August 2018 AOR - join here

[aNewLife]

I think this is some kind of a technical mistake. The most important thing is that we see the biometrics data in our profiles. And we informed CIC about the problem. So let's keep calm and wait.

Ah, yes! I see that the info is on my profile too... phew!

I guess we have to wait for an update from CIC

I'm glad I'm not in the boat alone

 

[p_d2058]

Received the passport request today.

AOR – Aug 2nd

FSW-Outland (US)

GPF and RPRF was paid upfront.

The last status update I had received from my attorneys was on last Wednesday and till that time there had been no movement on my application beyond MEP. BG check was reflected as “In progress. We will let you know when we start your background check.” This was the status that they had seen all throughout after my submission. This makes me think that the online statuses aren’t very reliable. As someone has already pointed out on this forum (and my attorney also told me the same thing), the terms IP1, IP2 etc are invented by folks on immigration forums and aren’t indicative of much.

A few observations if it helps anyone:

1) I don’t think complex travel histories necessarily make your processing slower. I say this because I had a complicated travel and address history with multiple short stays in several countries. There were a little over 20 countries in my travel history with multiple visits. I also had SEVERAL address changes due to assignments over different geographies. I was concerned that this would slow down my application. However, when I had applied, a few of my other friends had applied as well. We all had AORs in either first or second week of August. While all of them got PPRs in less than 60 days (all were US based), myself and one other guy were still pending. I received mine today. But the other guy who is still pending has literally no international travel history (the US is his first overseas move besides his home country). He literally had only two jobs listed on his application. So his case was extremely straightforward. But he still hasn’t received his PPR. So less travel history doesn't make your case move faster. I think there are no rules to this.


2) I think the police clearance requirements are a little funky. I had two work visits to Singapore (total stay was about 10 days short of 180 days). So I shouldn’t have required a police clearance certificate. However, when my attorney was submitting my application, he was seeing a message that said that the IRCC will provide a letter for the Singapore PCC and that letter is to be used for requesting the Singaporean PCC.


My attorney had made me provide a letter of explanation that stated that my stay in Singapore was less than 180 days and therefore I should not need a PCC. I had clearly stated in my letter that if the IRCC still wants the PCC, they may provide me the letter and I’ll be happy to get the PCC.


We never got the letter from IRCC – nor was there an ADR for the Singapore PCC. I was basically never asked for the Singapore PCC at all (and this was what my attorney had expected).


3) I had not provided the reference letter for one of my employers since nobody from their end was responding after multiple attempts to reach them. So I had provided the offer letter, appointment letter and paystubs along with the LOE. I believe the IRCC considered this as acceptable since I was not asked for any ADR regarding this employment.

4) Two of my US employers have not received any call/email to verify my employment details. I do not know if the rest were contacted or not since they aren't in the US. But none of my US employers were contacted for sure.

Hope everyone who is still waiting receives the good news soon.

 

[p_d2058]

Try using the other number. The one with 1800.

I use Skype to make the call.

Hey thanks Sunshine!

I got my PPR - so wouldn't need to call. But thank you for the suggestion! And good luck with your application!

 

[ujumash83]

Many Thanks![/QUOTE]

1. There is no point for estimate the time btw MEP and ip1. Some people got to ip2 right after MEP but have to wait months
for ppr while some people wait months at ip1 and in ip1 for only a day before ppr. 2.no. I don’t think it does. I have seen people with a lot of travel history got ppr in 2 months. 3. Yes, you can order it already. Since it takes a month, I’d suggest you to do it ASAP. 4.it starts from the date of your AOR, not MEP. 5. Sorry, I know nothing about biometrics

Thank you ivyxu644. Your response is really helpful. I will order the GCMS notes immediately.

 

[ujumash83]

He doesn't need biometrics since his AOR wasn't after July 31. Accra shouldn't be processing this thingy. They should concentrate on putting labels.

Oh really? I didn't know that. Thank goodness! That will shorten the processing time... Thanks @Swordwater for chipping in

 

[Bandit Queen]

Received the passport request today.

