Applicant from PhD program after 5 Nov, 2011 connect here to get status

[asbereth]

Hi all,

Several people here got their PPR recently, so I suppose I will just share my recent landing experience. As I mentioned, I received my passport back on May 16 (Ottawa received my passport on April 18), with COPR and visa stamped on my passport (dated April 29, not sure what my passport was doing, sitting in the facility for 15+ days after stamping). On the same day, I drove to Peace Bridge at Fort Erie to complete my landing formality. I was going to do it at Niagara Falls, but I decided to go to Fort Erie, because I did not have a US visa, and I did not want to deal with US border (at Fort Erie, we can just take a U-Turn to return to Canada without dealing with the US border).

So I made the u-turn, and the border lady asked me where I came from. I explained that I was there just to land, and that I came specifically for that reason. She asked if I was importing anything, asked for my passport to check my immigrant visa. Then she gave me a yellow slip after asking me several questions (whether I had goods to be imported, firearms, etc; for which I answered 'no' to all, which was reflected on the yellow slip). She then told me to enter the building to complete my landing. I entered the building, and after about 10 minutes, a border agent called me I then presented my passport, and she started asking me about my employment letter, and also proof of funds. I wasn't prepared with employment letter, so I had to scramble around with my smartphone to gather what I could find from the Internet (which was not much).

She started giving me lectures on how TA/RA is not real work since we get paid to do our studies, on how as a skilled worker, I was expected to already have held a 'real' job (how I 'pre-emptively' applied for PR, and somehow got it, not sure what that really means). I tried to explain that I was qualified for PR under the PhD stream, but she kept insisting what she said before, so I figured that I should just keep my mouth shut and remain silent, with just one thought in my mind that she was a border agent, and it was not up to her to determine my eligibility to immigrate (it was CIC's job, which they had done, processing my application for the past 16 months).

She grinded me on proof of funds, asking me where the money comes from. She asked me how come none of the salary or funding from school went into the account. I told her it was on different account. She got upset when I told her this, telling me that I should've been more prepared, especially since I have more than one bank accounts in Canada. Then once again she told me to pull up information from my other bank accounts from my smartphone.

She asked me about stuff I said during interview 4 years ago when I applied for student visa (they had all these things on their system, so do not lie), and about other things which I don't think will be relevant for anybody else. After all said and done, she finally said that I am a permanent resident, and that I have the rights of a citizen except the right of vote, and that I am subject to PR residency requirements. No congratulations, and no 'welcome to Canada'.

I asked her several questions regarding residency requirements, PR card, etc, then I left, feeling a bit dissapointed with my experience (especially since most people are actually having a pleasant experience during landing; well, not me).

The moral of the story, while most likely they will not ask, bring with you all POF (also all statements on all bank accounts you have in Canada), and employment documents. You want to make sure that your landing is as smooth and pleasant as possible (after waiting for all those months). If you have ever been rejected a student visa before, then expect them to ask you some questions about it (PM me, and we can discuss if you are concerned about this issue).

I wish the rest of you good luck with your applications. I will still visit the forum from time to time, so if you have any questions about landing or anything else that I may be able to help, do not hesitate to contact me through PM or here

 

[JVJ]

hey...thanks!!...so if we are to apply for PCCs from Canada, then we have to do it through BLS (formerly, we had to do it through an agency called VFS)...VFS was so much better and this BLS just started recently and is a total mess...through VFS PCCs were issued within 10-15 business days while BLS claims they'll take 4-6 weeks!...and the funny thing is they keep your passport during this entire time (insane!)..since i got MR at the same time, i was concerned that i needed my passport for that...but fortunately, you just need to show the doctor's office your drivers license and photocopies of your passport...so you can still do your medicals without actually getting your passport back from BLS...
now regrading the updated PCCs in my case, so if you recall from my earlier posts, i didn't submit PCCs with my original application...but my family took a trip to India shortly after submitting the application in April 2012...we got PCCs in may 2012...but we retuned to canada only in july 2012...that's when we sent in the PCCs along with my huband's FBI clearance and state PCCs from the US...so there is that 2 month period between may and july that maybe they want to confirm that we didn't do anything bad!...because my understanding was that PCCs are valid for a year...so i should have been borderline since mine would expire may 2013 ...but anyway, i'm glad this is the only thing they requested!....it could have been worse!!

