Visa Approved- April 2018 Online Applicant- My experience

[iamvns1]

Dearest Forum Members,

Please read so that it will help the future and current applicants-

Applied for a PhD study permit Application in Quebec- 24th April, 2018 (University checklist)
Medical Requested- 18th May, 2018 (Didn't know that it was required to submit the medicals upfront)
Medical Cleared- 2nd June, 2018
Application was stuck in"Reviewing your eligibility phase"
Sent many emails and CSE's- Never got any response
Application/Profile Updated Status Change on 17th July, 2018 morning (If you see something like this, that means someone opened your file and be prepared to expect a decision in a day/within hours sometimes)
Application Approved- 18th July, 2018 (Notified via Email at 12.43 AM IST, Passport request letter was in the Account)
Passport Submitted at VFS Kolkata- 18th July 2018 (Bring your request letter, passport and VAC consent form)

Documents Submitted-
Just the regulars, Passport with all pages, Admission offer letter, Financial offer letter (fully funded), CAQ, Digital Photograph, IMM1294, IMM5645, IMM5257.

I stuck to what was on my checklist. I made a couple of mistakes although it didn't hurt me that much. I would advise you to follow the forum before applying. Attach your SOP, CV, transcripts of the highest degree achieved, TOEFL/IELTS score, etc. I didn't attach these because they were optional. I have seen many cases, where people get stressed out due to this and believe me I was too, but in the end either they will ask you to attach them or you can also email them later if you want. I don't think they will update that information but there is no harm in sending them. Regardless, always try to stick to the checklist and attach all the documents beforehand to avoid any stress and confusion later.

Since my application took more than 7 weeks (12 weeks), I emailed them many times and also sent them CSE's every week just hoping that they would process it quickly. But I gues they get tonnes of emails and not even open these emails. However, you should definitely email them if it has exceeded the normal processing time. Remember to include "URGENT- Processing time bypassed for App No-SXXXXXXXX" in the subject line.

If you want, you can also call them in Canada by using Google Hangouts because its free!! Their number is -+1 613 944 4000. It's going to be a good 30 mins wait and then the agent will say we cant do anything and you can just wait. I am attaching a link to the complaint form too which she advised me to fill out because they took a lot of time to delay my application. (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc.html) Submit your feedback button down in the page.

I think all these things did help me in some way or the other but again, you cant fight time. Whenever they feel like its time to process your application, they will do it. In my case, technically my file was complete only on June 2, 2018 and from there it took around 7 weeks to get a decision.

A quick note on CAQ for studies for students going to Quebec. I received my CAQ online, the email confirmation on 26th March 2018. Since I never received the hard copy, I called their number + 1 514 864-9191 and they assured me that that the email confirmation is enough for you to enter Canada along with your study permit. This is because postal delays happen and they probably lost my CAQ in the mail. This is why they send the soft copy in your email. Once in Quebec, you can request them to send you a hard copy again at your Quebec address. You can also confirm the entire thing by calling them on their helpline number + 1 514 864-9191. Install Hangout and call. It will be free! (https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/reach/telephone.html)

I hope it's not too long to read and like all of you I was waiting anxiously and refreshing my email every now and then. Use the forum. Its gold and you will get a lot of information and don't let refusals for other people depress or scare you. If you have the proper documents, you will get your Visa. I hope everybody gets it ASAP especially many April applicants. This year it has taken long for most of us!

If you need any help shoot me a message, I will be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Vivek

 

[salome serrao]

Ths

Dearest Forum Members,

Please read so that it will help the future and current applicants-

Applied for a PhD study permit Application in Quebec- 24th April, 2018 (University checklist)
Medical Requested- 18th May, 2018 (Didn't know that it was required to submit the medicals upfront)
Medical Cleared- 2nd June, 2018
Application was stuck in"Reviewing your eligibility phase"
Sent many emails and CSE's- Never got any response
Application/Profile Updated Status Change on 17th July, 2018 morning (If you see something like this, that means someone opened your file and be prepared to expect a decision in a day/within hours sometimes)
Application Approved- 18th July, 2018 (Notified via Email at 12.43 AM IST, Passport request letter was in the Account)
Passport Submitted at VFS Kolkata- 18th July 2018 (Bring your request letter, passport and VAC consent form)

Documents Submitted-
Just the regulars, Passport with all pages, Admission offer letter, Financial offer letter (fully funded), CAQ, Digital Photograph, IMM1294, IMM5645, IMM5257.

