3. Incorrectly answering questions
on the Application Form

The most common mistake people make when applying to sponsor their spouse is not asking
for help if they do not understand what a
question means on the application. Frequently
people mistake the meaning of a question and
answer it with irrelevant or incorrect
information.

4. Providing only those documents
listed on the checklist

Sounds counter-intuitive right? Why not just
provide what CIC asks for on their checklists?
Because sometimes that documentation is not
enough, and CIC will never help make your case
for you. Depending upon particular situation, you
must supplement additional documents to bolster
your application.
For example, for Common Law relationship you
must support your application with enough proofs
to prove your common law relationship. Mere joint
bank accounts and rent agreements are not
enough. I’ve found it is important to provide
affidavits from friends and family attesting to the
relationship and how it is exclusive, committed
and marriage-like.

6. Incorrect Size Pictures

Application instructions require pictures with a very specific size (usually 35mm wide and 45mm tall, with the head image a maximum of 30mm tall, but check the CIC instructions for your specific application). Pictures have to be a certain size in order to fit on forms that CIC may send to you (such as medical forms for permanent resident applications, and as part of your visa documents). Not paying attention to the correct
size of the picture will have your
application returned to you.

8. Not signing the forms

Sounds simple right? But it happens all the time. A form is not signed where the individual is required to sign. Sponsorship application is a lot of paperwork with tons of signature to be put on and its easy to miss a mark. For example, the Additional Family Information form can require 3 signatures on one page. Often people will sign the bottom of this form, and miss the fact that 2 other signatures are also required depending on whether there is a spouse or children. Failing to sign this (or any other form) properly means a returned file weeks (or even months!) after it has
been filed.

2. Eligibility Issues

Not everyone is eligible for sponsoring a family member to Canada. People get caught unaware of intricate laws governing sponsorship that leads to rejection. In brief, if a sponsor himself or herself was an applicant, he or she cannot sponsor an individual for FIVE years since they became a permanent resident themselves.
Conversely, under the new laws, if you have sponsored your spouse in the past, and if the relationship breaks, you are not illegible to sponsor a spouse again until THREE years from the time your previous spouse became a permanent resident.

5. Providing misinformation or not
explaining missing information

Not providing correct information or not disclosing
information is a misrepresentation – a major
offense that can have grave implications for not
only your application but your future.
The difficulty is that even errors that appear to be
innocent can be considered a misrepresentation
which will certainly sink your application
immediately.
If you are missing information that was requested
by CIC, it is important to explain why the
information is missing and when it might be
provided. Otherwise, your application will be sent
back to you.

7. Leaving Questions Blank on the Application

It’s very important to answer all questions on the application
forms. Leaving a question blank not only omits important
information, but it also looks suspicious to IRCC. If the
information on a question does not apply to you, always write
“N/A” or “Not Applicable” in the answer space.
Leaving questions blank is a sure-fire way to have your
application returned to you.

Foolproof your application to Canada

9. Advice from friends/family

We all value advice and recommendations received from friends and family.

They are trying to help you through this stressful time and offer a valuable assistance.

However, unless your friend/family member is a qualified practitioner on Immigration Law, I would recommend that you do your own review of the law/get an expert to at least review your application before submitting an application to CIC.

10. Self-filing or Not having professional representation

Immigration major law with grave implications of any decision at hand. Its not a civil law where
question is about money, its about people, about relationships, about future. Any unwelcomed decision can have major repercussions on one’s life.
The obvious benefit to completing and submitting your immigration forms to CIC, without the assistance of a paid immigration representative, is the decreased cost. However, while it may be financially appealing to go it on your own initially, overseeing your immigration file by yourself may pose certain risks that you may not be willing to take on.