FEBRUARY 2016 - OUTLAND SPOUSAL APPLICANTS

[jwnmm]

Hey guys,

I'm planning to visit my husband for about 4 months this summer, do you think they'll give me any problems at the border if I just outright say how long I plan on staying?

Since we're going through the PR process, would they take it easier on us? (especially considering we could very well receive decision made during the time). I've had them ask nearly every time I've crossed the border since we got married and it always seemed to help rather than hinder once they knew we were working on it/were about to submit it.

I've stayed longer visits before, 2 1/2 months after we first married for example. But have yet to deal with a visit any longer than that.

 

[ScottishPolish]

Hey guys,

I'm planning to visit my husband for about 4 months this summer, do you think they'll give me any problems at the border if I just outright say how long I plan on staying?

Since we're going through the PR process, would they take it easier on us? (especially considering we could very well receive decision made during the time). I've had them ask nearly every time I've crossed the border since we got married and it always seemed to help rather than hinder once they knew we were working on it/were about to submit it.

I've stayed longer visits before, 2 1/2 months after we first married for example. But have yet to deal with a visit any longer than that.

Normally when you cross the border your tourist visa stamp is automatically valid for 6 months, unless they have concerns and then they can limit it. However you shouldn't have any problems, just say you are in process and coming to visit your husband they should be fine with that.

Having said that, I"m in a situation where my husband was here on a tourist visa, was able to get it extended while we filled out our applications, but now his expires in a month. My lawyer has said that applying for a second extension is normally not approved, so we are stuck at the moment, not sure whether or not if we simply cross into the US for a few days and come back will be acceptable to the border guys. He is from Poland, and doesn't want to go all the way back there. But he does have a US visa, so we were thinking that might be the best thing to do.

Our lawyer is zero help on this one, busy focusing on making money.... Not sure if anyone else has been in the same situation? We are at three lines on the PA side, so its just hopefully a question of time now. But my husband is stressing out completely about what to do in a month...any suggestions most appreciated...

 

[jwnmm]

Normally when you cross the border your tourist visa stamp is automatically valid for 6 months, unless they have concerns and then they can limit it. However you shouldn't have any problems, just say you are in process and coming to visit your husband they should be fine with that.

I hope so. We've even been told to avoid crossing the border together, not sure how accurate that is either but so far we've just went with it.

On another point, if anyone is interested, ECAS updated for me today with a fourth line reflecting the request for documents a few days ago. Should I call them to confirm they received it? Seems to be a lot of issues with them asking for documents multiple times.

 

[AG317]

I hope so. We've even been told to avoid crossing the border together, not sure how accurate that is either but so far we've just went with it.

On another point, if anyone is interested, ECAS updated for me today with a fourth line reflecting the request for documents a few days ago. Should I call them to confirm they received it? Seems to be a lot of issues with them asking for documents multiple times.

I don't know about your VO, but ours sent us a confirmation email stating they got our additional documents.
There was no need for us to call them!

 

[jwnmm]

I don't know about your VO, but ours sent us a confirmation email stating they got our additional documents.
There was no need for us to call them!

How long after did they confirm it? I got the automated message that confirms they received the e-mail (they asked me to scan and reply directly to the e-mail). But I just want to make sure whoever is processing my application is actually able to find it. I can imagine they receive a lot, even if my UCI and File no. was included.

 

[AG317]

How long after did they confirm it? I got the automated message that confirms they received the e-mail (they asked me to scan and reply directly to the e-mail). But I just want to make sure whoever is processing my application is actually able to find it. I can imagine they receive a lot, even if my UCI and File no. was included.

We sent ours monday night and received the automated email just like you did.
Tuesday morning we received an email stating " We acknowledge receipt of your message. Please wait for further instructions"

I know other Applicants from our Vo had to wait 2-5 days to get that email. I guess it depends on how busy the Vo is

 

[ScottishPolish]

I just found on another forum that CIC will be making changes and updating information in more detail... so hopefully that means we will be able to get more information soon on exactly where they are in the process of the application, after May 26th. Assuming that the officer at the respective VO decides to actually update ECAS. I can't post the link but this is what it says:

Starting April 9, 2016, you can get more detailed status and your mail online for some applications. You will need to have an account. You can link the following paper applications to your online account:

Visitor visa
Work permit
Study permit
Visitor record
Statuses for applications submitted on paper under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled trades program can already be checked online through your online account.

We will be adding new application types throughout the year:

May 26, 2016

Family sponsorship (conjugal partner, common-law partner, spouse and dependent child) (Excluding applications to become a sponsor)
June 9, 2016

Family sponsorship (other relatives, orphaned sibling, nephew, niece, grandchild, child to be adopted in Canada, child to be adopted by a permanent resident in Canada, parent and grandparent) (Excluding applications to become a sponsor)
July 23, 2016

Canadian Experience Class (applications made before January 1, 2015)
Federal Skilled Worker (applications made before January 1, 2015)
Federal Skilled Trade (applications made before January 1, 2015)
Provincial Nominee Program (applications made before January 1, 2015)
August 18, 2016

Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker
Quebec Investors
Quebec Entrepreneurs
Self-employed persons (including Quebec)
Start-up visa
Caregivers (Caring for people with high medical needs pathway, Caring for children pathway)
More programs will be added at a later date.

 

[jwnmm]

We sent ours monday night and received the automated email just like you did.
Tuesday morning we received an email stating " We acknowledge receipt of your message. Please wait for further instructions"

I know other Applicants from our Vo had to wait 2-5 days to get that email. I guess it depends on how busy the Vo is

I guess I'll give it a few days then since it was Thursday morning. Thanks for the info!!! Hopefully Ottawa VO doesn't try to skip out on sending a confirmation e-mail.

 

[mega_option101]

Normally when you cross the border your tourist visa stamp is automatically valid for 6 months, unless they have concerns and then they can limit it. However you shouldn't have any problems, just say you are in process and coming to visit your husband they should be fine with that.

Having said that, I"m in a situation where my husband was here on a tourist visa, was able to get it extended while we filled out our applications, but now his expires in a month. My lawyer has said that applying for a second extension is normally not approved, so we are stuck at the moment, not sure whether or not if we simply cross into the US for a few days and come back will be acceptable to the border guys. He is from Poland, and doesn't want to go all the way back there. But he does have a US visa, so we were thinking that might be the best thing to do.

Our lawyer is zero help on this one, busy focusing on making money.... Not sure if anyone else has been in the same situation? We are at three lines on the PA side, so its just hopefully a question of time now. But my husband is stressing out completely about what to do in a month...any suggestions most appreciated...

Personally, I would ask for a second extention as the process of them getting around to treating it gives you an automatic 4-5 months implied status. Should be long enough for you to have heard back from your sponsorship by then.

If you get declined then you have 90 to apply for a restoration of status.

Overall, when all is said and done, you are looking at already being done getting PR.

 

[lamyad]

Hey Guys
The famous third line my PA but no news no email is that mean the AOR2??

 

[mega_option101]

Hey Guys
The famous third line my PA but no news no email is that mean the AOR2??

Yes that is AOR2

 

[AG317]

Hey Guys, hope everyone had a great weekend.
I just have a question:
When I use my UCI (Sponsor) I see

Permanent Residence
We received your application for permanent residence on February 23, 2016.
We started processing your application on April 5, 2016.
Medical results have been received.

But when using my husbands UCI is shows

Permanent Residence
We received your application for permanent residence on February 23, 2016.
We started processing your application on April 5, 2016.
Medical results have been received.
We sent you correspondence on April 6, 2016. If you have not yet provided the information or the requested documents, please do so as soon as possible. Please wait until you receive the correspondence before sending us additional information, as the correspondence will outline all information that is required.

Now, I'm not too worried really, I just figured that eventually they would update it on my end too. But it's been 3 weeks and still nothing.
I'm just wondering if that's te case with anyone else? I mean, i might as well stop checking with my UCI and just use my husbands if they just don't bother updating the Sponsors ECAS ???

Also, on an unrelated note, what exactly is the different between criminality check and security check? Apparently they run both, but what exactly is the difference? Thanks!

 

[mega_option101]

Hey Guys, hope everyone had a great weekend.
I just have a question:
When I use my UCI (Sponsor) I see

Permanent Residence
We received your application for permanent residence on February 23, 2016.
We started processing your application on April 5, 2016.
Medical results have been received.

But when using my husbands UCI is shows

Permanent Residence
We received your application for permanent residence on February 23, 2016.
We started processing your application on April 5, 2016.
Medical results have been received.
We sent you correspondence on April 6, 2016. If you have not yet provided the information or the requested documents, please do so as soon as possible. Please wait until you receive the correspondence before sending us additional information, as the correspondence will outline all information that is required.

Now, I'm not too worried really, I just figured that eventually they would update it on my end too. But it's been 3 weeks and still nothing.
I'm just wondering if that's te case with anyone else? I mean, i might as well stop checking with my UCI and just use my husbands if they just don't bother updating the Sponsors ECAS ???

Also, on an unrelated note, what exactly is the different between criminality check and security check? Apparently they run both, but what exactly is the difference? Thanks!

I checked this out, and here is what mine is like:

Using my UCI:

1. We received your application for permanent residence on February 15, 2016.
2. We started processing your application on April 4, 2016.
3. Medical results have been received.

Using my wife's UCI:

1. We received your application for permanent residence on February 15, 2016.
2. We sent you correspondence acknowledging receipt of your application(s) on April 12, 2016.
3. We started processing your application on April 4, 2016.
4. Medical results have been received.

Which is interesting as my wife never received any e-mail.

Hope this helps you out!

 

[AG317]

I checked this out, and here is what mine is like:

Using my UCI:

1. We received your application for permanent residence on February 15, 2016.
2. We started processing your application on April 4, 2016.
3. Medical results have been received.

Using my wife's UCI:

1. We received your application for permanent residence on February 15, 2016.
2. We sent you correspondence acknowledging receipt of your application(s) on April 12, 2016.
3. We started processing your application on April 4, 2016.
4. Medical results have been received.

Which is interesting as my wife never received any e-mail.

Hope this helps you out!

haha so basically, out best bet is to just check our spouses UCI's from now on. Seems like they don't really keep the sponsors up to date

 

[AG317]

For anyone else who was wondering about SECURITY & CRIMINALITY CHECKS
I copied this information from another Fourm .The information provided by QORAX one of the VIP members :

Background & Security Checks

Note: Our Background Check comprises of 2 parts:
1. The Standard Documentation Checks,
2. The Security & Criminality Checks.

Standard Documentation Checks:
Our background check is done at the CHC stage. It commences the moment our file gets the 1st BFD by the VO. An indicator of which is the e-CAS that shows "In Progress". All docs been checked & our NOC being tallied against the MI, if the VO finds our case 'eligible' for Canadian PR, the file becomes 'Accepted'; and then it goes for standard background checks, viz. Exp, Quals, Adaptability, Qualitative Considerations etc.

The process involves many things. If our case file is well presented and the enclosures vouch the quality-quantity, adequate POF docs etc., there might not be a requirement of 'actually' calling the employers, references etc. The VOs have a way with that, they are experienced enough to ascertain the logical disposition of our case. But, if there are any concerns of his/her, s/he is likely to ask for additional docs, do further scrutiny vide any means [calling, visiting etc.] & might ask for an Interview.

-Culmination: When 'fully' satisfied, we get the 'Medical Request'.
-Timeframe: Can be anything around 3-8* months, for the 'fast track' system (Avg. 4-5 months).
-eCAS: Continues to Show 'In Process'.
*The older system has a queue, thus can be longer.

Security & Criminality Checks:
A part of the b/ground checks is the 'Security Check'. It commences after our med results are submitted to the CHC. This is a major activity -mainly concerning our 'safe inclusion' into the Canadian Soil; vis-a-vis, Political, