All we can hope is that stage 2 will go a bit faster because of the long wait for stage 1 approval. The HK VO shows a timeline of 18 months, but that's for 80% of cases...so my wife and I are really hoping our case falls within the 20% range which shows about 6 months to process. We have prepared an addendum to our original application and will be sending it at the end of this week or early next week. Basically we have furthered our plans to re-establish in Canada:
1. Signed pet relocation contract with $150 deposit;
2. Signed lease extension addendum (with mention of the reason why - waiting for my wife's PR status) - it will be month-to-month starting on March 1, 2013;
3. Quotation for shipping some of our belongings;
4. Quotation from expedia.com for our flight to Canada;
5. Detailed relocation budget;
6. Updated plans for my wife's employment in Canada;
7. Updated plans for our son's schooling in Canada; and
8. 5 page updated plan for re-establishing in Canada
The only two things I cannot do at this time is resign from my employer and buy our tickets. I have explained that resigning now, with a possible 18-month timeline, would put us in a very difficult position financially. As for the tickets, we cannot buy them until we have confirmation of my wife's visa. I really hope that the VO will understand these two points.
The above is in addition to what we originally submitted:
1. Job offer from Canadian employer;
2. Status with a Canadian university including my student ID number;
3. Letter from my parents stating we can stay with them until we have sorted out our housing;
4. E-mails with banks and realtors enquiring about mortgages / properties;
5. 4.5 page detailed plan for our return to Canada
We will also include updates to our proof of relationship evidence. Since submitting, there have been a number of family gatherings / outings. So, we will include pictures with descriptions. We are not at all concerned about whether the VO will believe we are in a genuine relationship, but it's still good to include updates just to show them what's been happening since we first submitted our package to CIC. We're trying to be proactive so that they do not request further information later on...
For all those still waiting for stage 1 approval, hang in there...you'll all get approved! While waiting, keep noting down further evidence that you can use later on...it will definitely be of help...the more quality evidence you submit, the less likely it is for the VO to delay your app by requesting this information. Be proactive and stay on top of things...
FS
