Discover essential steps to prepare for your common-law partner sponsorship application in Canada. Learn what qualifies as a common-law partnership, the types of evidence needed, and how to prove the genuineness of your relationship. Castlewell Canadian Immigration Services Ltd. offers expert advice to help you navigate the process successfully. Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be complex, especially when it involves sponsoring your common-law partner. This article will discuss what it means to be a common-law partner and what you should do to start preparing to prove your relationship in a common-law partner sponsorship application. At CCIS, we have seen many clients come to us because they are in a common-law relationship, but they do not have the kinds of documentation that are required to prove the genuineness of their relationship and cohabitation. This article will walk you through the steps you should take before preparing your application to ensure that you are well prepared when it is time to submit your application.   What is a common-law partnership? In the Canadian immigration context, a common-law partnership means that a couple have lived together for at least one year in a conjugal relationship. A conjugal relationship is one of permanence and exclusivity where the couple are financially, socially, emotionally and physically interdependent, where they share household and related responsibilities, and where they have made a serious commitment to one another. In other words, a common-law relationship is like a marriage but without the legal paperwork of a marriage certificate. A common-law relationship is a de facto  relationship, meaning that it must be established based on the facts and circumstances of the couple. This is in contrast to a marriage, which is a de jure  relationship, meaning that it has been established in law through a legally recognized marriage. Cohabitation means living together. To be considered common-law partners, the couple must have cohabited for at least one year continuously - not intermittent cohabitation adding up to one year. This does not mean that the couple cannot ever be apart during the twelve consecutive months - from time to time, one or the other partner may have left the home for work or business travel, family obligations, etc. but the separation must be temporary and short. This is the standard definition used across the Canadian federal government. Some Canadian provinces can have different definitions under provincial family law – for example in Ontario common-law means living together for three years, but for Canadian immigration it is the federal definition that is the standard. A common-law relationship exists from the day on which the couple can provide evidence to support their cohabitation in a conjugal relationship. The onus is on the couple to prove that they have been living together in a marriage-like relationship for at least one year before their application is submitted. It is not enough to declare that you have been living together in a marriage-like relationship. Instead, you have to prove it through extensive documentation. It is very common for couple to live together but not have many pieces of evidence to prove it effectively. In many circumstances, only the sponsor appears on a mortgage agreement because they bought their home before meeting their partner. Or couples can construct their personal finances in a variety of ways, including keeping financial accounts separate so they do not have any joint banking, credit, or investment accounts. Often times, the sponsored partner has temporary status in Canada and may only be a visitor, so they do not have a work permit or employment in Canada, and therefore there is very little evidence of their residence in Canada, such as their address appearing on pay statements. It is also very common for immigrants to have misconceptions about what they can and cannot do in Canada. As a result, they often do not have bank accounts or driver’s licences. Below are some steps that couple can take to ensure they can prove both their relationship and their period of cohabitation. Note that you do not need to provide all of the documents below in an application, but the more you can provide the better. If you retain CCIS to help with your application we will provide you with a custom checklist that fits your scenario while adhering to IRCC’s requirements. Evidence of Cohabitation 1)       Joint Rent/Lease/Mortgage Agreements Having both names on housing agreements is a strong indicator of cohabitation. A jointly signed rent, lease, or mortgage agreement is the gold standard of evidence of cohabitation. If this is not available because one partner already rented, leased or bought the residence before the other partner moved in, explore if it is possible to have your partner added to the agreement or declared to the landlord as a resident. In some cases it can be a good idea to have landlords sign letters confirm their knowledge of when you started living together. 2)       Proof of Joint Utility Accounts Another key indicator of cohabitation is joint utility bills showing the names of both people in the relationship. Collect utility bills such as electricity, water, internet and cell phone accounts that reflect both your names and your common address. This can be where planning ahead is important. When couples move in together, they often do not think to add each other to joint utility bills right away. It can be easy to overlook and is impossible to do retroactively.     