Approved ETA since August 2019 - Entry still Denied

[rickytong]

Hi CanadaVisaians,

I'm wondering if anyone has been through this. My step-dad who is a Hong Kong (CHINA) national, was approved for his ETA in August 2019, I have the approved ETA number and even expiry date in 2024.

However, shortly after this ETA approval was received, IRCC requested additional information for all pages of passport and family information IMM 5707. We sent it in twice upon request, and it was confirmed received by IRCC as of October 2019.

I've had my local Councillors call in to inquire why its taking so long, and she tells me just to wait as per IRCC. What are we waiting for? All information is provided, no denial, just a half acceptance. I don't even know what to do, my mom and brother has been waiting for him to visit for over 3 years now. Why is Canada doing this? Whats my next steps?

Background info: Myself, mom, and younger brother are all Canadian Citizens. My step-dad and mom was married in Canada as well in 1994.

Ricky

 

[scylla]

Hi CanadaVisaians,

I'm wondering if anyone has been through this. My step-dad who is a Hong Kong (CHINA) national, was approved for his ETA in August 2019, I have the approved ETA number and even expiry date in 2024.

However, shortly after this ETA approval was received, IRCC requested additional information for all pages of passport and family information IMM 5707. We sent it in twice upon request, and it was confirmed received by IRCC as of October 2019.

I've had my local Councillors call in to inquire why its taking so long, and she tells me just to wait as per IRCC. What are we waiting for? All information is provided, no denial, just a half acceptance. I don't even know what to do, my mom and brother has been waiting for him to visit for over 3 years now. Why is Canada doing this? Whats my next steps?

Background info: Myself, mom, and younger brother are all Canadian Citizens. My step-dad and mom was married in Canada as well in 1994.

Ricky

It's really hard to say. If you are in Canada, you may want to engaged your MP for help (not sure if that's what you meant by local councillors - you want to make sure you are engaging your federal representative).

Normally when we see something like this, it means that something has popped up in the background check that is a concern and is taking time to review. This can be concerns related to past criminality and/or arrests, past employment (if government employment or military or similar), past activities with political groups, etc. Also, we sometimes see issues if a person has said "no" to the "have you ever been refused entry or a visa" question - when in fact they have been refused entry or a visa to one or more countries in the past. However in these situations, the turn around time on a decision is usually a lot faster than what you are experiencing. IMO - something has popped up in the background check. IRCC may be having challenges verifying / validating this information because of the country they have to work with (China presumably). Some countries are more cooperative than others when it comes to this stuff. I think the delay is because IRCC is waiting on information from a less than cooperative country.

 

[rickytong]

It's really hard to say. If you are in Canada, you may want to engaged your MP for help (not sure if that's what you meant by local councillors - you want to make sure you are engaging your federal representative).

Normally when we see something like this, it means that something has popped up in the background check that is a concern and is taking time to review. This can be concerns related to past criminality and/or arrests, past employment (if government employment or military or similar), past activities with political groups, etc. Also, we sometimes see issues if a person has said "no" to the "have you ever been refused entry or a visa" question - when in fact they have been refused entry or a visa to one or more countries in the past. However in these situations, the turn around time on a decision is usually a lot faster than what you are experiencing. IMO - something has popped up in the background check. IRCC may be having challenges verifying / validating this information because of the country they have to work with (China presumably). Some countries are more cooperative than others when it comes to this stuff. I think the delay is because IRCC is waiting on information from a less than cooperative country.

Thank you for your insight. Much appreciated.

 

[canuck78]

Thank you for your insight. Much appreciated.

Did your stepfather ever have PR?

 

[rickytong]

Did your stepfather ever have PR?

No he does not.

 

[canuck78]

No he does not.

Did he ever apply?

 

[rickytong]

Did he ever apply?

My mom forgot, maybe did in early 90s.

 

[scylla]

My mom forgot, maybe did in early 90s.

That might be very important.

 

[canuck78]

My mom forgot, maybe did in early 90s.

I suapect that he may still be a PR and that’s why his ETA is being denied.