I stuck to what was on my checklist. I made a couple of mistakes although it didn't hurt me that much. I would advise you to follow the forum before applying. Attach your SOP, CV, transcripts of the highest degree achieved, TOEFL/IELTS score, etc. I didn't attach these because they were optional. I have seen many cases, where people get stressed out due to this and believe me I was too, but in the end either they will ask you to attach them or you can also email them later if you want. I don't think they will update that information but there is no harm in sending them. Regardless, always try to stick to the checklist and attach all the documents beforehand to avoid any stress and confusion later.

Since my application took more than 7 weeks (12 weeks), I emailed them many times and also sent them CSE's every week just hoping that they would process it quickly. But I gues they get tonnes of emails and not even open these emails. However, you should definitely email them if it has exceeded the normal processing time. Remember to include "URGENT- Processing time bypassed for App No-SXXXXXXXX" in the subject line.

If you want, you can also call them in Canada by using Google Hangouts because its free!! Their number is -+1 613 944 4000. It's going to be a good 30 mins wait and then the agent will say we cant do anything and you can just wait. I am attaching a link to the complaint form too which she advised me to fill out because they took a lot of time to delay my application. (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc.html) Submit your feedback button down in the page.

I think all these things did help me in some way or the other but again, you cant fight time. Whenever they feel like its time to process your application, they will do it. In my case, technically my file was complete only on June 2, 2018 and from there it took around 7 weeks to get a decision.

A quick note on CAQ for studies for students going to Quebec. I received my CAQ online, the email confirmation on 26th March 2018. Since I never received the hard copy, I called their number + 1 514 864-9191 and they assured me that that the email confirmation is enough for you to enter Canada along with your study permit. This is because postal delays happen and they probably lost my CAQ in the mail. This is why they send the soft copy in your email. Once in Quebec, you can request them to send you a hard copy again at your Quebec address. You can also confirm the entire thing by calling them on their helpline number + 1 514 864-9191. Install Hangout and call. It will be free! (https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/reach/telephone.html)

I hope it's not too long to read and like all of you I was waiting anxiously and refreshing my email every now and then. Use the forum. Its gold and you will get a lot of information and don't let refusals for other people depress or scare you. If you have the proper documents, you will get your Visa. I hope everybody gets it ASAP especially many April applicants. This year it has taken long for most of us!

If you need any help shoot me a message, I will be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Vivek

thsnkyou so much fr the valuable infoGod bless you n al the best

 

[iamvns1]

Ths
thsnkyou so much fr the valuable infoGod bless you n al the best

No problem! I wish you the best. It's going to come soon. Stay positive!

 

[salome serrao]

No problem! I wish you the best. It's going to come soon. Stay positive!

Thankyou

 

[jasz_blr]

Congrats and Kudos to your effort in drafting detailed post ! It will help lot of folks in future.

Few questions, as I am confused regarding few things that you mentioned:

Q1. Why you submitted IMM5257, it is actually for visitor visa. For student visa we just need to fill IMM1294?

Q2. IMM5645 (family info) is not for India. For India it is IMM5707 (family info). Does it make difference ?

Q3. Transcript that you submitted were original or photocopies ?

Q4. Which documents you got notarized/attested and which one not ?

 

[iamvns1]

Congrats and Kudos to your effort in drafting detailed post ! It will help lot of folks in future.

Few questions, as I am confused regarding few things that you mentioned:

Q1. You are right, not needed I guess. It was there on my checklist, somehow. I submitted it.

Q2. Nope, both are same as far as I checked.

Q3. Didnt submit my degrees along with the primary application, since it was optional I highly recommend to not do this. Please submit it. Although, I did send them emails to update my account file with transcripts, sop, cv, toefl etc so that the visa officer is satisfied, my emails were never responded nor the account was updated. So it doesnt matter in my case. But it should be scanned attested photocopies?

Q4. Only the marksheets and transcripts should be attested. A transcript will have all your marks and a degree together. It will be attested by the registrar of your university.

Thanks again!

