PR Spouse Sponsorship Outland Query :s

[Rainmaker123]

Hi All,

Fantastic job with this forum. Extremely informative site and a great point of reference for many of my queries.

I shall soon be undertaking the application to be sponsored by my soon to be Canadian wife for PR. In a nutshell, 4 year relationship, she lives in Vancouver (Canadian citizen), I live in London (UK citizen), big wedding day in August 2015, and in needing a fresh new start I have decided to relocate to beautiful Vancouver to start the new chapter in our lives together there.

The threads have been very helpful, however I would greatly appreciate guidance on the following points:

Outland Application. Am I correct in thinking that through this method I will still have the freedom to fly in and out of Canada without any issues due to my UK passport or do I have to remain outside of Canada whilst my application is being processed?
Fast Track. Am I correct in thinking that there is not a "fast track" system of any type that through payment will allow for faster processing of an application?
Application Submission. I have not gone through the forms fully, but give that I am in London, would I submit the application to the Canadian High Commission here or would I send it to the centralised address in Ontario?
Civil Ceremony. Am I correct in thinking that any application of this type will not be processed without a marriage certificate, and that the application can be submitted immediately on receipt of the certificate?
Straight Forward Application. Is there any benefit in spending a few thousand pounds to see an Immigration Specialist at this stage given that this is what I presume to be a "straight forward application"?
Medical Examinations. I have read that medical exams will be required from my family members too. I am sure I have misunderstood and that that would only be a requirement if I have dependents immigrating with me correct?
Photocopies. I have read conflicting stories, however am I right in thinking that all copies need to be certified?

I have today booked my medical exam due on April 13th, and will fly out to Vancouver soon after for the civil ceremony. The civil ceremony was going to take place around the same time as the wedding in August, however because of time, which is really not on my side, it shall take place this month in order to submit a complete application. As I shall not be able to work in Vancouver during the application process, I may have to continue working here in London, which would mean that
Gals and guys, apologies in advance for the long winded thread, but I am pretty much freaking out at the moment as I race against time to get everything sorted out asap...... any comments, guidancmy fiance will fly out here after the wedding too. I have not looked into this option at all (in the back of my mind I have this dream of a 3-6month application process) however should it come to it are you able to shed any light on the best way to go about this in terms of her visa requirements?

Gals and guys, apologies in advance for the long winded thread, but I am pretty much freaking out at the moment as I race against time to get everything sorted out asap...... any comments, guidance, assistance, support, ANYTHING you are able to offer would be GREATLY appreciated!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
A

 

[swestenzweig]

Good morning, welcome, and thank you for doing your homework before posing your questions.

1. Yes, with an Outland Application, it is assumed you are living outside of Canada, so you are free to travel out of the country while your application is being processed. Normal border crossing rules apply.
2. Although there are many of us here on the board who would gladly pay the price to speed up our applications, there is no provision to do so. I have heard that many people reach out to their local MP (Member of Parliament) to expedite the process, with mixed results.
3. I believe all outland applications must be sent to the CIC in Mississauga, ON. Someone here will have to verify this.
4. Yes, you will need a formal marriage certificate, which shows the marriage has been recorded in the register where the ceremony was performed. This is not the marriage license you sign at the ceremony.
5. As for paying someone to review your application, that's a tough call. There are people who go that route, but I did not. My application was straightforward enough, I asked questions here, I "validated" my forms electronically, and I had a person whom I considered to be very meticulous review my application. And, frankly, with both my police report and my medical results time-sensitive, I did not want to consume more clock time waiting for a law office to review my application.
6. As for medical, I do not know whether dependents not accompanying you will require a medical exam.
7. On your checklist form, it will tell you which items must be original and which can be photocopied. My understanding is that, if you do not have an "original" document where one is requested, CIC will accept a certified copy.

As for you final few paragraphs, you'll have to ask that again... I think your question got a little jumbled.

Finally... relax. It sounds like you've got a good handle on this, so I am sure you'll get through this all just fine. Organization, patience, persistence, and patience. And keep asking questions!

 

[Rob_TO]

Outland Application. Am I correct in thinking that through this method I will still have the freedom to fly in and out of Canada without any issues due to my UK passport or do I have to remain outside of Canada whilst my application is being processed?