AOR – Aug 2nd

FSW-Outland (US)

GPF and RPRF was paid upfront.

The last status update I had received from my attorneys was on last Wednesday and till that time there had been no movement on my application beyond MEP. BG check was reflected as “In progress. We will let you know when we start your background check.” This was the status that they had seen all throughout after my submission. This makes me think that the online statuses aren’t very reliable. As someone has already pointed out on this forum (and my attorney also told me the same thing), the terms IP1, IP2 etc are invented by folks on immigration forums and aren’t indicative of much.

A few observations if it helps anyone:

1) I don’t think complex travel histories necessarily make your processing slower. I say this because I had a complicated travel and address history with multiple short stays in several countries. There were a little over 20 countries in my travel history with multiple visits. I also had SEVERAL address changes due to assignments over different geographies. I was concerned that this would slow down my application. However, when I had applied, a few of my other friends had applied as well. We all had AORs in either first or second week of August. While all of them got PPRs in less than 60 days (all were US based), myself and one other guy were still pending. I received mine today. But the other guy who is still pending has literally no international travel history (the US is his first overseas move besides his home country). He literally had only two jobs listed on his application. So his case was extremely straightforward. But he still hasn’t received his PPR. So less travel history doesn't make your case move faster. I think there are no rules to this.


2) I think the police clearance requirements are a little funky. I had two work visits to Singapore (total stay was about 10 days short of 180 days). So I shouldn’t have required a police clearance certificate. However, when my attorney was submitting my application, he was seeing a message that said that the IRCC will provide a letter for the Singapore PCC and that letter is to be used for requesting the Singaporean PCC.


My attorney had made me provide a letter of explanation that stated that my stay in Singapore was less than 180 days and therefore I should not need a PCC. I had clearly stated in my letter that if the IRCC still wants the PCC, they may provide me the letter and I’ll be happy to get the PCC.


We never got the letter from IRCC – nor was there an ADR for the Singapore PCC. I was basically never asked for the Singapore PCC at all (and this was what my attorney had expected).


3) I had not provided the reference letter for one of my employers since nobody from their end was responding after multiple attempts to reach them. So I had provided the offer letter, appointment letter and paystubs along with the LOE. I believe the IRCC considered this as acceptable since I was not asked for any ADR regarding this employment.

4) Two of my US employers have not received any call/email to verify my employment details. I do not know if the rest were contacted or not since they aren't in the US. But none of my US employers were contacted for sure.

Hope everyone who is still waiting receives the good news soon.

Just to get an idea, which visa office was processing your application? I am also in US and at 50 day mark trying to guage how much I have to wait.Thanks

 

[mindblowz]

Received the passport request today.

AOR – Aug 2nd

FSW-Outland (US)

GPF and RPRF was paid upfront.

The last status update I had received from my attorneys was on last Wednesday and till that time there had been no movement on my application beyond MEP. BG check was reflected as “In progress. We will let you know when we start your background check.” This was the status that they had seen all throughout after my submission. This makes me think that the online statuses aren’t very reliable. As someone has already pointed out on this forum (and my attorney also told me the same thing), the terms IP1, IP2 etc are invented by folks on immigration forums and aren’t indicative of much.

A few observations if it helps anyone:

1) I don’t think complex travel histories necessarily make your processing slower. I say this because I had a complicated travel and address history with multiple short stays in several countries. There were a little over 20 countries in my travel history with multiple visits. I also had SEVERAL address changes due to assignments over different geographies. I was concerned that this would slow down my application. However, when I had applied, a few of my other friends had applied as well. We all had AORs in either first or second week of August. While all of them got PPRs in less than 60 days (all were US based), myself and one other guy were still pending. I received mine today. But the other guy who is still pending has literally no international travel history (the US is his first overseas move besides his home country). He literally had only two jobs listed on his application. So his case was extremely straightforward. But he still hasn’t received his PPR. So less travel history doesn't make your case move faster. I think there are no rules to this.


