Certified copies of proof of relationship?

[fruitball4u]

I'm getting my package together and am at the point where we need to include evidence that we are in fact living together and committed. I have a plentiful list of things to use - I know not to include originals, but are photocopies okay? I figured that it'd be fine, but I was just browsing the FAQ on CIC and it states that you should send certified copies? I don't even know what that is/how to do that.

What has everyone else done?

Here is the link in question: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=347&t=14

 

[Ponga]

Unless the checklist asks for originals, photocopies are fine.

If you're applying as Common-Law, you will also need two letters from family/friends that needs to be notarized, or sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths.

 

[SchnookoLoly]

I know you are applying via the US and not the UK, but the process is very, very similar - the FAQ linked in my signature will be useful as you are putting your application together.

 

[fruitball4u]

Aw, thank you so much! I'll check it out tomorrow!

 

[fruitball4u]

I know you are applying via the US and not the UK, but the process is very, very similar - the FAQ linked in my signature will be useful as you are putting your application together.

Hey! I'm looking over the FAQ and saw that it says common law spouses don't need to include the stat declaration page unless they're sponsoring a third person? Is that true? I was under the impression that they'd require that as "proof" of being in a common law relationship!

 

[Ponga]

It is optional, but CIC has been known to request it from some couples during the process.

Why...who really knows! LOL!

When you really think about it...it doesn't do much to prove anything, since the Commissioner of Oaths (or Notary) has no idea who you are or how long you've been living together (if at all), right?

Even section 5 (Solemn Declaration) is rather passive:
We make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing it to be true, and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.

Believing it to be true?


If the fee to have it notarized is in your budget, there's no harm in including it.

 

[Amalthea]

Certified copies are only required for items that have been translated into English or French. At least, that is my understanding.

 

[surleplateau]

Hey! I'm looking over the FAQ and saw that it says common law spouses don't need to include the stat declaration page unless they're sponsoring a third person? Is that true? I was under the impression that they'd require that as "proof" of being in a common law relationship!

Re-read your checklists. Re-read How can my common-law partner and I prove we have been together for 12 months?

The Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union is a requirement on the sponsor checklist only if the sponsor and their common-law partner are both (co-)sponsoring another family member (i.e. dependents, parents). A spousal/partner sponsorship cannot have a co-signer (since there is no financial minimum beyond being off social assurance for the sponsor).

But CIC accepts (and probably really wants) the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union as a part of the principal applicant's checklist for "Proof of Relationship to Sponsor". Read the link above, it's the first thing listed.

 

[fruitball4u]

Ah, thank you so much. I've spent about fifteen hours of the past two days working on our application so everything is a bit jumbled in my brain at the moment. That makes total sense. I appreciate your help!

 

[surleplateau]

It's all a jumble for most people, headspace swimming with IMM 5xxx forms and whatnot!

And it's confusing that the link for the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union that CIC says you can use to proof your relationship --- the link for the document is part of the "Part 1: Sponsorship forms" not "Part 2: Immigration Forms" (for the applicant). Because not all applicants will need it (if they are married, if they are conjugal, if they are dependent/parent).

What a mess!

Sometimes you have to give your brain a rest, and start over with re-reading the instruction guides that give definitions/clarifications.