3)       Joint Financial Accounts The same is true for joint financial statements. Joint financial accounts, like bank accounts and credit cards, are compelling evidence of financial interdependence. Provide statements that show transactions and shared expenses. This not only proves cohabitation but also demonstrates the financial partnership. Again, if you only think about doing this right before your sponsorship application, it may be too late because you will not be able to show that you held the accounts together for 12 months before submitting your application. Plan ahead and open as many joint accounts together as you are able to. There is often a misconception that foreigners cannot open bank accounts or be added to a joint account because they are a foreign visitor in Canada. While it is possible that a bank can have policies against opening accounts to people who do not at least hold a work permit and a SIN number in Canada, we have seen dozens of clients who have successfully added their common-law partner to their bank accounts, credit cards, and other investment accounts. If your bank says they do not do that, shop around for one that will. And don’t forget to actually use the account you open together. An account that has 12 months of statements, but no transactions will look bad because it will not look like the account of a genuine couple.  4)       Driver’s Licenses with Common Address Many immigrants falsely assume that they cannot get a drivers license because they are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. In fact, most provinces expect you to get a Canadian drivers license much sooner than you would expect. In Ontario for example, the province expects you to obtain an Ontario drivers license only   60 days after moving to Ontario . Having both your driver's licenses updated to reflect the same address is simple yet effective evidence. Visit your local service center to update your address if you haven't already done so. 5)       Ontario Photo ID Card What if you cannot get a driver’s license? In many cases, foreign partners cannot get a driver’s license, perhaps because they don’t know how to drive and don’t expect to need to. There is an alternative. Many provinces have Photo ID Cards, that are simple identity documents that look like a driver’s license, but are not. In Ontario, for example, anyone, including visitors, and even including people who have no legal status in Canada can apply for an   Ontario Photo ID card .  This can be particularly useful if one partner does not have or cannot obtain a Canadian driver's license. 6)       Vehicle Insurance If your partner is driving in Canada, it can be a great idea to declare them as a resident of your address on your vehicle insurance. Naming your common-law partner as a secondary or occasional driver on your vehicle insurance documentation shows that you both reside at the same location and share responsibilities such as sharing a vehicle. Evidence of Financial Support and Shared Expenses 7)       Financial Transfers and Shared Bills What if you cannot or choose not to open joint banking accounts? Another great option is to send each other funds for shared expenses or major purchases and keep documentation of your transfer to each other. Often, couple who do not want to have joint accounts, but still share expenses will transfer funds to each other through e-Transfer or another type of electronic funds transfer technology. Documenting financial transfers between each other and shared bills for things like trips, major purchases like cars, or shared groceries, rent, and utilities can be strong evidence of cohabitation, shared financial responsibilities and mutual support. Remember that it is always best if your transfer records indicate each other’s names and the date of the transfer. If the transfer records do not show your names, you are leaving it up to the officer to assume or try to determine that the accounts shown actually belong to you both. 8)       Employment Benefits and Life Insurance Another gold standard piece of evidence of genuineness of relationship and cohabitation can be joint life insurance policies or other important documents like employment benefits or legal documents like wills, or other agreements such as cohabitation agreements. Ontario law enables common-law spouses to enter into an agreement known as a cohabitation agreement which provides for the rights and obligations each spouse will have as a result of their relationship. If either partner has an employee benefits plan form their employer, make sure to declare your common-law partner to your insurance/benefits provider to have them listed as a beneficiary on your employment benefits. Be sure to include a copy of your benefits policy and listed beneficiaries with your application. These types of important documents related to life, health, employment and legal status show a long-term commitment and planning for the future together. They reflect your intention to support and care for each other in all circumstances. Proving the Authenticity of Your Relationship 9)       History of Text Messages and Social Media Conversations Compiling records of communication can be tedious, but it is crucial. Provide screenshots or printouts of text messages, social media conversations, and call logs. These should cover a range of dates to show ongoing communication. Most instant messaging apps such as Whatsapp, iMessage and Facebook Messenger allow you to download your entire shot history. You are not required to submit your entire chat history, but providing a sample of random messages from different dates across the span of your relationship can be a great idea to show the sort of mundane daily conversations that real couples have, such as who is going to make dinner, who is going to pick up the kids from daycare, and when you are going to see the in-laws. Just be sure to exclude anything that you do not want an immigration officer to see. We always recommend leaving out any references, whether jokingly or not, or criminal activity of any kind, any discussions of immigration processes (we don’t want an innocent remark about planning o apply for immigration to be misinterpreted as trying to misrepresent your relationship for an immigration benefit), or anything that is too private or explicit. 