Delayed Cits since October 2019 - Non-routine

[alex_peq]

Hey folks,
I believe my citizenship application has been marked as non-routine.
My grant of citizenship application was received by IRCC in October 2019, and has been in process since then.
I did not hear from them for 3 years, until Dec 2022 when I did my interview, which went well.
About 6 months after (Sept 2023), I received CIT0171 Physical Presence Questionnaire, requesting supplementary evidence for physical presence in Canada.
In parentheses I want to add that [I barely left the country since receiving my PR. I was 250 days over the required residency days, had established two businesses that are still running and took with myself the operational proofs and taxes to the interview. I was also over 56 years of age when I applied which exempts me from language requirements and citizenship exam. Also, I have never had any issues with law enforcement].
Any how, I submitted the documents in December 2023, and it seems that the case manager was satisfied with the evidence [according to ATIP].

Now it's again over a year without any progress. As it stands, Physical presence Completed / Background verification Completed / Prohibitions In progress / Language skills In progress / Citizenship test Not started / Citizenship ceremony Not started.

Since submission of my application it's been over 5 years (57 months). I have requested multiple ATIPs, reached out to my MP, contacted IRCC over the phone, completed the webform, and even wrote an email to the minister of immigration and his deputies, and none have given me any useful information.

Has anyone had a similar experience? The lack of accountability on IRCC’s side is absurd. This could practically take another 5 years with no reasonable explanations or estimated timelines. I understand they have to ensure they meet their processing standards, but doesn’t this seem ridiculous? I can’t even withdraw and reapply, as it seems that doing so with a non-routine application could raise a red flag. I have nothing to hide — it’s just frustrating being left in the dark for 5 years without knowing how much longer this will take. It feels unfair.

Sorry for the long message!
I appreciate any thoughts or advice

 

[forw.jane]

Hey folks,
I believe my citizenship application has been marked as non-routine.
My grant of citizenship application was received by IRCC in October 2019, and has been in process since then.
I did not hear from them for 3 years, until Dec 2022 when I did my interview, which went well.
About 6 months after (Sept 2023), I received CIT0171 Physical Presence Questionnaire, requesting supplementary evidence for physical presence in Canada.
In parentheses I want to add that [I barely left the country since receiving my PR. I was 250 days over the required residency days, had established two businesses that are still running and took with myself the operational proofs and taxes to the interview. I was also over 56 years of age when I applied which exempts me from language requirements and citizenship exam. Also, I have never had any issues with law enforcement].
Any how, I submitted the documents in December 2023, and it seems that the case manager was satisfied with the evidence [according to ATIP].

Now it's again over a year without any progress. As it stands, Physical presence Completed / Background verification Completed / Prohibitions In progress / Language skills In progress / Citizenship test Not started / Citizenship ceremony Not started.

Since submission of my application it's been over 5 years (57 months). I have requested multiple ATIPs, reached out to my MP, contacted IRCC over the phone, completed the webform, and even wrote an email to the minister of immigration and his deputies, and none have given me any useful information.

Has anyone had a similar experience? The lack of accountability on IRCC’s side is absurd. This could practically take another 5 years with no reasonable explanations or estimated timelines. I understand they have to ensure they meet their processing standards, but doesn’t this seem ridiculous? I can’t even withdraw and reapply, as it seems that doing so with a non-routine application could raise a red flag. I have nothing to hide — it’s just frustrating being left in the dark for 5 years without knowing how much longer this will take. It feels unfair.

Sorry for the long message!
I appreciate any thoughts or advice

Have you thought of giving mandamus a try?

 

[schilz]

The usual escalation processes floated around the forum can be divided in self-managed & lawyering up.
Self-managed would involve contacting your MP who can inquire about your case on your behalf, or to order GCMS notes (essentially requesting a copy of your file, and interpreting it yourself) to see if there's anything obvious you can do.
Lawyering up for writ of mandamus, is a completely different type of escalation but might be warranted for your case given how long it has been. Of course, it incurs extra costs to you but worth exploring.

It really sucks the process has been this awful for you, hope the above helps.

 

[alex_peq]

Thank you both for your replies! I had considered Mandamus, but I was worried that IRCC might simply argue it’s “non-routine” and avoid accountability. However, you’re right—at this point, I have nothing to lose. Thanks again!