 

[arya.ayush8]

Dearest Forum Members,

Please read so that it will help the future and current applicants-

Applied for a PhD study permit Application in Quebec- 24th April, 2018 (University checklist)
Medical Requested- 18th May, 2018 (Didn't know that it was required to submit the medicals upfront)
Medical Cleared- 2nd June, 2018
Application was stuck in"Reviewing your eligibility phase"
Sent many emails and CSE's- Never got any response
Application/Profile Updated Status Change on 17th July, 2018 morning (If you see something like this, that means someone opened your file and be prepared to expect a decision in a day/within hours sometimes)
Application Approved- 18th July, 2018 (Notified via Email at 12.43 AM IST, Passport request letter was in the Account)
Passport Submitted at VFS Kolkata- 18th July 2018 (Bring your request letter, passport and VAC consent form)

Documents Submitted-
Just the regulars, Passport with all pages, Admission offer letter, Financial offer letter (fully funded), CAQ, Digital Photograph, IMM1294, IMM5645, IMM5257.

I stuck to what was on my checklist. I made a couple of mistakes although it didn't hurt me that much. I would advise you to follow the forum before applying. Attach your SOP, CV, transcripts of the highest degree achieved, TOEFL/IELTS score, etc. I didn't attach these because they were optional. I have seen many cases, where people get stressed out due to this and believe me I was too, but in the end either they will ask you to attach them or you can also email them later if you want. I don't think they will update that information but there is no harm in sending them. Regardless, always try to stick to the checklist and attach all the documents beforehand to avoid any stress and confusion later.

Since my application took more than 7 weeks (12 weeks), I emailed them many times and also sent them CSE's every week just hoping that they would process it quickly. But I gues they get tonnes of emails and not even open these emails. However, you should definitely email them if it has exceeded the normal processing time. Remember to include "URGENT- Processing time bypassed for App No-SXXXXXXXX" in the subject line.

If you want, you can also call them in Canada by using Google Hangouts because its free!! Their number is -+1 613 944 4000. It's going to be a good 30 mins wait and then the agent will say we cant do anything and you can just wait. I am attaching a link to the complaint form too which she advised me to fill out because they took a lot of time to delay my application. (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc.html) Submit your feedback button down in the page.

I think all these things did help me in some way or the other but again, you cant fight time. Whenever they feel like its time to process your application, they will do it. In my case, technically my file was complete only on June 2, 2018 and from there it took around 7 weeks to get a decision.

A quick note on CAQ for studies for students going to Quebec. I received my CAQ online, the email confirmation on 26th March 2018. Since I never received the hard copy, I called their number + 1 514 864-9191 and they assured me that that the email confirmation is enough for you to enter Canada along with your study permit. This is because postal delays happen and they probably lost my CAQ in the mail. This is why they send the soft copy in your email. Once in Quebec, you can request them to send you a hard copy again at your Quebec address. You can also confirm the entire thing by calling them on their helpline number + 1 514 864-9191. Install Hangout and call. It will be free! (https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/reach/telephone.html)

I hope it's not too long to read and like all of you I was waiting anxiously and refreshing my email every now and then. Use the forum. Its gold and you will get a lot of information and don't let refusals for other people depress or scare you. If you have the proper documents, you will get your Visa. I hope everybody gets it ASAP especially many April applicants. This year it has taken long for most of us!

If you need any help shoot me a message, I will be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Vivek

bro have you got letter of introduction, in which it is wriiten about your study permit deadline and all which we have to show before entering canada

 

[iamvns1]

bro have you got letter of introduction, in which it is wriiten about your study permit deadline and all which we have to show before entering canada

Nope, not yet. I have searched this forum and some say it's going to take a few days to show up in our account. Some cases, they don't come at all. I will email them and also send them a CSE for this issue. I don't think its required as a must document to enter Canada. It is definitely required for Work permit cases. They have our UCI's and they can print the study permit at the POE with that number.

But still, Do Email and send a CSE to them. At least, we can show the Officers there, the email conversations that we sent to the Embassy and that they didn't respond. It's going to be fine even if it didn't come as far as my research goes.

 

[salome serrao]

My application status is the same since 2 week...hope to receive an reply soon..how many days does it take to hear from them after the medicals is clear as I received my acknowledgement on 10th July and medicals cleared on 3rd July...btw I applied from Blore vfs on 12 June and it's been 37 days now....

