Hi,
I've dwelt on it here many times, a simple 'search' could've got u ur answers. Nonetheless here's them once again...
1. How to 'split' the names:
e.g.1: If the name is "Shahrukh Khan"... pls split it as: Given Name = Shahrukh; Last Name = Khan
e.g.2: If the name is "Arthur Ira Garfunkel"... pls split it as: Given Name = Arthur Ira; Last Name = Garfunkel
e.g.3: If the name is "Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani"... pls split it as: Given Name = Ali Al-Husayni; Last Name = Al-Sistani
2. I've 'renewed' my pps, after PPR should I submit 'only' the new ones or the 'old' ones as well:
Ans.: If the 'old' pps were mentioned in the application, or any time during the processing, we r required to submit both. For which we need to 'staple' the older pp onto the 'new pp booklet'. Well, we've observed that few got away with submitting only the new pps; while we've also observed that few were 'asked' by their IO's to produce their older pp as well. And then, those cases got delayed, the onus of which rest ironically with the applicant him/herself. Thus, the thumb-rule is, "submit both"... in any case that's what CIC desires as well.
3. What do I write as my 'eye-color' in the UIC:
Ans.: There's no way our VOs could X-check our eye-colors against what we wrote, neither the BSO @ the POE would care. However, down the line, somewhere, sometime, there could be a need to identify ourselves. Thus, it'd be wise to write our eye-color as candidly as possible. Having actually a 'black' pupil we wouldn't like to be harassed (if & when the time comes) for writing "blue" in our documents, would we? As regards a selection between 'Black' or 'Brown': let's be clear that if we observe our pupils in broad daylight it gets pretty evident which color they r... it's then easy to distinguish between 'black' or 'brown' eyes. However, let's also be clear that if we chose to write 'brown' instead when it actually was 'black' (or vice-versa) -- it wouldn't mater much... that's just a boner.
4. How to 'send' our pps from the Middle East to CHC-London:
Ans.: The system with most VOs is to submit our pps thru courier (viz. Aramex, FedEx, DHL, TNT, UPS etc.). With most VOs we send a "returning arrangement" as well (viz. we contact the courier company to bring our pps back too, by paying both ways upfront). However, with LVO, for Middle East applicants, the 'returning arrangement' isn't required (not that we still cannot do it, but it could be avoided). For Middle East cases, those which r served by CHC-London, our returning pps r channelled thru CHC-Adh. London sends them via their 'diplomatic bag', which is a bi-weekly affair between CHC-Adh & CHC-London... usually they come to Abu Dhabi on Tuesdays (alternate ones, mind it). CHC-Adh has an arrangement with Aramex (their contracted couriers). Thus, on receipt of our pps -- Adh despatch cell calls Aramex -- who in turn deliver it to our "door" and collect the charges directly from us, at the 'door'. Remember, we need to enclose an 'empty' but 'labeled' A4 size envelope (having our address, but without any fee arrangement) alongwith our pps, post the PPR. Aramex delivers our pps to that address. And this 'delivery system' holds good for all local nations, viz. Bahrain, Oman, Qatar etc. not just for the emirates of the UAE.
5. What all comes in that Aramex package:
Ans.: That Aramex package will have our 'stamped' pps (with the 'counterfoil' of the PR visa), our COPR and an 'instructions letter' for assisting with our 'landing'... that's it. In some cases, where it applies, it'd also contain a SJTD (more on it in my separate thread at the "General Forum"). While in some cases LVO returned their 'original' edn certs. (if submitted) as well in that packet, but for some they didn't (it came separately).
6. What will be the 'expiry date' of my PR visa; or when can I use it:
Ans.: Typically our PR visa/s will be valid till 'one-year' from the day we had taken our meds, OR in cognizance to / as per the expiry of any one's pps in the family. Note: if any one's pps expire before 1-yr from the meds -- all the family member's PR visas will be be valid 'only' till that date irrespective of whether his/her pps were yet valid. Everyone in the family is required to 'enter' Canada within that visa expiry date to perform our "Record of Landing"... only then we become PRs. Importantly, if the family is 'landing separately' -- the PA needs to 'land' first, and not vice-versa. Furthermore, if any one doesn't 'land' within his/her PR visa expiry... his/her case stands 'invalidated' -- and he needs to start the process all over again (DANGER). Thus, it's my personal opinion that once issued with our PRVs - we should book our flights asap & enter Canada at the earliest without considering the time of the year / or the weather / or the schooling session etc. Incidentally nothing stops here (in Canada) during the winters... it's business as usual; and the 'cold' doesn't matter as well - b'coz it's similar to the 'hot' of the Middle East -- we never remained outside there for long & received a 'heat-stroke', did we? While everything/every place there was 'airconditioned', right? So is Canada... everything / every where is 'heated'... it's just the opposite -- but the factors r constant. And reg. 'schooling' -- remember, whenever we come - our kids WILL BE ADMITTED into the appropriate school (anytime of the year), there's a law to that effect.
Hope that cleared all.
Qorax
Ps.: I chose to write here instead of replying to ur PM for the benefit of everyone; and I've not divulged any of ur personal details.