10) Social Media Posts Social media activity that shows a public relationship that is recognized and supported by your friends and family can be a great piece of evidence of your relationship. Shared posts and tagged photos with a variety of friends and family on a variety of occasions can provide a compelling narrative of your relationship. We don’t know for sure if immigration officers actually check public online accounts like Facebook or Instagram, but just in case, it can be a good idea to set your privacy settings to allow visa officers to view and verify these posts. 11) Proof of Travel Together Travel documents, such as flight tickets, itineraries and hotel reservations, demonstrate that you have gone on vacations together and spent time together in various locations. For Canadian border crossings, requesting a CBSA Travel History report, which details your travel records can be a good idea to help show that you were both traveling together at the same time. 12) Relationship Photos Similar to the social media posts, photos of you together at different times and places, with various friends and family members, help create a visual timeline of your relationship. Choose photos from different events to show the depth and breadth of your relationship. In general, try to avoid selfies unless it is from a trip you took to some distinctive travel destination. The more variety of friends, family members, places and times you can show in your photos – the better. In conclusion Preparing a successful common-law partner sponsorship application involves meticulous documentation of your 12+ months of cohabitation and proof of your relationship's authenticity. Focus on gathering evidence of cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and ongoing contact and communication. Each piece of evidence helps build a strong case that your relationship is genuine and committed and will ensure that when you need to prove your relationship, you are well prepared. Navigating this process can be daunting, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Remember, every piece of evidence adds to the story of your relationship. Stay organized, keep copies of everything, and seek professional advice. If you need further assistance or have specific questions about your situation, feel free to contact us. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of the Canadian immigration system and support you in building your future together in Canada.

Discover the top ways to prepare for your Canadian citizenship application. Learn expert tips on eligibility and documentation to ensure a successful application process. Applying for Canadian citizenship is a significant step towards becoming a full member of the Canadian community. It’s a journey that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. At Castlewell Immigration, we have helped dozens of clients navigate this process successfully. In this guide, we share the top ways to prepare for your Canadian citizenship application, ensuring you’re ready when it is time for you to apply. Understanding the Canadian Citizenship Requirements Eligibility Criteria Before diving into the application preparation process, it’s crucial to understand whether you meet the eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship. The primary requirements are: Permanent Resident Status : You must hold permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. Your PR status should not be under review for any reason, including fraud or immigration violations. Physical Presence : You need to have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of the five years immediately before the date of your application. In your calculation, you may be able to include some of the time you spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person, or outside Canada if you were a Crown servant or a family member of a Crown servant. Income Tax Filing : If required to do so by the Canada Revenue Agency, you must have filed your taxes for at least three years within the five-year period, demonstrating that you meet your personal income tax obligations. Language Proficiency : Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 must demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French. This can be proven through language tests or other acceptable documentation, such as evidence that you attended schools or programs of study at schools or universities where the language of instruction was English or French. Knowledge of Canada : As part of the application process after you submit your application, Immigration Canada will send you a notice inviting you to complete your Citizenship Test. You need to pass a test on your knowledge of Canada, covering topics such as its history, values, institutions, and symbols. Criminal History and Prohibitions Your criminal history can significantly impact your eligibility for Canadian Citizenship. Certain criminal offenses, both inside and outside Canada, can render you ineligible for citizenship. It’s essential to review all the bars to Citizenship eligibility and ensure you do not fall under any of the bars that would make you ineligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship. Gather Necessary Documentation The application process requires a variety of documents to prove your eligibility. Proper organization and thoroughness in gathering these documents can prevent delays and complications. Select the Correct Application Package Immigration Canada has different application packages and document checklists and requirements depending on your scenario. These different scenarios include applicants who are: An adult (age 18 or older) A parent or guardian applying for a minor (under age 18) A minor without a Canadian parent applying alone An adult who served with the Canadian Armed Forces An applicant who was adoption by a Canadian citizen A stateless person born to a Canadian parent If you apply using the wrong type of document checklist for your category, your application will be refused and returned to you. Proof of Permanent Residency Ensure you have valid proof of your permanent resident status. This includes your PR card, and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and/or landing papers. Travel Documents and Records Accurate travel history is critical for Citizenship applications. You must account for every trip outside Canada during the qualifying period. Here’s how to manage this: Keep Careful Travel Logs : In the years prior to submitting your application, maintain a detailed log of all your travels outside of Canada, including exact dates of departure and return, the Country you visited and the purpose of each trip. This should ideally be a digital log like an excel or google spreadsheet so that you can easily copy the data to the physical presence calculator which is a crucial part of the application. Collect Supporting Documents : These can include stamps in your passport, boarding passes, flight itineraries sent to you by travel agencies, online booking sites and airlines. You can also apply for a CBSA Travel History Report from the Canada Border Servies Agency through an Access to Information Request, but make sure to review the report as it may not be completely accurate if your passport was not swiped upon each exit and entry to Canada. Language Proofs If you’re between 18 and 54, you need to prove your language proficiency in English or French. Accepted proofs include: Language Test Results : Tests like IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF for French. Educational Documents : Certificates, diplomas, or transcripts from a recognized institution where instruction was in English or French. Proof of CLB/NCLC : Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) results showing a minimum level of 4. Supporting Documents Additional documents that evidence your physical presence in Canada may include: Employment Records : Letters from employers, pay stubs, and records of employment. Tax Documents : Notices of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the relevant years. Personal Identification : Copies of passports, PR card, and other identification documents. Residence evidence : Copies of rent/lease/mortgage agreements and payment statements, provincial health coverage cards, utility accounts, etc.   Preparing for your Canadian citizenship application may seem daunting, but with careful planning and thorough preparation, you can navigate the process smoothly. You can make the process much easier by starting early and keeping good records. If you need personalized assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to contact us for professional support. Together, we can make your dream of becoming a Canadian citizen a reality.

Avoid common errors in your Canadian visa application with our expert guide. Learn the top 10 mistakes to avoid to ensure a smooth and successful visa process. Read now for essential tips! Applying for a Canadian visa can be a complex and daunting process. With so many forms, documents, and requirements to keep track of, it’s easy to make mistakes that can delay or even derail your application. However, by being aware of the most common pitfalls and taking steps to avoid them, you can significantly increase your chances of a smooth and successful application process. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes to avoid when applying for a Canadian visa, providing you with practical advice and insights to help you navigate this critical journey. Mistake #1: Incomplete Application Forms One of the most common mistakes applicants make is submitting incomplete forms. This can happen for various reasons, such as misunderstanding the requirements or simply overlooking certain sections. Double-Check All Sections To avoid this mistake, it’s crucial to meticulously review every section of the application form. Ensure that all required fields are filled out accurately. If a section does not apply to you, mark it as “N/A” (Not Applicable) rather than leaving it blank. This signals to the visa officer that you haven’t missed the section; it simply doesn’t apply to your situation. Imagine you’re baking a cake. Missing a small ingredient might seem trivial, but it can ruin the entire recipe. Similarly, an incomplete form can lead to delays or rejections. Mistake #2: Incorrect Information Providing incorrect information, even unintentionally, can have serious consequences. It can result in delays, requests for additional information, or, more likely, outright denial of your visa. Verify Personal Details Double-check all personal details, including your name, date of birth, and passport number. Make sure these details match exactly with the information in your supporting documents. Any discrepancies, no matter how minor, can raise red flags for immigration officers. Think of your application as a puzzle. Each piece of information must fit perfectly. Any mismatched piece can throw off the entire picture. Mistake #3: Missing Supporting Documents Your application is only as strong as the documents that support it. Missing documents can weaken your case and result in