Just Started the Process

[JimE2013]

I actually have just retained David Cohen's law firm to start the application process to bring my wife and step-son to Canada as permanent residents. I know this will be answered by David Cohen's team, but I thought I'd ask here first. I'm a Canadian citizen. I was born in Canada. My wife is from Mexico. Which forms do I need? I read that if the wedding took place outside of Canada (I married my wife in Mexico) I will need the forms for applying for P.R. outside of Canada. Is this true? Thanks!

Jim

 

[Sweden]

it has nothing to do with the wedding being in Canada or not.

If your wife is currently outside of Canada, you apply outland.

If she is in Canada, you can choose inland, or outland.

Sweden

 

[JimE2013]

Good information. Thanks, Sweden.

 

[Rob_TO]

Is there any specific reason you're using a lawyer here? For the majority of straightforward cases (married spouses, no big red flags, etc), the expensive cost of a lawyer (up to $2,000) to do your entire application is unnecessary, and most people do the application all on their own.

 

[JimE2013]

Yes, there is. I want to make sure the application is perfect, with no mistakes. I've also read so much conflicting information on what needs to be filled out, etc. that I decided it would be easier to let the lawyer tell me what is necessary so I'm not second-guessing myself.

Jim

 

[darwinwap]

If you're not too keen on reading forms and instruction guides, might as well use a lawyer although it won't speed up the process. Good luck on your application!

 

[JimE2013]

Thanks, darwinwap.

 

[JimE2013]

One other question. On our marriage certificate, my mother's first name is spelled one letter different than her actual given name because it appears that way on my birth certificate and that is the spelling she uses for 99% of her documents (bills, etc.). Similarly, on our marriage certificate, my wife's mother has an added first name that she goes by although that added name isn't her given first name, but it does appear that way (with the added first name) on my wife's birth certificate. Could this cause problems? Thanks.

Jim

 

[sounion]

I don't imagine it would cause problems.

But I would attach a note to the application explaining the differences and the reasons for them. Better to be transparent and honest with CIC.

Hope this helps!

 

[JimE2013]

Thanks, sounion.

 

[Rusty53]

One other question. On our marriage certificate, my mother's first name is spelled one letter different than her actual given name because it appears that way on my birth certificate and that is the spelling she uses for 99% of her documents (bills, etc.). Similarly, on our marriage certificate, my wife's mother has an added first name that she goes by although that added name isn't her given first name, but it does appear that way (with the added first name) on my wife's birth certificate. Could this cause problems? Thanks.

Jim

We had a similar case. My wife's last name is spelled differently than her real family name along with one brother. It is on all of her documents that way. I attached a letter explaining this. My wife is Thai and their english translations don't always come out the same. We are not complete yet but I don't believe it will cause any problem.