Stepparents
At what stage should the documents supporting the stepparent application, be submitted?
The full documentation should be submitted prior to the application submission since the validity of such genuine link requires to be pre-approved or otherwise by the Agency. The agent is requested to set an appointment with Client Relations and Compliance to submit such documents well in advance.
What kind of documents may be presented as proof of a genuine link relationship?
The following documents may be suitable:
- bank statements (showing transactions between their individual accounts or joint bank accounts);
- flight tickets;
- affidavits from persons who can testify to the relationship;
- household certificate (the Hukou for Chinese applicants); and
- other relevant documentation.
What are the examples of genuine link relationship?
- MA/SP’s biological father or mother married to a stepparent when MA/SPs were still minors.
- MA/SPs biological father or mother, married to a stepparent prior to MA/SPs marriage.
- MA/SPs biological father or mother already divorced and holding custody rights. It might be that the stepparent played a significant role in the upbringing of the MA/SP, even though the stepparent at that time was not yet married to the biological mother or father.
Are stepparents accepted under the MPRP?
Yes, stepparents are accepted if adequate proof of a genuine link relationship is proven between the stepparent and the Main Applicant or his/her Spouse. The Agency’s decision on whether evidence provided does indeed prove the genuine link or not is final and not open to appeal and/or to further discussion.