Hi.
I just want to share my experience/timeline re: applying Canadian Tourist Visa. I applied online from Dubai. Processing from United Arab Emirates will take 58 days and I have an upcoming flight going to US on August 12. So, here goes...
18 July 2016 - CIC Confirmation of Online Application Transmission
18 July 2016 - CIC Submission Confirmation
15 Sept 2016 - CIC Original Passport Request (I am already in US)
I sent an email/enquiry to VAC in L.A. if I could send my Original Passport here in L.A. even if I applied online from Dubai and they responded "Yes" the same day, so, I sent my Passport the next day.
16 Sept 2016 - Passport mailed to VAC-L.A. thru USPS
20 Sept 2016 - VAC Passport received at VAC - L.A.
20 Sept 2016 - VAC Incomplete Application Package - Awaiting Applicant to Send Additional Documents to the VAC
So yeah, I overlooked the passport fee for online application. They sent an email to send a Money Order (30.59 USD) addressed to CSC Consular Services Inc. at Salt Lake City, Utah.
21 Sept 2016 - Money order mailed thru USPS (I reply to their email attaching the money order)
21 Sept 2016 - VAC Passport transit to Visa Office
22 Sept 2016 - VAC Passport Received by the Visa Office - Under Consideration
22 Sept 2016 - USPS Money order ready for pick up
23 Sept 2016 - USPS Money order picked up and sent to Wells Fargo
28 Sept 2016 - CIC This application has been approved
28 Sept 2016 - VAC Application Processing Completed - In Transit to the VAC
29 Sept 2016 - VAC Application Processing Completed - In Transit to the Applicant from the VAC
So, here I am, waiting. Hopefully by tomorrow (29 Sept 2016) I will receive my passport.
73 days in total. Wow! By the way, my husband and I applied at the same time, but he is in Dubai so he got his passport on 21 Sept 2016.
Good luck everyone!