Thanks for such a detailed response anjuku. I ordered a new one back in Feb just in case cic asked for it but they did not .at least not so far

 

[mkrp21]

Hi all,

Several people here got their PPR recently, so I suppose I will just share my recent landing experience. As I mentioned, I received my passport back on May 16 (Ottawa received my passport on April 18), with COPR and visa stamped on my passport (dated April 29, not sure what my passport was doing, sitting in the facility for 15+ days after stamping). On the same day, I drove to Peace Bridge at Fort Erie to complete my landing formality. I was going to do it at Niagara Falls, but I decided to go to Fort Erie, because I did not have a US visa, and I did not want to deal with US border (at Fort Erie, we can just take a U-Turn to return to Canada without dealing with the US border).

Thank asbereth for the detailed information. It is very helpful. It is wierd that border agents are trying to check eligibility.

 

[N_O]

Hi all,

Several people here got their PPR recently, so I suppose I will just share my recent landing experience. As I mentioned, I received my passport back on May 16 (Ottawa received my passport on April 18), with COPR and visa stamped on my passport (dated April 29, not sure what my passport was doing, sitting in the facility for 15+ days after stamping). On the same day, I drove to Peace Bridge at Fort Erie to complete my landing formality. I was going to do it at Niagara Falls, but I decided to go to Fort Erie, because I did not have a US visa, and I did not want to deal with US border (at Fort Erie, we can just take a U-Turn to return to Canada without dealing with the US border).

Congrats Asbereth! Thanks for sharing your landing experience and for your endless efforts in this forum!

 

[The_Prince]

Congratulations asbereth ! I am so happy for you
Many thanks for every message you posted on this forum.
Wish you all the best, and please keep visiting this forum, at least for some time.

 

[asbereth]

Congratulations asbereth ! I am so happy for you
Many thanks for every message you posted on this forum.
Wish you all the best, and please keep visiting this forum, at least for some time.

Thanks, man. I told TyrusX once that I would stop coming to the forum if my PR got rejected. Thankfully that did not happen.

Anyway, if I'm not mistaken, you live in Ontario, right? Were you able to get domestic tuition and OHIP with the new PER email? How about your spouse?

 

[asbereth]

Thank asbereth for the detailed information. It is very helpful. It is wierd that border agents are trying to check eligibility.

They're not actually trying to check my eligibility, she was just giving me a lecture on how a skilled worker is supposed to have a job, and how TA/RA is not an actual job, but at this point, I don't care anymore. She can say whatever she wanted, but in the end, she still landed me

And your turn is coming really really soon too. Just be patient for the next 4 to 5 weeks, and don't go too crazy if you see CEC or PNP guys, sending their passports maybe 3 weeks after you are receiving theirs back earlier than you. It's normal

Congrats Asbereth! Thanks for sharing your landing experience and for your endless efforts in this forum!

Thanks, man. Thanks for your effort too in helping others and updating the sheet

 

[mkrp21]

They're not actually trying to check my eligibility, she was just giving me a lecture on how a skilled worker is supposed to have a job, and how TA/RA is not an actual job, but at this point, I don't care anymore. She can say whatever she wanted, but in the end, she still landed me

And your turn is coming really really soon too. Just be patient for the next 4 to 5 weeks, and don't go too crazy if you see CEC or PNP guys, sending their passports maybe 3 weeks after you are receiving theirs back earlier than you. It's normal


Thanks, man. Thanks for your effort too in helping others and updating the sheet

Thanks asbereth. Haha.. I actually dont know any CEC or PNP applicant so I wont be crazy LOL ;D ;D. But I wonder then what is the purpose of checking the POF by border agent? What do they look into POF. Will it be ok if I carry a bank statement?

 

[The_Prince]

Thanks, man. I told TyrusX once that I would stop coming to the forum if my PR got rejected. Thankfully that did not happen.

Anyway, if I'm not mistaken, you live in Ontario, right? Were you able to get domestic tuition and OHIP with the new PER email? How about your spouse?