You can fly in and out on your visa-exempt passport, and stay in Canada as long as you want as long as you can maintain visitor (or other) status.

Fast Track. Am I correct in thinking that there is not a "fast track" system of any type that through payment will allow for faster processing of an application?

You are correct. You need to wait in the queue with everyone else.

Application Submission. I have not gone through the forms fully, but give that I am in London, would I submit the application to the Canadian High Commission here or would I send it to the centralised address in Ontario?

Complete package (sponsor, applicant and country specific) is sent together to CPC-Mississauga.

Civil Ceremony. Am I correct in thinking that any application of this type will not be processed without a marriage certificate, and that the application can be submitted immediately on receipt of the certificate?

You need the marriage cert.

Straight Forward Application. Is there any benefit in spending a few thousand pounds to see an Immigration Specialist at this stage given that this is what I presume to be a "straight forward application"?

Probably a waste of money. It's good though to have a friend or family member review all the docs just to make sure everything is complete, no signatures or dates missed, etc.

Medical Examinations. I have read that medical exams will be required from my family members too. I am sure I have misunderstood and that that would only be a requirement if I have dependents immigrating with me correct?

Medicals are required only for those being sponsored. So that is only you, and any dependent kids you have who are not Canadian citizens.

Photocopies. I have read conflicting stories, however am I right in thinking that all copies need to be certified?

For any docs originally in english/french, regular photocopies are fine.
Certified true copies are only required where translations are involved.

I have today booked my medical exam due on April 13th, and will fly out to Vancouver soon after for the civil ceremony.

Medicals should be done as close as possible to when you actually submit the application. So you might want to wait until you actually go to Vancouver to do your medical. I've also heard medicals are significantly cheaper in Canada.

 

[Rainmaker123]

Good morning, welcome, and thank you for doing your homework before posing your questions.

1. Yes, with an Outland Application, it is assumed you are living outside of Canada, so you are free to travel out of the country while your application is being processed. Normal border crossing rules apply.
2. Although there are many of us here on the board who would gladly pay the price to speed up our applications, there is no provision to do so. I have heard that many people reach out to their local MP (Member of Parliament) to expedite the process, with mixed results.
3. I believe all outland applications must be sent to the CIC in Mississauga, ON. Someone here will have to verify this.
4. Yes, you will need a formal marriage certificate, which shows the marriage has been recorded in the register where the ceremony was performed. This is not the marriage license you sign at the ceremony.
5. As for paying someone to review your application, that's a tough call. There are people who go that route, but I did not. My application was straightforward enough, I asked questions here, I "validated" my forms electronically, and I had a person whom I considered to be very meticulous review my application. And, frankly, with both my police report and my medical results time-sensitive, I did not want to consume more clock time waiting for a law office to review my application.
6. As for medical, I do not know whether dependents not accompanying you will require a medical exam.
7. On your checklist form, it will tell you which items must be original and which can be photocopied. My understanding is that, if you do not have an "original" document where one is requested, CIC will accept a certified copy.

As for you final few paragraphs, you'll have to ask that again... I think your question got a little jumbled.

Finally... relax. It sounds like you've got a good handle on this, so I am sure you'll get through this all just fine. Organization, patience, persistence, and patience. And keep asking questions!

swestenzweig.... and Rob_TO.... really was not expecting such prompt and thorough responses... huge help.... I would not say that I have a "good handle" on things as you said.... but I will say that I owe you 2 a drink whenever you are around!

 

[Rainmaker123]

You can fly in and out on your visa-exempt passport, and stay in Canada as long as you want as long as you can maintain visitor (or other) status.

You are correct. You need to wait in the queue with everyone else.

Complete package (sponsor, applicant and country specific) is sent together to CPC-Mississauga.

You need the marriage cert.

Probably a waste of money. It's good though to have a friend or family member review all the docs just to make sure everything is complete, no signatures or dates missed, etc.

Medicals are required only for those being sponsored. So that is only you, and any dependent kids you have who are not Canadian citizens.

For any docs originally in english/french, regular photocopies are fine.
Certified true copies are only required where translations are involved.

