Telling Your Story Through Documents

Many people mistakenly believe that all that is involved in applying for immigration is completing some forms and paying a fee. Nothing can be further from the truth. Completing your immigration forms accurately and honestly is essential of course but what really may make the difference between a successful application and one that is refused,, are the documents that you include in your application that are in support of your case.

Not only do your documents serve to substantiate the information that you have filled in on your application, but they also tell the visa officer reviewing the case, your story. The documents show the visa officer that not only does you qualify for a visa but that there is a real live person behind the application who really needs a visa.

Consider the case of an applicant who applies for Canadian permanent residence (link to intro page of this topic) under the Independent/skilled worker category (link to intro page of this topic). The Independent/Skilled Worker Category is for people applying for immigration based on their own personal credentials such as their education, employment experience etc. Applicant’s applying for immigration under this category are required to complete a particular application form (Form IMM0008). This form asks the applicant to provide some personal information including the applicants employment history and educational background. These questions are very important and must be completed properly.

Now it is clear that the applicant’s own documents in such a case would go a long way to substantiate the applicant’s claims made on the application form. For instance, employment references from previous and current employers would help prove that the applicant really performed the duties of his or her occupation and has worked in that occupation for the length of time that the applicant claims. Not only this but such documents also often reveal personal aspects of the applicant that the official immigration forms simply cannot show. In the case of employment references, the letters often say something nice about the applicant in terms of his or her performance at work. These “personal touches” go a long way to make the applicant real in the minds of a visa officer. Of course, what is most important is to provide credible and trustworthy documents that are authentic and are relevant to your case. However, documents are by nature personal items that do more than just prove who you say you are; they tell the officer that you are a unique person and not just a file with a number.

Proper presentation of your documents is also important. The more organized your documents, the less risk there is of frustrating the visa officer by making it difficult for him or her to find the relevant information. Your goal as an applicant (or your lawyer’s goal) should be to make the visa officer’s job as easy as possible. Nothing is worse than presenting a disorganized application that annoys a visa officer.

What documents are you required to include with your application? The answer depends on the nature of application that you are submitting. For example, the documents that are required in support of a student visa (link) application are much different than those required for an independent/skilled worker (link) application. In most cases, the applications contain instructions on which documents are required for a particular application. Generally, you are asked to include documents proving your identity such as birth certificates or national identity cards. If you are married, you should also include your marriage certificate.

Do you have to submit original documentation? In most cases, photocopies of documents are acceptable but be prepared to submit original employment references and police clearance certificates. Each application has specific requirements for documents. It is important to carefully check what is required.

Documents tell your story. Make sure to include all relevant documents in support of your immigration case.

Nothing on this or associated pages, documents, articles or other communications should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.  The information is intended to be general and should not be relied upon for any specific situation.  For legal advice, consult an attorney experienced in immigration law.