Applying for a tourist visa

[prasanna1157]

Thank you, Bryanna! I suspected something was wrong, because the subject also said "In Canada..".

But, just curious, how would they respond to my e-mail without updating my case? Do they even have access to my file there? Does it mean my case has been updated, and so maybe the NY visa office sees this and decides not to respond a second time?

Or, do you think this doesn't mean anything?

I spoke to the VAC office last Friday. They said I need to send a payment of $31.99 to a lock box in Philadelphia. Do you know if this is the right amount?

 

[Bryanna]

Not sure why CPC-O replied to your CSE. It's probably a standard sort of reply to requests that are similar to yours.

Unless you get a reply from the NY visa office giving you an extension, I suggest you should still submit your passport before the 30 days lapse.

It's been $31.99 for a while.... the website mentions that VAC fees have been revised from November 9 but it does not give details of the new fees

 

[prasanna1157]

Hello Bryanna,

Unfortunately, I haven't heard back about my CSE from the NY office. I will be sending my passport on Dec 14 via overnight courier. I hope they get it within the 30 day deadline. In case they don't, I was thinking of including the letter below.

"Dear Sir,
Request to issue a visa
I received a passport request from CIC on Nov 17, 2015. However, on Nov 11, 2015, I had to leave the U.S. to India on an emergency family visit. I returned to the U.S. only on Dec 14, 2015.
I had made a Case Specific Enquiry to the NY visa office earlier to see if I could submit my passport a bit later than the 30 day deadline. I was back in the U.S. on Dec 14, and sent my passport via overnight courier on Dec 14, so I definitely hope you got my passport before the 30-day deadline. In case you have received this after the 30 day period, I kindly request you to consider my personal situation and issue a visa.
Thank you for your time."

I wanted to get your opinion on this before attaching this. Do you think this will help? Or at least not harm my chances?

 

[Bryanna]

Hi Prasanna,

Sure. Go ahead and send this letter with your passport and the other documents (passport request letter + VAC consent form + copy of VAC service fees payment, etc) must be sent to the NY CVAC..... and you'll have to mail the VAC service fees to the lockbox address in Philadelphia


Cheers

 

[prasanna1157]

Hello Bryanna,

I managed to send my passport through overnight courier last night. It was delivered to the VAC on the morning of the 15th. Do you think I'll be fine?

I now have another problem I have booked my IELTS test for Jan 8, 2016. Do you think I'll get my passport in time for the test? The return envelope I've included is overnight delivery.

 

[Bryanna]

Hi Prasanna,

You'll be fine as the 30 days end on December 17. You've also sent the letter to explain matters. Do keep proofs/records of your passport delivery.

You should get your passport back in about 7-10 days. So everything looks pretty much under control at this point of time


Cheers

 

[prasanna1157]

Thank you, Bryanna!

My passport has reached the visa office now and the status reads - under consideration. I understand that the next status update on the VAC site is going to be something like - "decision made, passport in transit to the VAC". Is there any way I'll know what the decision is before I get my passport back?

 

[Bryanna]

Your passport made it to the CVAC before the 30 days.... that's great

A passport request normally means that the TRV will be issued. Nevertheless, you'll still have to wait until you get your passport back

 

[prasanna1157]

Thank you, Bryanna! I got my passport back yesterday with the visa stamped Thank you for all your help.

I',m so excited I want to go to Canada soon now Do you live in Canada or the U.S.? I plan to drive from Chicago to Canada. Are there things that I need to be aware of? Any suggestions or tips? Does I-pass from Illinois work in Canada? If not, how much tolls can I expect to pay? How much cash do I need to carry with me? Do I need only my passport and driving license to show to the officer at the border?

And, do I need to give them an address where I intend to stay? I plan to just drive, first to the Niagara falls and then play it by ear as far as staying the night there is concerned. I plan to just drive there at least once a month, but all my trips are going to be without any specific travel plans. Do you think the frequency or the nature of my visits is going to a problem at the border?