Medicals should be done as close as possible to when you actually submit the application. So you might want to wait until you actually go to Vancouver to do your medical. I've also heard medicals are significantly cheaper in Canada.

Rob_TO.... you are the man! thank you kindly

 

[Rainmaker123]

My question which got jumbled in the end.... (computer error apologies).... I cannot work in Vancouver as things stand.... my actual wedding day party is not until August... however I intend to perform the civil ceremony in April to allow me to submit the spouse sponsorship application... assuming an 8 month turn around time, that means that from the date of my wedding party I will potentially be unable to work in Vancouver for at least 2-3 months, which is a major financial strain.... as well as not being a good look with the in laws :s ..... my questions is 2:

1- Is there an open work permit which I would be applicable for whilst the application for the spouse sponsorship is in process?
2- Should my fiance come to join me in London for the 2-3 months whilst the application is being processed, will she be freely able to enter and exit the UK as I would Vancouver?

Also, thank you Rob_TO for the advice on getting the medical done in Vancouver, I was quoted £300 here in London today which I thought was excessive.

Thank you all in advance, greatly appreciated!

 

[Rob_TO]

1- Is there an open work permit which I would be applicable for whilst the application for the spouse sponsorship is in process?

There is no OWP associated with an outland application. Your only chance would be qualifying for an IEC/working holiday visa completely separate from the PR app.

2- Should my fiance come to join me in London for the 2-3 months whilst the application is being processed, will she be freely able to enter and exit the UK as I would Vancouver?

As long as she's a Canadian citizen, there is no problem with her being in the UK during app processing. Just be aware that if/when CIC finds out she is no longer residing in Canada, they may ask for extra proofs/evidence that show she intends to return to live in Canada after your PR is approved.

Also, thank you Rob_TO for the advice on getting the medical done in Vancouver, I was quoted £300 here in London today which I thought was excessive.

Not sure of Vancouver prices, but here in Toronto my wife paid something around $160 CDN for the whole medical exam.

 

[Rainmaker123]

There is no OWP associated with an outland application. Your only chance would be qualifying for an IEC/working holiday visa completely separate from the PR app.

As long as she's a Canadian citizen, there is no problem with her being in the UK during app processing. Just be aware that if/when CIC finds out she is no longer residing in Canada, they may ask for extra proofs/evidence that show she intends to return to live in Canada after your PR is approved.

Not sure of Vancouver prices, but here in Toronto my wife paid something around $160 CDN for the whole medical exam.

CAD160??.... holy cow.... pretty much a quarter of the amount they charge in London... prices here are outrageous... I just had a quick look and Vancouver prices are around the CAD250 mark, which is fine... thank you for pointing out this money saving tip as the costs are quickly piling up :s

 

[Rainmaker123]

There is no OWP associated with an outland application. Your only chance would be qualifying for an IEC/working holiday visa completely separate from the PR app.

As long as she's a Canadian citizen, there is no problem with her being in the UK during app processing. Just be aware that if/when CIC finds out she is no longer residing in Canada, they may ask for extra proofs/evidence that show she intends to return to live in Canada after your PR is approved.

Not sure of Vancouver prices, but here in Toronto my wife paid something around $160 CDN for the whole medical exam.

Hi Rob_TO.... hope all is well.... with regards to your answer to the OWP question, I have read on the CIC website that there is a One Year Pilot OWP scheme in place open to applicants of Spouse Sponsorship Visas..... I cannot post the link here, however if you could let me know at your own convenience what I am not seeing regarding this :s ?

Thank you as always Rob, much appreciated.

Thank you as always Rob.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Hi Rob_TO.... hope all is well.... with regards to your answer to the OWP question, I have read on the CIC website that there is a One Year Pilot OWP scheme in place open to applicants of Spouse Sponsorship Visas..... I cannot post the link here, however if you could let me know at your own convenience what I am not seeing regarding this :s ?

Thank you as always Rob, much appreciated.

Thank you as always Rob.

the OWP for spousal sponsorship is ONLY for those applying from within canada, AKA INLAND.

 

[Rainmaker123]

the OWP for spousal sponsorship is ONLY for those applying from within canada, AKA INLAND.

Oversight on my part - thank you rhcohen2014 for clarifying, much obliged!