A Statutory Declaration Attesting to the Relationship between a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and a Ukrainian foreign national is a formal legal document that plays an important role in Canadian immigration and sponsorship processes. This statutory declaration is required to confirm and validate the relationship between the Canadian sponsor and the Ukrainian individual for purposes such as family reunification, humanitarian applications, or visa sponsorship.

A statutory declaration is a written statement of facts that the declarant swears to be true under oath. In the context of immigration, it is often used to support applications by providing additional proof of certain facts, such as the existence of a relationship between a sponsor and a foreign national. The declarant must sign the declaration in the presence of an authorized official, such as a notary public, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths, who will then witness and seal the document.

The Statutory Declaration Attesting to the Relationship is designed to confirm that there is a legitimate relationship between the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the Ukrainian foreign national. The declaration is often used in the following contexts:

1. Family Sponsorship: When a Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsors a spouse, common-law partner, or close family member from Ukraine, this statutory declaration serves as additional proof of the relationship.
2. Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: In cases where the Ukrainian foreign national is seeking refuge in Canada due to difficult circumstances, this declaration helps to confirm their close connection to a Canadian resident, facilitating applications based on humanitarian grounds.
3. Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa Applications: Canadian citizens or permanent residents may use the declaration to support an application for a Ukrainian relative or partner to visit Canada by confirming the relationship.

To be valid, the statutory declaration must be completed and include specific details about the relationship between the parties. It should contain the following key elements:

1. Names of the Declarant and the Ukrainian Foreign National: Full legal names of both the Canadian sponsor and the Ukrainian foreign national must be clearly stated.
2. Nature of the Relationship: The declaration must describe the relationship in detail, whether it is a spouse, common-law partner, child, or other close family member. It should also include relevant information, such as how long the relationship has existed and any significant events that verify its authenticity.
3. Declaration of Truth: The document must include a sworn statement that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of the declarant’s knowledge.
4. Signature and Date: The declarant must sign the statutory declaration in the presence of a qualified official, and the document should be dated at the time of signing.
5. Certification by a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public: A statutory declaration is not valid until it has been signed before an authorized individual, such as a notary public, commissioner of oaths, or lawyer. The official will witness the signing and seal the document to confirm its authenticity.

The Statutory Declaration Attesting to the Relationship is crucial in situations where immigration authorities or visa officers require additional proof that a genuine relationship exists between a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and a Ukrainian national. Relationships such as common-law partnerships or de facto relationships, which might not have formal legal documentation like marriage certificates, often rely on statutory declarations to provide evidence.

The statutory declaration helps reduce the risk of fraudulent applications by providing legally binding evidence of a relationship. It strengthens the case for family reunification, temporary visits, or sponsorship, helping immigration authorities make informed decisions.

1. Gather Information: Collect all necessary details about the relationship, including personal information, dates, and any relevant events that validate the relationship.
2. Draft the Declaration: Prepare the statutory declaration using a template or legal advice to ensure it meets Canadian legal standards. The declaration should be clear, concise, and truthful.
3. Find an Authorized Witness: Locate a notary public, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths who can witness the signing of the document. Make an appointment if necessary.
4. Sign the Declaration: In the presence of the authorized official, sign the declaration and have it witnessed and sealed. Ensure the official’s credentials and signature are included on the document.
5. Submit the Declaration: Include the signed statutory declaration as part of your visa, sponsorship, or immigration application. Submit it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the relevant authorities handling the case.

Because the statutory declaration is a sworn legal document, it is essential that all information included is accurate and honest. Falsifying information on a statutory declaration can have serious consequences, including denial of the application, legal penalties, or being barred from future applications. Both the declarant and the Ukrainian foreign national should ensure that the facts presented in the declaration are verifiable and truthful.

A Statutory Declaration Attesting to the Relationship between a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and a Ukrainian foreign national is an important tool in Canadian immigration processes, providing a legal framework for establishing the legitimacy of a relationship. Whether used in family sponsorship, humanitarian applications, or visa support, the statutory declaration helps applicants strengthen their cases and ensure that their relationship is recognized by Canadian authorities. When completing this document, attention to detail and accuracy is critical, as it plays a significant role in the success of immigration applications.