Yes, I live in Ontario, and I got the domestic tuition starting this summer, but they told me I have to keep updating them every semester with documents proving that I am still not rejected. As for OHIP, I mailed the Ministry of Health a review request for me and for my spouse three weeks ago, I just received an acknowledgement letter from them 2 weeks ago and I am still waiting for their decision.
I did not try yet to have my wife apply for any study program with the PER letter that her name does not appear on.

 

[kaziahmmed]

Hi all,

Several people here got their PPR recently, so I suppose I will just share my recent landing experience. As I mentioned, I received my passport back on May 16 (Ottawa received my passport on April 18), with COPR and visa stamped on my passport (dated April 29, not sure what my passport was doing, sitting in the facility for 15+ days after stamping). On the same day, I drove to Peace Bridge at Fort Erie to complete my landing formality. I was going to do it at Niagara Falls, but I decided to go to Fort Erie, because I did not have a US visa, and I did not want to deal with US border (at Fort Erie, we can just take a U-Turn to return to Canada without dealing with the US border).

So I made the u-turn, and the border lady asked me where I came from. I explained that I was there just to land, and that I came specifically for that reason. She asked if I was importing anything, asked for my passport to check my immigrant visa. Then she gave me a yellow slip after asking me several questions (whether I had goods to be imported, firearms, etc; for which I answered 'no' to all, which was reflected on the yellow slip). She then told me to enter the building to complete my landing. I entered the building, and after about 10 minutes, a border agent called me I then presented my passport, and she started asking me about my employment letter, and also proof of funds. I wasn't prepared with employment letter, so I had to scramble around with my smartphone to gather what I could find from the Internet (which was not much).

She started giving me lectures on how TA/RA is not real work since we get paid to do our studies, on how as a skilled worker, I was expected to already have held a 'real' job (how I 'pre-emptively' applied for PR, and somehow got it, not sure what that really means). I tried to explain that I was qualified for PR under the PhD stream, but she kept insisting what she said before, so I figured that I should just keep my mouth shut and remain silent, with just one thought in my mind that she was a border agent, and it was not up to her to determine my eligibility to immigrate (it was CIC's job, which they had done, processing my application for the past 16 months).

She grinded me on proof of funds, asking me where the money comes from. She asked me how come none of the salary or funding from school went into the account. I told her it was on different account. She got upset when I told her this, telling me that I should've been more prepared, especially since I have more than one bank accounts in Canada. Then once again she told me to pull up information from my other bank accounts from my smartphone.

She asked me about stuff I said during interview 4 years ago when I applied for student visa (they had all these things on their system, so do not lie), and about other things which I don't think will be relevant for anybody else. After all said and done, she finally said that I am a permanent resident, and that I have the rights of a citizen except the right of vote, and that I am subject to PR residency requirements. No congratulations, and no 'welcome to Canada'.

I asked her several questions regarding residency requirements, PR card, etc, then I left, feeling a bit dissapointed with my experience (especially since most people are actually having a pleasant experience during landing; well, not me).

The moral of the story, while most likely they will not ask, bring with you all POF (also all statements on all bank accounts you have in Canada), and employment documents. You want to make sure that your landing is as smooth and pleasant as possible (after waiting for all those months). If you have ever been rejected a student visa before, then expect them to ask you some questions about it (PM me, and we can discuss if you are concerned about this issue).

I wish the rest of you good luck with your applications. I will still visit the forum from time to time, so if you have any questions about landing or anything else that I may be able to help, do not hesitate to contact me through PM or here

Dear Asbereth---
First of all Congratulations!! for your long waited journey. Now would like to thank you for sharing your views, ideas and advise in all those past days, I personally got enormous help from you and really grateful for all those. Although, your landing story was not very pleasant but good thing that you have dealt with them smartly with the existing resources. Wish you a very happy and successful life in Canada.
Cheers!!
Kazi

 

[anjuku]

Hey guys,
I just noticed that the average processing time for CPP-Ottawa has now changed to 13 months! (updated April 24, 2013)...i guess this is good news!...but that also means i have exceeded this time frame

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm/skilled-fed.asp

 

[anjuku]

Hi all,

Several people here got their PPR recently, so I suppose I will just share my recent landing experience. As I mentioned, I received my passport back on May 16 (Ottawa received my passport on April 18), with COPR and visa stamped on my passport (dated April 29, not sure what my passport was doing, sitting in the facility for 15+ days after stamping). On the same day, I drove to Peace Bridge at Fort Erie to complete my landing formality. I was going to do it at Niagara Falls, but I decided to go to Fort Erie, because I did not have a US visa, and I did not want to deal with US border (at Fort Erie, we can just take a U-Turn to return to Canada without dealing with the US border).

So I made the u-turn, and the border lady asked me where I came from. I explained that I was there just to land, and that I came specifically for that reason. She asked if I was importing anything, asked for my passport to check my immigrant visa. Then she gave me a yellow slip after asking me several questions (whether I had goods to be imported, firearms, etc; for which I answered 'no' to all, which was reflected on the yellow slip). She then told me to enter the building to complete my landing. I entered the building, and after about 10 minutes, a border agent called me I then presented my passport, and she started asking me about my employment letter, and also proof of funds. I wasn't prepared with employment letter, so I had to scramble around with my smartphone to gather what I could find from the Internet (which was not much).

She started giving me lectures on how TA/RA is not real work since we get paid to do our studies, on how as a skilled worker, I was expected to already have held a 'real' job (how I 'pre-emptively' applied for PR, and somehow got it, not sure what that really means). I tried to explain that I was qualified for PR under the PhD stream, but she kept insisting what she said before, so I figured that I should just keep my mouth shut and remain silent, with just one thought in my mind that she was a border agent, and it was not up to her to determine my eligibility to immigrate (it was CIC's job, which they had done, processing my application for the past 16 months).

She grinded me on proof of funds, asking me where the money comes from. She asked me how come none of the salary or funding from school went into the account. I told her it was on different account. She got upset when I told her this, telling me that I should've been more prepared, especially since I have more than one bank accounts in Canada. Then once again she told me to pull up information from my other bank accounts from my smartphone.

She asked me about stuff I said during interview 4 years ago when I applied for student visa (they had all these things on their system, so do not lie), and about other things which I don't think will be relevant for anybody else. After all said and done, she finally said that I am a permanent resident, and that I have the rights of a citizen except the right of vote, and that I am subject to PR residency requirements. No congratulations, and no 'welcome to Canada'.

I asked her several questions regarding residency requirements, PR card, etc, then I left, feeling a bit dissapointed with my experience (especially since most people are actually having a pleasant experience during landing; well, not me).

The moral of the story, while most likely they will not ask, bring with you all POF (also all statements on all bank accounts you have in Canada), and employment documents. You want to make sure that your landing is as smooth and pleasant as possible (after waiting for all those months). If you have ever been rejected a student visa before, then expect them to ask you some questions about it (PM me, and we can discuss if you are concerned about this issue).

I wish the rest of you good luck with your applications. I will still visit the forum from time to time, so if you have any questions about landing or anything else that I may be able to help, do not hesitate to contact me through PM or here

Thank You Asbereth for this detailed info...and thanks for your great efforts on this forum!!

 

[Parkinson]

My timeline:

Profile:
2 person
RA

File received: Apr 29, 2013
CC charged: May 1, 2013
PER: May 14, 2013

 

[websphereguy]

Hey guys,
I just noticed that the average processing time for CPP-Ottawa has now changed to 13 months! (updated April 24, 2013)...i guess this is good news!...but that also means i have exceeded this time frame

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm/skilled-fed.asp

when they first introduce the phd stream, they change that to 8 mths. then towards end of 2012 / early 2013, it was updated to 15 mths. Now they have changed that to 13 mths (lowering it down). But don't forget, they are averaging the time out with other federal skilled worker applicants which are not in the phd stream track.

 

[anjuku]

when they first introduce the phd stream, they change that to 8 mths. then towards end of 2012 / early 2013, it was updated to 15 mths. Now they have changed that to 13 mths (lowering it down). But don't forget, they are averaging the time out with other federal skilled worker applicants which are not in the phd stream track.

ya..you are right!...