Need help filling out the Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union (IMM 5409 E)

[marineking]

I couldn't find this information anywhere, and seeing all the rejection cases, I don't want to take any risks...

The Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union (IMM 5409 E) has a "from" and "to" field to insert the dates of the relationship. For an ongoing relationship, should I leave the "to" field blank, or should I use the date the document was signed and notarized? Which direction you took when filling out yours?

I would appreciate any help.

 

[marineking]

anyone?

 

[EE456]

Use the date the documents is signed for the "TO" field. Do mention in the space provided that your relationship is ongoing which goes without saying.

 

[marineking]

Follow up question: I went to three notary offices in my city and none of them would sign the "Signature of the person who administered the declaration" field, because they don't speak english. They would notarize our signatures, add a stamp saying signatures are authentic and all, and sign the stamp. But they all refuse to sign in the form field itself. Would that make the document worthless if they don't sign in the in the "Signature of the person who administered the declaration", even though they did notarize the signatures?

 

[EE456]

What is your country of residence ?

 

[marineking]

What is your country of residence ?

Brazil.

 

[EE456]

Try to contact the Canadian Embassy in Brazil and ask them if you can have that document notarized by the embassy, many embassies offer that service for a fee. This an option worth trying.

 

[EE456]

Have you had a TRV from Canada in the last 10 years ? Or a US visa ?

Is it feasible for you to go to Canada on a short trip ?

 

[EE456]

I also have to fill the same document but it's not a problem for me to have it signed by a notary here even though the language here isn't English. Maybe try to look for more notaries who offer services in English. Many expats live in Brazil, there has to be some.

 

[EE456]

Problem solved-

https://br.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/notaries-public/

They offer notary service to Non-Americans. You're in luck.

 

[marineking]

Try to contact the Canadian Embassy in Brazil and ask them if you can have that document notarized by the embassy, many embassies offer that service for a fee. This an option worth trying.

So what you are saying is that, they need to sign the document for it to be deemed valid, right? Just notarizing our signatures is not enough?

Yes, we are going to try the embassy if all local notaries refuse. It's going to cost a few thousand in plane tickets to go to the embassy but better than nothing.

Have you had a TRV from Canada in the last 10 years ? Or a US visa ?

Is it feasible for you to go to Canada on a short trip ?

I have US visa. Not feasible to go to Canada, it's gonna be a struggle even to go to local embassy.

Problem solved-

https://br.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/notaries-public/

They offer notary service to Non-Americans. You're in luck.

Hmm, it says they only notarize documents to be used in the US.

 

[EE456]

Yes, it has to be signed. It costs thousands to travel within Brazil ????

You can get an ETA for Canada because you have a US visa. Tickets shouldn't be expensive, you go to Canada for a few days holiday and get your papers notarized.

 

[marineking]

There is an US consulate relatively close to me. So if the next few notary offices don’t help, we’ll research about going there. Thanks for all the excellent tips. (I’m actually in a notary office right now and they are “thinking about it”)

 

[EE456]

No problem, a smile and a few extra reals will do the job. All the best and good luck.

 

[marineking]

They did it and the notary even gave her business card in case CIC wants to contact her. No need for extra reals, I guess some people are just inherently nice. And some others, well...