delays or denials. Review the IRCC Document Checklist Make sure you carefully study the Immigration Canada document checklist and submit all required documents based on the type of visa you are applying for. This will usually include your passport, proof of funds, employment letters, and much more. Document requirements can vary by the country or region you are applying from so be sure to use the official Canadian immigration website as a reference to ensure you have all necessary documents for your country. Consider this: If you were applying for a job, you wouldn’t submit your resume without a cover letter, references, and proof of qualifications. Treat your visa application with the same thoroughness. Mistake #4: Submitting Unsigned Forms An unsigned form is incomplete and can lead to automatic rejection. This simple oversight is more common than you might think, especially given that when visa applications are filed online through the IRCC application portal, some forms require a handwritten signature, while other forms can only be uploaded if they are unsigned softcopy .pdf forms. Check for Signatures Before submitting your application, go through each form and verify that all required signatures are in place. Some forms may require multiple signatures in various sections depending on your scenario. For example, the IMM5707 Family Information form has multiple signature lines that need to be signed or can be left unsigned depending on the applicant’s family composition. Mistake #5: Ignoring Processing Times Every visa application has an estimated processing time, which can vary based on the type of visa, where the application is being submitted and other factors. Ignoring these timelines can lead to unnecessary stress and complications if your visa is not approved before your intended travel date. Plan Ahead Research the average processing times for the specific visa you are applying for. Apply well in advance of your intended travel date to account for any unexpected delays – sometimes several months ahead. Planning ahead can save you from last-minute panic and potential disruption to your plans. Mistake #6: Not Paying the Correct Fee Visa applications require payment of specific fees, which vary based on the type of visa. Paying the wrong amount can delay your application or cause it to be returned as incomplete for processing. Verify the Payment Amount Ensure you know the exact fee required for your visa type and pay it using the accepted method (in most cases via credit card or visa debit card when submitting online). Keep a copy of your payment receipt as proof. Mistake #7: Providing Insufficient Proof of Funds Canadian immigration authorities require proof that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay. Insufficient proof of funds is a common reason for visa denial. Demonstrate Financial Stability Gather bank statements, employment letters, and any other documents that prove you have the necessary funds. Ensure these documents are up-to-date and clearly show your financial status. Think of it as showing your creditworthiness when applying for a loan. The more solid proof you provide, the better your chances of approval. Mistake #8: Failing to Include a Letter of Explanation A cover letter can clarify any complex aspects of your application and provide context that might not be immediately apparent from the forms and documents alone. Write a Strong Cover Letter / Letter of Explanation Use your cover letter to explain any unique circumstances, such as gaps in employment, travel history, or other details that might raise questions. This can help prevent misunderstandings and strengthen your application. Mistake #9: Not Providing Sufficient Ties to Your Home Country One of the key factors that immigration officers consider is the temporary nature of your visit to Canada. To secure your TRV, it is essential that you convince the officer that you intend to stay in Canada only for a short period. Officers may deny your application if they suspect that you plan to extend your stay beyond the approved duration. Therefore, providing strong evidence of your intent to return to your home country is crucial. To satisfy immigration officers, you must demonstrate substantial ties to your home country. This involves presenting concrete proof of obligations or personal connections outside Canada. A mere letter from a relative asserting that you will adhere to the TRV conditions and return home is insufficient. The evidence must be credible and robust. Provide Strong and Objective Evidence that you Will Need to Return Home For example, if you are the primary caregiver for a loved one in your home country, such as an ailing parent, you should include a letter from their physician confirming your caregiving responsibilities and the necessity of your return. Similarly, a letter from your employer confirming your limited vacation time and need to return to your home country can be useful. Such credible documentation significantly strengthens your application by showcasing a compelling reason for you to leave Canada at the end of your visit. Other evidence of ties to home country can include evidence of property ownership and other financial assets, family and social connections, educational commitments and more. By meticulously thorough and reliable evidence that you will need to return home, you enhance your chances of approval. Mistake #10: Not Showing Evidence of Previous Travel History In the application, you will be asked about your previous travel history. It can be difficult to remember where and exactly when you traveled, but doing this is crucial because Canadian visa officers want to see that you have a history of traveling outside your home country and then returning home when your visit is complete. Provide a Detailed Travel History If you have traveled to other countries, be sure to show evidence of this in the forms as well as with copies of historic passport stamps and old travel itineraries. If you have a good record as an international traveler, Canadian visa officers will feel more secure about your genuine temporary intent for Canada and more confident about approving your visa.   