Is there another way to find out if your application is routine or non-routine without going through MP's office?
While there are isolated reports of MPs obtaining information or even somehow appearing to help, generally the efforts to solicit help or information through the MP tend to not be particularly fruitful.
Moreover, knowing whether the application has involved some procedure outside what all applications go through, that is knowing whether it is non-routine, is largely useless information. Just a Fingerprint request makes an application non-routine. For most, that is no big deal, and often does not even result in any delay in processing.
Additionally, a MP will not be given any information that the applicant cannot obtain directly through the ATIP process. A MP's office may couch the information it obtains and shares in some explanatory fashion, but that tends to be superficial not particular to the individual. So, for example, if the MP learns that IRCC has made requests for RQ-related information, the MP's office might explain that is about verifying actual physical presence and means some delay in the processing timeline. NOT NEWS.
I just did my citizenship test and I want to send a copy of my past passports to IRCC right away so my application is processed asap.
Your queries are a little confusing. You just did the test barely more than a month ago. Clearly your application is progressing.
I asked for urgent processing 3 months ago and they still have not made a decision apparently (phone agent confirmed)
That was posted a week or so after you posted having taken the knowledge of Canada test (September 14 and September 24 respectively) . . .
. . . it is possible that you were scheduled for the test in response to your request for urgent processing, or
. . . the request for urgent processing has not resulted in expedited processing
Either way, you have recently taken the test and your application is on track for a Decision fairly soon or there is some concern or question that will result in further processing. Urgent processing is essentially not relevant at this stage. That is, you will either be approved and scheduled for the oath relatively soon, or there is a question or concern that will cause the process to go longer. A strong case for urgent processing will not, not ordinarily anyway, override the decision-making process itself.
That is, your application is there, at the decision-making fork-in-the-path, so you will be a citizen fairly soon . . . or there will be further processing likely meaning a longer, non-urgent processing timeline. Not much, if anything, you can do but watch for notice from IRCC, which is likely to be your best source for information about what is next. Decision made status followed by notice the oath is scheduled, for example, will inform you that is where things are going about as fast as any other possible avenue to obtain information. GCMS notes not likely to reveal this much if at all sooner than actual notice of the Decision Made status will.
Moreover:
I applied back in July 2019, and I have been checking my application status pretty much every day,
. . . scheduled to take citizenship test online between May 21, 2021 and June 10, 2021 . . .
. . . However, I never received an email for the online test invitation and when I tried to take the test anyway, the system did not let me.
. . . was told my test is cancelled.
While that query was later resolved since you did get to take the test in mid-September, it illustrates that your application appears to be in the mainstream of normal processing, even if not precisely routine, recognizing that summer and fall 2019 applicants are among those who have been hit the hardest by the measures taken in response to Covid-19.
Given the timeline, which is consistent with scores and scores of other applications made around the same time you made yours, again it readily appears your application is at the decision-making fork-in-the-path, so you will be a citizen fairly soon . . . or there will be further processing likely meaning a longer, non-urgent processing timeline. Nothing you can do to change which track your application is on. No need to get more information about it, at least not unless and until you learn it has taken the fork in the path headed toward more in-depth inquiries and longer processing. Which you will learn if there is no Decision Made in the near term, or if you get requests for additional information.
ALL OF WHICH essentially illustrates that most citizenship applicants should be able to figure out the status of things, as BEST the status of things can be known, based on what they know about their own case and following their status online and watching for notices, and responding accordingly. I realize scores of applicants get bogged down trying to micro-manage the progress of their application through the process. That rarely translates into a different timeline or outcome than how things go for the applicant who checks eCas two or three times a month and otherwise waits for notices.
Which does not alleviate the frustration or anxiety many suffer. Short of noting they can join the activists, not much I can offer in this regard . . . except, as best I can, to help others understand how the process works, and hopefully help some avoid unnecessary frustrations and anxieties fomented by unrealistic expectations sometimes promulgated in this forum.
If you have real concerns about the current status of your application, for sure lawyer-up. But from your posts here and in numerous other threads, again it appears your application is in the mainstream of processing, no particular hint there is a problem. Which is to suggest a lawyer is not likely to get you to the oath any sooner. That said, I fully encourage anyone to obtain the assistance of a lawyer. Even if all that is gained is a better understanding of things.
Incorrect, the link you provide specifically points out that delays/non-routine processing is caused only if there is a cessation proceeding pending or under review. There are examples where applicant who were refugees got citizenship in well under the 12 month mentioned on the website.
Actually,
@maddy044, that is NOT what the information published by the Bellissimo Law Group says either. Refugees can encounter delays/non-routine processing for any of the same issues any other citizenship applicant might, ranging from background concerns to physical presence questions. That is, it is not true that non-routine processing for refugees is "
caused only" by cessation proceedings. This just happens to be a particular issue refugees might encounter if they have obtained or used a home country passport, or traveled to their home country.
NOTE: I often peruse the Bellissimo webpages for information
BUT MUCH OF IT IS OUTDATED. It is a source I refer to help put some things in context, but it is NOT a reliable source for current information. Many of its webpages, including information at this one linked here, are based on information BEFORE BILL C-6, for example, and otherwise not reflecting caselaw or other changes during the last five years or so.