Question about income, loans, and social assistance and more

[rayshido]

I want to sponsor my husband but I am concerned about my income. I am considering buying a house as well. Will that affect my application if I have loans?

I have read in a previous post that the minimum income is $25,000? How do they judge contract based work?
I think I have enough income but I can't be sure. How do I know if I need a co-signer?

Also, is EI considered social assistance? And if so, how long off of EI would they accept my application?

As a citizen of Canada, do I have to get photo copies of my paper work certified as well? Where can I go to find these people:

a commissioner of oaths
a notary public
a justice of the peace




Thanks!

 

[amikety]

If you're sponsoring a spouse, there's no income requirement. They want to know how you plan to support yourselves. The fact your husband could work and bring in income can be taken into consideration. He can write up a plan.

They're really only concerned you won't rely on social assistance.

I've heard both ways on EI. Some say it is social assistance, others say it's not.

No, you don't. The only copies you need notarized are if they are translated. If you do need to get something notarized in the future, your MP can do it for you for free.

 

[canadianwoman]

I want to sponsor my husband but I am concerned about my income. I am considering buying a house as well. Will that affect my application if I have loans?

No. They likely will not even consider such info.

I have read in a previous post that the minimum income is $25,000? How do they judge contract based work?

There is no minimum income when you are sponsoring a spouse or common-law/conjugal partner. They do want to know that the two of you will be able to support yourselves once the PR visa is granted, but it is very uncommon to be refused because of insufficient income. They will assume the applicant will get a job once he/she is a PR, unless it is obvious that the person is not employable.
Contract-based work is not a problem.

I think I have enough income but I can't be sure. How do I know if I need a co-signer?

You have enough income. To sponsor a spouse or partner, you cannot have a co-signer anyway. A co-signer is only possible when the sponsor is sponsoring other family members, such as parents or grandparents. Then the sponsor's spouse can be a co-signer.

Also, is EI considered social assistance? And if so, how long off of EI would they accept my application?

EI is not social assistance. The sponsor cannot be on welfare - and the provinces have different names for 'welfare'. None of them are 'EI', however.
The visa officer would prefer the sponsor to have a job, simply because they do want to see that you two can support yourselves without welfare once the PR visa is granted. However, a job is not required. You can include a plan for your life together in Canada once the applicant gets here - this is also not necessary, but plans for your future together do help show the vo that your relationship is genuine.

As a citizen of Canada, do I have to get photo copies of my paper work certified as well?

Probably not - unless the region-specific guides say you need certified documents.

Where can I go to find these people:

a commissioner of oaths
a notary public
a justice of the peace

Look in the phone book or online. Lawyers are a good place to start.

 

[rayshido]

thank you for the replies, because of my contract work I have times where I am on EI temporary and was really concerned that would affect the application.

 

[BeShoo]

Notaries are usually cheaper than lawyers, and commissioners of oaths can be very cheap. Sometimes municipal offices can provide this service. Shop around a bit.

 

[amikety]

Your local MP will do the notary for free. You just need to contact their office and make the appointment.

Why do they do this for free? They're a public servant.

 

[parker24]

Your local MP will do the notary for free. You just need to contact their office and make the appointment.

Why do they do this for free? They're a public servant.

Nope, sadly not true in all cases. Our MP REFUSED to do it. We had to get my doctor to notarize something for us. Annoying.

Also, if you look under the yellow pages for a notary public, there should be a few. However they will charge you somewhere between 50-100 bucks a document.

 

[amikety]

Nope, sadly not true in all cases. Our MP REFUSED to do it. We had to get my doctor to notarize something for us. Annoying.

Also, if you look under the yellow pages for a notary public, there should be a few. However they will charge you somewhere between 50-100 bucks a document.

Guess who would never get my vote again.

 

[parker24]

Guess who would never get my vote again.

I never voted for him in the first place haha this is NOT the first time I've had massive issues with Gord Brown, I've had so many arguments with his staff it's not funny!!!

Now the MPP is A LOT nicer, understanding and more down to earth!