Lack of reference letters from family and friends

[Sweetmine]

I am wondering how does the lack of references letters from family and friends could affect the application. We sent our application (spousal) without those because we did not know that we could ask our family and friends to write letters to be used as proof of relationship. Now, I am getting a bit paranoid. Could you please share your opinions and experience.
Thanks

 

[canadiangirl78]

We didn't include any reference letters at all.

 

[fireflyers]

It is really important yo have those reference letters specially from your friends, priest, dentist, family members and other significant persons in your lives as a couple. It will help strengthen your case. It is basic requirement. The minimum reference letters required is 8, depends on how you are going to divide it between the two of you. It is a major cause of delay to have not submitted such basic requirement. It can add up to at least 6 months in your waiting as family backgroind checking is at the 3rd stage of the process. Nevertheless, let us hope for something better.

 

[Sweetmine]

It is really important yo have those reference letters specially from your friends, priest, dentist, family members and other significant persons in your lives as a couple. It will help strengthen your case. It is basic requirement. The minimum reference letters required is 8, depends on how you are going to divide it between the two of you. It is a major cause of delay to have not submitted such basic requirement. It can add up to at least 6 months in your waiting as family backgroind checking is at the 3rd stage of the process. Nevertheless, let us hope for something better.

OMG! I did not know abt it being a requirement. I read the guide and I don't recall, I just must have overlooked it I guess. It is only after reading around in the forum, that I became aware of the ref letters, and I assumed that the letters were not mandatory. Is it too late to send them now to the VO?

 

[cndcit]

Letters of reference are used more for common law rather than spousal. But having some for spousal could not hurt.

 

[Sweetmine]

Letters of reference are used more for common law rather than spousal. But having some for spousal could not hurt.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[merger]

I don't think it's required for spousal applications, though it can be a supporting document.

From what I've read, it is mandatory for common law or conjugal

 

[canadiangirl78]

Do not worry. It's not necessary to be approved at all. We got approved in 2010 with no letters and we didn't send hundreds of pages of pictures and evidence. I got pregnant and we couldn't move before the visa expired so we are having to do it again. But we got the visa easily with no letters so don't stress.

 

[Sweetmine]

I don't think it's required for spousal applications, though it can be a supporting document.

From what I've read, it is mandatory for common law or conjugal

Thanks Merger. I was stressing already. LOL

 

[Sweetmine]

Do not worry. It's not necessary to be approved at all. We got approved in 2010 with no letters and we didn't send hundreds of pages of pictures and evidence. I got pregnant and we couldn't move before the visa expired so we are having to do it again. But we got the visa easily with no letters so don't stress.

Thanks for your response and encouragment!

 

[canadiangirl78]

It looks like you're well into the process. Are you expecting the PPR soon?

 

[CanadiansWife]

Reference letters are not required and also does NOT say anywhere on the list of things that need to be included. It's is up to you if you want to send it or not, it's an optional thing. You Definitely can get approved without any letters. Frankly, I think it's a waste of time since it's not required (unless your case is complicated, do it).

So for the original poster, even if you sent one- that would be enough, since reference letters are not necessary.

 

[Sweetmine]

It looks like you're well into the process. Are you expecting the PPR soon?

I hope the PPR is coming soon. I am sponsoring my husband to come to Canada. We have been waiting for more than a year. The interview was waived and I hope it is a good sign

 

[canadiangirl78]

I hope the PPR is coming soon. I am sponsoring my husband to come to Canada. We have been waiting for more than a year. The interview was waived and I hope it is a good sign

Oh then no worries. If your interview was waived then they see your marriage as legit. Congrats! Sorry it's taking so long. We got our first visa in less than three months. Now it's taking 75 days just to get sponsor approval!

 

[Sweetmine]

Oh then no worries. If your interview was waived then they see your marriage as legit. Congrats! Sorry it's taking so long. We got our first visa in less than three months. Now it's taking 75 days just to get sponsor approval!

Less than 3 months. Wow!!! That was very fast. I hope your process goes as smooth as it went the first time.
We have no choice, but wait. It is very frustrating that we have to be apart from each other for so long.