One may think that sponsoring a spouse may appear to be a simple process; after all, how hard can filling out forms and putting together supporting documents be? Yet, something as simple as failing to answer a question correctly on a form or forgetting to make a payment can result in the return of the entire application which causes delays that could have otherwise been avoided.
Listed below are 5 common mistakes that can delay a spousal sponsorship application:
1) Failing to use the correct version of the application forms
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) frequently update its application forms to reflect changing laws and the changing nature of information required from applicants and sponsors. It is important to check that all forms you are completing are the most recent and up-to-date versions. If you fail to follow this requirement, the IRCC will likely return your application and request that you complete a recent and up-to-date version of the form and re-submit the application within a certain timeframe.
2) Failing to answer questions and sign correctly on the application forms
IRCC instructs applicants and sponsors to read the application guide for the relevant immigration category before answering the questions on the application forms. While some questions may be straightforward, others can be more challenging especially if one is not familiar with the definitions of some terms used by the IRCC.
Failing to answer questions properly also extends to not following the proper format requested on the forms. For example, IMM 5669 Schedule A/ Background Declaration form requires applicants to provide the details of their personal history since the age of 18 or for the past 10 years, whichever is most recent, without leaving any gaps in time. Applicants who fail to account for all time periods on their form – including periods where they were unemployed or not attending an educational institution – will have their entire application returned for incorrectly filling out the forms.
Ensuring that all forms are signed properly is also a crucial step. As spousal sponsorship applications are now completed and submitted online, it is important to pay attention to the means of signature required on the relevant forms. For example, some forms must be downloaded, completed, signed, and uploaded again. In contrast, others allow for online competition and signing is completed by typing in the applicant’s name in the appropriate sections.
3) Failing to pay the required fees
To avoid delays, it is important that applicants pay their fees and include a receipt of such payments with the application. This means that a copy of the receipt issued to you by IRCC must be uploaded to the application portal. IRCC instructs that you pay the right of permanent residence fee upfront as that avoids delays, or as soon as applicants receive a letter instructing them to do so.
As the applicant, you may also be required to complete your biometrics. If that is the case, paying your biometrics fee upfront with the application may also help in avoiding delays.
4) Failing to include supporting documentation
The application package for spousal sponsorships provides applicants with a Document Checklist listing all required forms and supporting documentation. It is vital that all applicable and required documents are attached and submitted with the application. Gathering documents may be the longest part of putting together the application. As a result, it is helpful to hire an experienced lawyer to guide you in this process and be able to review all documents to ensure that they provide IRCC with the information they are looking for.
It is also important that applicants provide complete documentation in accordance with the specifications provided by IRCC. For instance, letters of support and letters of explanation must include the relevant information that IRCC is looking for in order to avoid requests for further information or clarification that could have been provided initially.
5) Failing to respond promptly to IRCC requests
After submitting your application, it is vital that you keep all your contact information up to date and inform IRCC of any changes in your address and contact details. Aside from the routine contact in relation to the processing of your sponsorship application, IRCC may also contact you to request additional documents or information. It is important that you answer these requests promptly and within the timeframe provided. The IRCC will also provide instructions on how to submit their additional requests which must be followed correctly in order to avoid delays to the application.
How Can We Help
The Law Office of Matthew Jeffery has over 20 years of specialized experience in handling spousal sponsorship applications. Fill out our FREE Sponsorship Assessment form to see if you qualify to sponsor your spouse to Canada.