My husband and I discussed that if we are rejected for financial reasons, that we will reapply, rather than appeal because I've heard that it's really expensive and sometimes even lengthier than reapplying, and build our financial case more (that is if they don't ask for more proof during the process and just flat out deny). We are going to gather more financial proof in the mean time in preparation for whatever outcome. I've already started looking into what you said about teachers in Ontario and special education teachers specifically, etc (I'm already halfway through what it takes to get licensed). also his mom provides financial support (shelter and food) to us so she's willing to write that in a letter if they have concerns. I'm preparing myself for the worst case scenario and devising a plan. We are both really young and now I see why a lot of people wait until they are older to do this process, because they've had more time to save up and what not and maybe that was our mistake. Yeah it sucks to live away from your spouse and all we want is to live together but that comes with the territory of being with someone from another country. Military couples manage being apart 6+ months at a time, so we can manage only seeing each other every 2 months if it means building a stronger financial case and reapplying with more success next time.
You don't have to respond to this because you've probably already moved on lol but thanks for giving me more insight. Maybe you should be a consultant!