 

[iamvns1]

My application status is the same since 2 week...hope to receive an reply soon..how many days does it take to hear from them after the medicals is clear as I received my acknowledgement on 10th July and medicals cleared on 3rd July...btw I applied from Blore vfs on 12 June and it's been 37 days now....

I would count 7 weeks/60 days maximum since the date of your application. So maybe 12th of August. You are still not in the freaking out phase. Relax!

 

[15March]

Dearest Forum Members,

Please read so that it will help the future and current applicants-

Applied for a PhD study permit Application in Quebec- 24th April, 2018 (University checklist)
Medical Requested- 18th May, 2018 (Didn't know that it was required to submit the medicals upfront)
Medical Cleared- 2nd June, 2018
Application was stuck in"Reviewing your eligibility phase"
Sent many emails and CSE's- Never got any response
Application/Profile Updated Status Change on 17th July, 2018 morning (If you see something like this, that means someone opened your file and be prepared to expect a decision in a day/within hours sometimes)
Application Approved- 18th July, 2018 (Notified via Email at 12.43 AM IST, Passport request letter was in the Account)
Passport Submitted at VFS Kolkata- 18th July 2018 (Bring your request letter, passport and VAC consent form)

Documents Submitted-
Just the regulars, Passport with all pages, Admission offer letter, Financial offer letter (fully funded), CAQ, Digital Photograph, IMM1294, IMM5645, IMM5257.

I stuck to what was on my checklist. I made a couple of mistakes although it didn't hurt me that much. I would advise you to follow the forum before applying. Attach your SOP, CV, transcripts of the highest degree achieved, TOEFL/IELTS score, etc. I didn't attach these because they were optional. I have seen many cases, where people get stressed out due to this and believe me I was too, but in the end either they will ask you to attach them or you can also email them later if you want. I don't think they will update that information but there is no harm in sending them. Regardless, always try to stick to the checklist and attach all the documents beforehand to avoid any stress and confusion later.

Since my application took more than 7 weeks (12 weeks), I emailed them many times and also sent them CSE's every week just hoping that they would process it quickly. But I gues they get tonnes of emails and not even open these emails. However, you should definitely email them if it has exceeded the normal processing time. Remember to include "URGENT- Processing time bypassed for App No-SXXXXXXXX" in the subject line.

If you want, you can also call them in Canada by using Google Hangouts because its free!! Their number is -+1 613 944 4000. It's going to be a good 30 mins wait and then the agent will say we cant do anything and you can just wait. I am attaching a link to the complaint form too which she advised me to fill out because they took a lot of time to delay my application. (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc.html) Submit your feedback button down in the page.

I think all these things did help me in some way or the other but again, you cant fight time. Whenever they feel like its time to process your application, they will do it. In my case, technically my file was complete only on June 2, 2018 and from there it took around 7 weeks to get a decision.

A quick note on CAQ for studies for students going to Quebec. I received my CAQ online, the email confirmation on 26th March 2018. Since I never received the hard copy, I called their number + 1 514 864-9191 and they assured me that that the email confirmation is enough for you to enter Canada along with your study permit. This is because postal delays happen and they probably lost my CAQ in the mail. This is why they send the soft copy in your email. Once in Quebec, you can request them to send you a hard copy again at your Quebec address. You can also confirm the entire thing by calling them on their helpline number + 1 514 864-9191. Install Hangout and call. It will be free! (https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/reach/telephone.html)

I hope it's not too long to read and like all of you I was waiting anxiously and refreshing my email every now and then. Use the forum. Its gold and you will get a lot of information and don't let refusals for other people depress or scare you. If you have the proper documents, you will get your Visa. I hope everybody gets it ASAP especially many April applicants. This year it has taken long for most of us!

If you need any help shoot me a message, I will be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Vivek

Congratulations Vivek! Did u submit ur academic docs?

 

[frustsaur]

Dearest Forum Members,

Please read so that it will help the future and current applicants-

Applied for a PhD study permit Application in Quebec- 24th April, 2018 (University checklist)
Medical Requested- 18th May, 2018 (Didn't know that it was required to submit the medicals upfront)
Medical Cleared- 2nd June, 2018
Application was stuck in"Reviewing your eligibility phase"
Sent many emails and CSE's- Never got any response
Application/Profile Updated Status Change on 17th July, 2018 morning (If you see something like this, that means someone opened your file and be prepared to expect a decision in a day/within hours sometimes)
Application Approved- 18th July, 2018 (Notified via Email at 12.43 AM IST, Passport request letter was in the Account)
Passport Submitted at VFS Kolkata- 18th July 2018 (Bring your request letter, passport and VAC consent form)

Documents Submitted-
Just the regulars, Passport with all pages, Admission offer letter, Financial offer letter (fully funded), CAQ, Digital Photograph, IMM1294, IMM5645, IMM5257.