2) I think the police clearance requirements are a little funky. I had two work visits to Singapore (total stay was about 10 days short of 180 days). So I shouldn’t have required a police clearance certificate. However, when my attorney was submitting my application, he was seeing a message that said that the IRCC will provide a letter for the Singapore PCC and that letter is to be used for requesting the Singaporean PCC.


My attorney had made me provide a letter of explanation that stated that my stay in Singapore was less than 180 days and therefore I should not need a PCC. I had clearly stated in my letter that if the IRCC still wants the PCC, they may provide me the letter and I’ll be happy to get the PCC.


We never got the letter from IRCC – nor was there an ADR for the Singapore PCC. I was basically never asked for the Singapore PCC at all (and this was what my attorney had expected).


3) I had not provided the reference letter for one of my employers since nobody from their end was responding after multiple attempts to reach them. So I had provided the offer letter, appointment letter and paystubs along with the LOE. I believe the IRCC considered this as acceptable since I was not asked for any ADR regarding this employment.

4) Two of my US employers have not received any call/email to verify my employment details. I do not know if the rest were contacted or not since they aren't in the US. But none of my US employers were contacted for sure.

Hope everyone who is still waiting receives the good news soon.

Congratz!

Happy to hear that complex travel history doesn't make processing slower. I too have complex travel and adress history.

 

[expressca]

I never got that email. Are you applying for PR? (FSW-O)
Do you track it on CIC or the VFS site?

Check if you received any receipt from them after doing biometrics. In my case, the tracking number was on the receipt.

 

[ggeet]

Just submitted my second ADR request. Now wait for another month before new update.

Just FYI, If some one is having difficulty submitting a CSE after typing down all information, your browser may not be compatible just open the webform in a different browser. Took me 2 days to figure out.

 

[SachinNayyar]

Hi everyone! Is there any customer care id on which I can send mail to check application status instead of calling them ??

Thx for help in advance

 

[ggeet]

I think so...It's been almost 70 days.One month cross after turned my application to IP1, then nothing changes. Even, they did not ask for RPRf payment. Passing very tense day and night

I am with you, on my 80th day after 2 ADR requests did not receive RPRF payment request either

 

[Archavin89]

I am with you, on my 80th day after 2 ADR requests did not receive RPRF payment request either

What were the ADRs?

 

[ggeet]

What were the ADRs?

ADR 1- LOE for personal history/ Employment
ADR-2 Schedule A form for personal history/ Employment history

 

[louardjoe]

Ummm...I think I am going crazy...my status changed on 20 Oct to what I think/thought was IP2 and now I think it has changed again but I might be a little crazy...The status before said Your background Check is in Progress, we will contact you if we need more information. Now it says Your background check is being processed, we will contact you if we need more information.....I am sure of it but have never read of statuses changing like that? I thought there was only 1 status update between In progress and PPR....but then again I have checked the account so many times I might have lost my marbles.

 

[Bandit Queen]

Sharing some useful info here:

Visa Office

There has been an obsession of finding which visa office the application is at. Many threads on this forum start with explaining how to find your visa office. Let's get to the crux of it. Finding the visa office was very relevant pre- express entry. Even after the introduction of express entry in 2015, the same practice was followed which usually was for the paper based application, but that is no longer the case. Earlier all application followed the following trajectory:

Central Intake Office - Case Processing Centre - Local Visa Office

However, this has radically changed and for all express entry, all application follow the following:

1. Central Intake Office - The R10 (completeness check) is done at the Central Intake Office for all classes (FSW / PNP / CEC). Now even the criminality and medicals are done at CIO.

2. Case Processing Centre - There are 4 case processing offices of IRCC, which are as follows:

Sydney, Nova Scotia - Seals with the following:

• provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Non-Express Entry applications
• Centralized Intake Office – Immigrant Investor Program (IIP)
  
• Centralized Intake Office – Quebec Skilled Workers (QSW)
  
• Centralized Intake Office – Start Up Business Class
• Centralized Intake Office – Self Employed (SE)
• Centralized Intake Office – Quebec Business Class (QBC)
• Centralized Intake Office – Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

Now has started doing eligibility for EE applications in limited numbers.

