Could use help with question 8 on IMM5669E (Schedule A)

[Ponga]

I am an American Inland applicant sponsored by my Canadian Common-Law partner.


8. Personal history

Under "Activity", write your occupation or job title if you were working.

I know this should be a simple, easy to understand question, but...I have been working, but NOT in Canada. I telecommute and do my work outside of Canada and am paid in USD in the US. If I state that my activity while `here' as work, isn't that raising a huge red flag...even though I'm not working illegally in Canada? Since I am not working IN Canada, should I say unemployed?

Thanks,

 

[zardoz]

No. Tell the exact truth. If they find out that you lied, your application is "toast" and you could even be deported. By all means, clarify the situation on a separate sheet of paper with the details and append it to the form.

 

[Ponga]

Thank you for your reply, but I wasn't implying that I would be knowingly lying about this...just confused about the word `working', as 99% of people that are IN Canada working ARE working in Canada.

I think I'll attach a letter as you suggested and cross my fingers...and toes.

Thanks,

 

[Ponga]

Just wanted to give this one last *bump*

I did add an appendix to the form for this section that basically said `Unemployed in Canadian Labour Market', followed by `See attached'.

In the attachment I say:

Unemployed in Canadian Labour Market. I do have sporadic income, working remotely [telecommuting], through the US.
I am remunerated in USD outside of Canada.
----------

So...Should I include this, or rip open the application package and fix this before sending it off? I suppose saying `unemployed' under activity, while true in regards to working IN Canada, could be a gray area. I guess the real question is: which would be the greatest potential red flag?!?!
Oh...and I did also state that I am a `homemaker/house husband', as I cook and clean the house...sometimes. ;D

Thanks again for your time.

 

[zardoz]

The form doesn't ask anything about "employed *in Canada*".
It asks about your activities. Why are you trying to "second-guess" the question?
You have employment income, therefore you are not unemployed.
Your choice on how to answer this question but this is a critical form and if CIC feel that you are hiding anything at all, you can expect "problems".
The contents of this form are used as a basis for security and criminality checks. Any discrepancies here will slow down or block your application.

 

[Ponga]

The form doesn't ask anything about "employed *in Canada*".
It asks about your activities. Why are you trying to "second-guess" the question?
You have employment income, therefore you are not unemployed.
Your choice on how to answer this question but this is a critical form and if CIC feel that you are hiding anything at all, you can expect "problems".
The contents of this form are used as a basis for security and criminality checks. Any discrepancies here will slow down or block your application.

Again, I thank you for your reply. In your opinion, should I even include the `Unemployed in Canadian Labour Market' blurb?
I just don't want them to think that I'm working IN Canada [illegally] because I am not.

 

[zardoz]

Personally, I think that it would just confuse matters. You are simply telecommuting to the USA while visiting Canada. It has no impact on Canadian employment as you are neither replacing a Canadian worker or being paid by a Canadian entity.
Turn the question on it's head.. Does a visitor suddenly become "unemployed" when they pass through the border? After all, you are *just* a visitor ...

 

[horvathc]

Hi,

As there is a column: "City or Town and Country" it is easy, just tell them the truth.
For my wife there were some period when she was working in our country, and also some when she was unemployed, so we just filled it as it happened. I recommend you the same.

 

[Ponga]

Personally, I think that it would just confuse matters. You are simply telecommuting to the USA while visiting Canada. It has no impact on Canadian employment as you are neither replacing a Canadian worker or being paid by a Canadian entity.
Turn the question on it's head.. Does a visitor suddenly become "unemployed" when they pass through the border? After all, you are *just* a visitor ...

I see your point, but...since I am filing Inland, largely in part because of an overstay and want to remain here during the process, I just want to minimize another red flag, while NOT lying about anything!

So perhaps I'll modify my verbiage to simply show: Telecommuting outside of Canada.
(I have a unique situation in where I am a voice overt artist that electronically delivers my voice, to other parts of the world (including, but not limited to the US). Technically, I telecommute to where ever the audio files are being sent.

You must admit that this is at least *slightly* confusing.

 

[Ponga]

Hi,

As there is a column: "City or Town and Country" it is easy, just tell them the truth.
For my wife there were some period when she was working in our country, and also some when she was unemployed, so we just filled it as it happened. I recommend you the same.

Thank you for your suggestion, but in my situation, there is no City or Town or Country, because of my line of work (see my reply to zardoz above).

 

[horvathc]

Thank you for your suggestion, but in my situation, there is no City or Town or Country, because of my line of work (see my reply to zardoz above).

Oh, sorry....I missed this! :