I stuck to what was on my checklist. I made a couple of mistakes although it didn't hurt me that much. I would advise you to follow the forum before applying. Attach your SOP, CV, transcripts of the highest degree achieved, TOEFL/IELTS score, etc. I didn't attach these because they were optional. I have seen many cases, where people get stressed out due to this and believe me I was too, but in the end either they will ask you to attach them or you can also email them later if you want. I don't think they will update that information but there is no harm in sending them. Regardless, always try to stick to the checklist and attach all the documents beforehand to avoid any stress and confusion later.

Since my application took more than 7 weeks (12 weeks), I emailed them many times and also sent them CSE's every week just hoping that they would process it quickly. But I gues they get tonnes of emails and not even open these emails. However, you should definitely email them if it has exceeded the normal processing time. Remember to include "URGENT- Processing time bypassed for App No-SXXXXXXXX" in the subject line.

If you want, you can also call them in Canada by using Google Hangouts because its free!! Their number is -+1 613 944 4000. It's going to be a good 30 mins wait and then the agent will say we cant do anything and you can just wait. I am attaching a link to the complaint form too which she advised me to fill out because they took a lot of time to delay my application. (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc.html) Submit your feedback button down in the page.

I think all these things did help me in some way or the other but again, you cant fight time. Whenever they feel like its time to process your application, they will do it. In my case, technically my file was complete only on June 2, 2018 and from there it took around 7 weeks to get a decision.

A quick note on CAQ for studies for students going to Quebec. I received my CAQ online, the email confirmation on 26th March 2018. Since I never received the hard copy, I called their number + 1 514 864-9191 and they assured me that that the email confirmation is enough for you to enter Canada along with your study permit. This is because postal delays happen and they probably lost my CAQ in the mail. This is why they send the soft copy in your email. Once in Quebec, you can request them to send you a hard copy again at your Quebec address. You can also confirm the entire thing by calling them on their helpline number + 1 514 864-9191. Install Hangout and call. It will be free! (https://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/reach/telephone.html)

I hope it's not too long to read and like all of you I was waiting anxiously and refreshing my email every now and then. Use the forum. Its gold and you will get a lot of information and don't let refusals for other people depress or scare you. If you have the proper documents, you will get your Visa. I hope everybody gets it ASAP especially many April applicants. This year it has taken long for most of us!

If you need any help shoot me a message, I will be happy to help.

Sincerely,
Vivek

Congrats Vivek. and thanks for the debrief.

Good luck for your PhD studies.

 

[iamvns1]

Congratulations Vivek! Did u submit ur academic docs?

Nope I didnt! I sent them via emails and CSEs but they never attached it to my file. So didn't matter in my case. I recommend to send them when you apply to avoid any problems later. But again, depends on the checklist. They are anyways optional. If they really think something fishy is going on, they would ask you to send them your academic documents. I have heard of cases like these before.

 

[iamvns1]

Congrats Vivek. and thanks for the debrief.

Good luck for your PhD studies.

Thanks man! You will get it soon too. I am seeing many April applicants' Visa being approved this week. I think they have woken up and are starting to clear the backlogs. You could be next! Best wishes!

 

[15March]

Nope I didnt! I sent them via emails and CSEs but they never attached it to my file. So didn't matter in my case. I recommend to send them when you apply to avoid any problems later. But again, depends on the checklist. They are anyways optional. If they really think something fishy is going on, they would ask you to send them your academic documents. I have heard of cases like these before.

Okay thats a relief, that wat i thought. I havent attached any of my academic docs as my checklist dint ask fr one. Since my visa was not approved on time , i had to skip May intake and defered my program to sept and on June 9th, they asked me for a replacement LOA which was submitted on the same day and ever since waiting to hear from them. Btw i originally applied on march 15, its more than 18 weeks now.. lets see wat happens now..