Bonus Mistake: Failing to Disclose Previous Visa Refusals or Other Inadmissibility Issues When completing your visa application, you will be asked if you have ever had any previous immigration applications refused. It is crucial to disclose these refusals. Failing to provide details of past refusals – whether for Canada or any other country – can lead to complications and may result in your application being denied due to misrepresentation.  Additionally, if you have ever been deemed inadmissible to Canada or any other country, whether due to charges, convictions, or investigations for criminal activities, you must fully disclose this information in your application. Ensuring full transparency and providing comprehensive documentation will significantly enhance the credibility of your application. Conclusion Navigating the Canadian visa application process can be challenging, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Remember to: Double-check all sections of your application forms. Verify all personal details for accuracy. Prepare a thorough checklist of supporting documents. Ensure all forms are signed. Plan ahead and respect processing times. Pay the correct fee using the accepted method. Provide sufficient proof of funds. Write a strong cover letter to clarify any complex details. Provide Strong and Objective Evidence that you Will Need to Return Home. Provide a Detailed Travel History. Disclose Previous Visa Refusals or Other Inadmissibility Issues. By following these tips, you can minimize errors and enhance your prospects of obtaining a Canadian visa. This journey requires attention to detail, patience, and a proactive approach. Ultimately, your efforts will pay off, leading you one step closer to achieving your dream of living, working, or studying in Canada. Applying for a Canadian visa doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. By being aware of common pitfalls and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure a smoother, more successful application experience. Best of luck on your journey to Canada! If you have any questions or need assistance with your Canadian Visitor Visa application, please contact us .

Ensure a smooth Canadian immigration process by disclosing essential details to your immigration representative. Learn what information is crucial to share, from name changes and missing documents to marital history and criminal records. Castlewell Canadian Immigration Services Ltd. provides expert guidance to help you navigate the complexities and achieve a successful application. When embarking on the journey of Canadian immigration it is sometimes possible for clients to not disclose important details about their life and background. Often, they innocently assume that certain details are not important enough to mention, or they simply forget to mention them, or in some cases they don’t want to complicate their immigration process with inconvenient facts about their lives, so they hope that the issue in question will not come up during the process. In order to ensure a successful immigration process it is absolutely  essential to be fulsome and forthcoming in telling your immigration representative about any of the following potential issues. Complete and honest disclosure of information to your immigration representative is a cornerstone of the client-representative relationship and the key to a successful application. Doing so not only enhances the efficiency of the process but also minimizes the risk of unexpected hurdles. Let’s explore the essential details you must share with your immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure a smooth path to a new life in Canada. Any discrepancies or changes in your name Your immigration journey starts with your name—exactly as it appears on your passport and other legal documents. Any discrepancies in your name across different documents can raise questions about your identity, potentially delaying your process. If you or any accompanying family members have ever changed your name, or for any reason used variations in your name, it is crucial to disclose the details and reasons, whether it was due to marriage, divorce, or personal choice. If you undertook a legal name change process, be sure to provide a Certificate of Name Change. If you informally adopted a different name which then ended up being used on legal and official documents, your representative may advise you to prepare an affidavit explaining the discrepancies in your name. Missing or Lost Documents If you are missing important documents like birth certificates, be sure to tell your immigration representative as soon as possible. Depending on when and where applicants were born, it is possible that they were never issued an official birth certificate. Others may have lost important documents over the course of time. We have had many clients who were born in countries like India in the 1940s or 1950s when it was common for babies to not be registered with the government at birth. Others have lost documents due to things like floods and other natural disasters. By telling your immigration representative about such issues early in the process, they can better advise you about what steps need to be taken to address the missing document. Sometimes it means applying for a new document from your home country. Other times