I have no clue how but I think I pressed some right buttons in the last couple of weeks - I received an invitation for taking Oath.
Over the past couple of weeks, I contacted my MP for the third time to follow up with IRCC. I also called the IRCC helpdesk and asked them for a reasonable justification for the delay in our application. The representative I spoke with was very kind and escalated the issue since there was no clear reason for the delay. Additionally, I requested GCMS notes from IRCC, CBSA, and CSIS, explicitly stating that I intended to pursue a writ of mandamus and needed to determine which department to address. One important point to highlight is that I had a genuine reason for requesting expedited case processing: my research papers were accepted for a conference in the US (August 9-13), and I had no other way to travel except with a Canadian passport.
Two days ago (on Monday), I received a call asking if I was available to take the oath on Thursday with my family. I gladly accepted. Yesterday, I received another call to confirm if I had received the formal invitation via email, which I hadn’t at that time. An hour later, I received the official invitation to attend the oath ceremony in person.
The system is far from transparent, making it difficult to pinpoint what exactly triggered the sudden resolution of our case. However, I share my story to encourage all of you to keep trying. Just three days ago, I was searching for a lawyer to file a writ of mandamus at a reasonable cost, and today, I’m deciding what to wear for tomorrow’s ceremony. I crossed the finish line, and I’m confident that you all will too, sooner than later. Keep persevering, and know that your efforts will pay off. Your day will come, and when it does, it will be worth every challenge you faced along the way.
Good luck to you all!