Ontariobat said:
That sounds like a good way to go. I was thinking the same re: Australia being visa-exempt.
I received a reply from Ottawa and yes, passports are meant to be copies, phew - glad I did that. I sent my copies, photos in on the 3rd Sept, the COPR letters were dated 4th September and they were posted out on the 8th September, which I received on the 10th September.
I thought that was a pretty good turn around time considering I thought 3 weeks was the 'norm'.
Also in my conversation with the call centre I was advised that they issue COPR letters/VISAs in 'Batches', that is... they wait until they have a certain number of COPRs to do. I have no idea what that number is but I would anticipate those who put their apps in back in Dec 2014.... the 8 month mark is about right as per the spreadsheet.
My last leg is to 'land', altho technically I am already here :-D ... I couldn't be happier. I am glad there was an option 1 in the COPR letter, option 2 was at a border crossing. We will be taking them up on option 1 for our landing...
Not sure if any of the above info helps anyone...