it involves collecting alternative documents in lieu of a birth certificate or other document, such as baptismal or school records. Sometimes you may need to provide an affidavit swearing to the details that would normally be included on important civil status documents like a birth certificate. Marital History The dynamics of your marital history can significantly influence your immigration application. Whether you are married, divorced, or widowed, each status carries different documentation requirements and implications for your application. Be sure to tell your representative about all previous marriages and common-law relationships (defined under Canadian immigration law as cohabitation in a marriage-like relationship for over one year), so they can advise you on exactly what type of document is required, whether it be a Divorce Certificate, Annulment, Death Certificate, or some other type of documentation. In some types of applications – like spousal sponsorships – a history of divorces can be a potential issue for the application, so it is important to disclose this early in the process. Children and other Dependents Full disclosure about your children, or any other dependents is essential. This includes all biological, adopted, or step-children, regardless of whether they will accompany you to Canada or not, and even if you are estranged from your child. Canada’s immigration system requires that all children, regardless of your relationship with them must be disclosed and must undergo an immigration medical examination or order for you to be approved for permanent residence. It is a reality that sometimes people have children that they have no contact with. Despite this, Immigration Canada requires that all reasonable efforts be made to have the child undergo an immigration medical examination. If a child is adopted, your immigration representative must examine the circumstances of the adoption and the adoption paperwork to ensure it is considered a legal adoption recognized under Canadian immigration law. Anything regarding children must be disclosed to your representative as soon as possible so they can ensure that the correct process is undertaken. Unconventional Family Compositions or Estranged Family Members There are many reasons that a person can have unconventional or non-standard family compositions or estranged relationships with family members. We have seen clients who were adopted by their grandparents after being estranged from their biological parents; we have seen cousin marriages; we have seen situations where brother and sister in-laws divorce their spouses and then marry each other. Whether cultural, religious, or just particular to your own idiosyncratic history and circumstances, there are thousands of reasons why someone might have family circumstances that are unconventional or non-traditional. The important thing is to just be upfront about such issues with your immigration representative so they can confirm whether it is an issue that needs to be disclosed in your application or addressed in any way.    Health and Medical History: Chronic Conditions, illnesses and Disabilities One side effect of Canada’s universal healthcare system is that it is possible to be found inadmissible to Canada for health reasons which can cause an excessive demand on Canada’s healthcare system, or that can cause threats to the health and safety of Canadians. As such, it is important to disclose any significant health issues to your immigration representative so they can determine if your condition renders you inadmissible to Canada. This includes any significant mental health issues. In most cases, you will not be found inadmissible to Canada unless your condition is so serious that your treatment costs would cause an excessive burden on Canada’s healthcare system. As of 2024, Immigration Canada sets the threshold of what they consider excessive demand at $131,100 over 5 years (or $26,220 per year). There are also some exceptions, such as sponsored spouses and children who are not subject to this excessive demand calculation. In other cases, it is possible to be found inadmissible if you have a condition that causes a danger to public health or safety such as if you have a communicable infectious disease, or if your condition causes you to be unpredictable or violent.  Transparency regarding any physical or mental health conditions ensures that your immigration representative can properly screen you for medical inadmissibility issues, facilitating a smoother immigration process. Financial Status and History Disclosing your financial health, including any past bankruptcies, significant debts, or reliance on employment insurance (EI) or social services (welfare and other government support) is vital. This transparency allows your representative to better prepare your application and advise on any potential impact on your immigration process. Depending on the immigration process you are undertaking, you may be required to provide proof of available funds required to support yourself during your relocation to Canada. In other circumstances, you may be required to show that you have enough income to sponsor family members who are immigrating to Canada. For example, in Parent-Grandparent sponsorship applications, the sponsoring child or grandchild needs to provide IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) with their Canada Revenue Agency Notices of Assessment for the three years prior to their application. If your income does not meet the minimum income threshold for all three years, you cannot sponsor your parent or grandparent. Also, there are no exceptions for when your income drops because of going on Employment Insurance (EI) because of job loss or maternity/paternity