Had a interesting talk with an MP regarding our cases in Islamabad.
My uncle advised me to go see this new mp that has recently came in office in the greater Montreal area. I really wasn't to excited to talk to another MP because I know it's just sympathy and generic answers. But, i thought this guy is new so maybe he will be more motivated on his new job so i decided to try him out. I called the number and Secretary picked up left my name and number and this guy called me back after few hours. I told my story (the regular Islamabad blah blah). He told me that he will check about my file and call me back. After 5 mins he calls me back (mind you previous MP would call back in 2-3 days). Well, he told me file looks good, everything is almost complete just background checks. (I was like Damn! do these guys call the FBI/CIA/ISI or something how long does it take). I knew this guy or any other mp can't do jack for us. So i told him thanks for your help (he realized i gave up on him). But then he told me somethings that were honest and weren't bullshit (like the things you read/hear form cic agents/older mp's/generic email responses for embassy/ or letters you get at home).
He said as a mp, we don't call directly an Islamabad official to get whereabouts of your file. We have just have someone who has access to immigration database and he tells us (and he doesn't know much). Basically, if your mp calls you after few days its not that he is searching rather just acting.
He did say that our email inquiries are considered more "worthy" than if you email them. Which i can confirm because mp inquires come out written in gmcs notes.
He added that it terrible that we have to wait 32 months (regardless what month the timeline was when you applied) everyone comes under 32 now and if tomorrow it goes up to 40 (I hope not) then we all will be at 40. It doesn't matter and frankly they (chc agents) don't care.
He advised every "pakistani" to apply for trv (visit visa) to reduce the pain of living alone for close to 3 years. I agree, if it works out (good on ya) if it doesn't (we were stuck anyways).
Finally, he said they (mp's) recently asked the new immigration minister Chris Alexander regarding what is going on in Islamabad and it's ridiculous timeline to what his answer was....nothing he had no answer (Chris Alexander that is)
In the end he said he was "sorry" (the sympathy) and call back in 3 months (no thank you i won't be calling back).
There it is, the bitter truth of Islamabad.
P.S if anyone lives in the greater Montreal area and wants to talk to this guy here is his number. Make sure your in the area of Ahunstic/Cartierville/St-laurent (they ask for the address)
514-383-3709
