tsc

Hi - I am a Canadian with a British husband (living outside Canada) and we plan to move back to Vancouver Island, Canada so I will need to apply for my husband the the Spousal Sponsorship.

I have spoken with 3 lawyers in Canada and have been told prices from $1500, $2500 and $4500 all plus government fees.

Can anyone please tell me - is it really simple to go the DIY route?

I want to start the process but am in two minds as to going the lawyer or DIY route.

Any assistance greatly appreciated.

Thanks
TSC

Cowgirl

Most of us on here have gone the DIY route. It really isn't too bad and you can get all the help you need on this forum. There is a lot of paperwork to fill out and it all looks rather daunting for a start, but as long as you read the guides carefully and ask anything on here then you should be fine.

Having gone DIY myself I really can't say what the lawyer route is like. However I do know that some people on here have had some problems with it and it generally seems to take longer than the DIY route too. And, as you know, expensive too!

It took us a good couple of weeks to get the paperwork sorted. But the first thing you need to do before starting the form filling is book up your husband's medical and get his police certificates ordered. You need to do these before you send off the forms.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

leggy969

Yeah I agree with Cowgirl, there are a many people on here who have gone the DIY route...I am currently in the middle of slowy filling out all the forms myself.

And at the end of the day, lawyers are only human and there is always the possibility that they could make a mistake somewhere just as much as you or I.

Whilst all the paperwork looks daunting at first sight, much of it is very straightforward, however, there are still some questions which may be confusing and that's where good old BE comes in extremely handy. It has helped me and many others out hugely so just remember that if you do decide to do the DIY route....don't be afraid of asking a question on here if you're unsure of anything.

Good luck

sorthumb

Whats a good old BE

Rossman

Well, they are experienced with paperwork, forms. however Canada immigration prefers ( just my feeling ) when you do everything by yourself , seems they do not like the headache from lawyers . Personally I applied first for visitor visa by myself and then PNP application by myself , all worked well. You need to read , re-read , read again forms and review applications hundred times to make sure it is correct , if you forget one signature the application will be returned back. My suugesation you need someone to guide you that might be this forum or lawyer but ask the lawyer not put his name on the application just guide you by information.

leggy969

err....see top left of this web-page!

Cowgirl

tsc

Hi everyone - thanks so much for your comments.

I am going to start the DIY route and hope that nobody minds when I ask inane questions on this forum!

Looking forward to your help if I need it!

Thanks
TSC

tsc

Hi - ok here I am with the first question - does anyone know if it is best to send the application directly to the Canadian High Commission in London, UK or to send it to Missisauga, Ontario?

I live in the Cayman Islands and it says that I should send it to the High Commission dealing with Cayman but that is the Kingston, Jamaica High Commission and I have been advised that processing times there are really long.

Any comments please?

Thanks

Cowgirl

Your entire Application package has to be sent to Mississauga first. Once you are approved as a Sponsor, Mississauga then forward to application to whatever visa office you'll be using - usually people choose the one nearest to them.

Not sure about your second question to be honest. I know that people living in Canada have applied outland through the London office, so maybe you would be able to as well.

No worries though... someone will be along to tell you for sure!

tsc

Thanks Cowgirl - I will wait to see who else has some comments! Just want to get on with it now!

Glam

DIY, there's tons of help on here. and it'll save you a packet!!

Gav

tsc

Thanks Gav - I have started looking at the forms and I have to say it is kind of daunting!

Has anyone else on this Forum done the Spousal sponsorship thing that I could chat with?

I have a bunch of questions but don't want to bore everyone with them - so please let me know if you can help.

Thanks
TSC

Cowgirl

Don't worry just fire away and between us all I'm sure you'll find answers! It's best to have any questions posted on the forum so that other folk that are wondering the same things can get help too

tsc

Hey Cowgirl - is that timeline at the bottom your message your actual application process?