leave. As such, making a full disclosure to your immigration representative about any notable financial issues is crucial. History of service in Government, Military, Intelligence, or Police Services: If you or any of your family members have been employed in any type of government, military, or law enforcement position, it is important to fully disclose this to your immigration representative. If you have served in government in any capacity, including civil servant, judge, member of parliament, minister, mayor, etc. detailed records must be provided, reflecting all positions or ranks, nature of the work, and duration of service. The same is true for any military, paramilitary, defense contractor or intelligence services, as well as any police or law enforcement service. If you have served in any of these types of organizations, whether in a military personnel or civilian capacity, IRCC expects you to disclose your entire service history, provide any records you have available, and demands that you fill in particular forms used to collect specific information about your service history. We have seen clients who thought that they could go through the immigration process without having to disclose such service history, causing significant delays to their immigration process. Make sure to be upfront about any such background so your immigration representative can determine the best course of action. Criminal History Canada conducts thorough background checks, and undisclosed information can come to light, complicating or even halting your process. For whatever reason, whether it be naivety or wishful thinking, some applicants think that they can get by without disclosing their criminal record. Sometimes they think that it was too minor, or too long ago to be worth mentioning. Sometimes applicants do not think they have a criminal record because the offense they made is not treated like a serious criminal matter in their home country. For example, in many U.S. States, a drunk driving offense is considered a misdemeanor which is punished with a small fine or perhaps community service. Meanwhile Canada takes offenses like driving under the influence very seriously and this can cause you to be found inadmissible to Canada. We have seen well-meaning clients forget to disclose minor criminal offenses from decades ago, only to find that they appear on their criminal record, which IRCC requires for all permanent residence applications. At CCIS, we always ask if clients have any type of criminal record, no matter how small or how long ago, in order to ensure that we properly screen for any criminal inadmissibility. Complete Travel and Residence History Related to the above issue of criminal records, it can be important to disclose your full travel and residence history early in your application preparation process. The reason for this is that for most permanent residence applications, IRCC requires all adult applicants to provide Police certificates from every country where the applicant has lived for six months or more since the age of 18. If you are a well-traveled global citizen who has lived in many countries, this can mean that you will have to apply for police certificate from every country you have lived in. We have had clients who lived in as many as 6 or 7 countries and therefore needed to collect police certificates from every one of them. Applying for that many police certificates can be a long and complicated process, which is why it is important to tell your immigration representative about your history of where you have lived as early as possible in your application process so they can guide you in how to obtain each type of police record you need. In some types of applications, IRCC can also demand a detailed travel history. Therefore, it is important to start compiling your full travel history as early as possible because it can take time to recall every trip. Previous Visa Denials or Deportations If you have faced visa denials or deportations from Canada or any other country, disclose this information to your representative immediately. A history of visa refusals, especially Canadian visa refusals, can cause significant issues for you in your Canadian immigration process. Refusals to other countries, especially countries with close ties and similar systems to Canada such as the USA, UK and Australia can be a red flag to Canadian immigration officers that there may be something in your background that is causing you to be refused by those countries. Be sure to provide a full history of your visa or other immigration refusals to your immigration representative so they can determine the best way to address them. In some cases, it is possible to request the Canadian visa officer’s internal notes regarding the reasons for refusal of your previous application. Doing this will help you and your representative see what issues or red flags there may be in your files and will make it easier to try and mitigate them. The Value of Transparency The journey through the Canadian immigration process is intricate and can be challenging, but with complete honesty and transparency with your immigration representative, it becomes far more manageable. By providing all the necessary information, you not only ensure compliance with Canadian immigration laws but also pave the way for a smoother, more efficient process. As you prepare to start your application, gather all pertinent information, ensuring nothing is overlooked. If you have questions or uncertainties, reach out to the immigration experts at Castlewell Canadian Immigration Services for a consultation. Together, we can navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration, making your dream of a new life in Canada a tangible reality.