Is IMM5476 (Use of a Representative) REALLY optional for Inland CL Sponsor App?

[Ponga]

Hmmm...Just when we thought we were finished assembling our application package and ready to mail, I re-read the document checklist (IMM5443), and stopped at the question regarding Use of a Representative...which was promptly followed by reading the instructions for IMM5476 (Guide 5561) on CIC's website:

Complete this form only if you:

used the services of a representative to help you prepare or submit your application; or
are appointing a representative; or
are cancelling a representative's appointment.

What is a representative?

A representative is someone who has provided advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the immigration application process, or in an immigration proceeding. If someone represented or advised you to help you submit your application, then that person is your representative.

Now, maybe I'm over thinking yet another part of this process that just doesn't seem crystal clear, due in part that it doesn't indicate anywhere in the guide that this is optional. However, since I did speak to a couple of attorneys (via phone) during my free consultation with each, and did take some of their advice (primarily to file an Inland application)...do I have to now include this form and list them as my representative(s)? Technically, this forum is also, in and of itself, a sort of representative for us all.

The document checklist (IMM5443) indicates that this form is to be included `if applicable', but...I don't think that it is, in my case, right?!?!

I guess my only real concern would be if at some point during the process I/we communicated to CIC that "we were told to do [this]..." if we were being questioned about something in our application paperwork. If we failed to include this form, would that be grounds for denial based on misrepresentation?

Again...thanks for your feedback.

 

[truesmile]

Yes it is optional. But if you ever want to speak to CIC's on your spouse's behalf (perhaps to be assertive), you can put yourself (sponsor) down as an authorized representative. We did so, but never needed it.

Note the text: "Complete this form ONLY if you are . . . ". That's where the option is presented.

 

[Ponga]

Yes it is optional. But if you ever want to speak to CIC's on your spouse's behalf (perhaps to be assertive), you can put yourself (sponsor) down as an authorized representative. We did so, but never needed it.

Note the text: "Complete this form ONLY if you are . . . ". That's where the option is presented.

Thank you for your prompt reply, but that's the part that I found rather confusing!
"Complete this form ONLY if you...used the services of a representative to help you prepare or submit your application, OR:....

 

[truesmile]

Sorry, I don't see what is unclear about it.

 

[Ponga]

Sorry, I don't see what is unclear about it.

As I mentioned, I'm likely just over thinking/analyzing the question.

I *wonder* if I really I did use the services of a representative to help me prepare or submit my application...,
which made me question if I needed to include this form. That's all.

The fact that it was just advice over the phone, makes me know realize how silly this question must appear to you.
Oh the madness!!!

 

[truesmile]

Ah, I see. Well, you mentioned you spoke to a "couple" of them. Which one would you pick? And I doubt very much that any one of them expects to be put down as a representative since you have only had a free consult with them and by the sounds of it none have been retained as counsel. I wouldn't list any in that case, except maybe yourself.

 

[Ponga]

LOL! I could just imagine either one of them being contacted by CIC. I'm sure they never even bothered to write down my name!

I'm the applicant, so I don't know if I'm eligible to be our representative.

 

[SenoritaBella]

The only way you would put a lawyer as a paid representative is IF you both have an agreement that he/she will represent you for a fee. The lawyer has to sign the form too by the way.

If you are not using a representative, make sure you write 'N/A'(not applicable) over the little box. If you leave it blank, CIC will assume the form is 'missing' and request it.

As the applicant, you do not have to be listed as a representative since you can contact CIC about the status of your application after it is sent to the visa office processing it. The sponsorship side of it concerns only your Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse.

Your sponsor, however, can list himself/herself as an unpaid representative. This way, he/she check the status of your own application easily.

LOL! I could just imagine either one of them being contacted by CIC. I'm sure they never even bothered to write down my name!

I'm the applicant, so I don't know if I'm eligible to be our representative.

 

[Ponga]

Thank you.

Again, I was getting caught up on the `used the services of a representative...'
Since it's not worded as `retained the services of, or hired, or paid...", I was just being overly critical.

 

[truesmile]

LOL! I could just imagine either one of them being contacted by CIC. I'm sure they never even bothered to write down my name!

I'm the applicant, so I don't know if I'm eligible to be our representative.

Yes, I meant the "sponsor" in YOUR case collectively.