application be considered as an Outland/ Inland application?

 

[blaze123]

For Other documents, you can show tenant insurance policy (if you don't have it already, I suggest you get one to protect yourself).

Thanks for your suggestion. I totally get your point, but my house owner told me he has a house insurance already in place. He said not necessary to get a tenant insurance.

 

[steaky]

Thanks for your suggestion. I totally get your point, but my house owner told me he has a house insurance already in place. He said not necessary to get a tenant insurance.

Tenant insurance protects your belongings unless you have none while you are not in the house.

 

[armoured]

I appreciate the response. Thanks for the information. Now as she recently landed in Canada, we have decided to apply under "Family class, living in Canada". We will be living together but I have few doubts that I would like to clear:

1. Do I still need to check YES on the question - "are you and your spouse living together?" in IMM5533e form as she is a temporary resident on her visitor visa which technically makes it as visiting me.
2. If yes, along with the LOE, should I also provide the documents listed under the checkbox "NO" ? - to have strong points to explain
3. Should I also update her address with the Canadian address where we are living together in all the forms wherever required?
4. Will this application be considered as an Outland/ Inland application?

1. If you're living together, you're living together.
2. Don't understand this question. Suggestion: use your best judgment.
3. Yes.
4. Family class living in Canada is by definition 'inland.' That's what it means.