Vegreville, Alberta
Deals with Specialized permanent resident application. Those following in the category of Medical needs, work permits, work permits for spouses, study permits, co-op permits. EE applications which have a downgraded category.

This is the place where you EE application will land if any of the members in the application have a medical condition. This is where determinations of refusal, monitoring etc are made.

Now has started doing eligibility for EE applications in limited numbers.

Mississauga, Ontario
Only deals with family class PR applications.
No EE applications are dealt here so far.

Ottawa, Ontario
This is the most important processing office for all EE, and it is also the Local Visa Office for in-land applicants and those applying from USA.

Local Visa Office - This is the office where you will be asked to submit your passport after your application has been approved. Usually the consulate in your home country.

These days all application after starting at CIO (where R10 is met), either start the processing of eligibility at CIO itself, or move to CPC (wither Ottawa, Sydney, or Vegreville), or are straight sent to the LVO. The trend has been to complete most of the processing between CIO and CPC. Since the applications are electronically stored, there is no movement of physical files.

SUGGESTION - There is no point sending emails to ask which VO your application is at, as that process is moot since the eligibility can even start at CIO. So save yourself some time and efforts and also save the human resources of IRCC and stop sending emails. Even if you know which VO your application is at, it means nothing. Most applications which are processed within weeks and get PPR, are processed at CIO, and this is a much faster way.

A few applications will see eligibility passed, and then go to not started when the application is sent to the LVO. This is because the final review is done at the LVO, and the local agent may decide to conduct additional review, or identification before the eligibility is finally set to PASSED.


Tracking your application

Unfortunately the only thing that you see is your MyCIC account. There has been a growing trend of speculation where change of status on MyCIC has been attributed to eligibility being passed, etc. The whole NA, IP IP2 is speculation and has no bearing on determining which stage your application is at. While any change of status is a good sign, but merely relying on NA and IP is not the correct way.

Most applicants will find it irrelevant, as their applications will be processed and approved within the first 3-4 months. It is those who wait for more than 4 months, where things go crazy as they keep relying on NA, IP etc, and see no movement or progress. Many other are stuck on so called IP2, and the PPR never seems to come.

So put these speculative theories to rest. As per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, regulations and the ministeral instructions every application goes through the following stages:

R10 (Completeness check)
Medicals
Criminality
A11.2 Eligibility (The most important stage)
Security

To read more on each stage click here. While most applicants will not need to go this deep, but for those who have concerns about the application or it is taking too long should see which stage they are at. Also, the only way to determine the stage is by GCMS notes. To read more on GCMS notes, see the thread here.

ECAS (Electronic Client Application Status) -

This was the most important tool pre EE to track an application and provided much more in-depth status than what MyCIC does. However, after the IRCC moved to the Global Case Management System (AKA GCMS) applications are no longer linked to ECAS.

So there is no point going there and checking.

Letter of Explanation -
As the name suggests, the LoE is exact what it sounds like. It is not an idea for the documents and you do not have to explain each document you are submitting in your application.

The simple rules to follow for LoE -

• Should be 1-2 pages in length. If you cannot explain it in 1-2 pages, it is probably not worth it.
  
• Only use LoE to explain an issue. Eg. you could not obtain a reference letter on letterhead, could not meet PoF 6 months avg balance, seeking exemption or extension from PCC, or to explain something in your application which is not clear.
  
• IRCC Agents do read LoE, but if its too long and not to the point, it loses its importance.
• You DO NOT need an index for your documents. There are placeholders for the documents just put each document there and when it is stored on the IRCC system it is names and stored in an organized way.

THESE ARE MY VIEWS AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THESE. IF YOU HAVE CONTRARY VIEWS, JUST OGNORE IT AND DO WHAT YOUR CONSULTANT ASKED YOU, OR WHAT YOU DEEM FIT.

I applied from US but mine is at Sydney office. Wonder why?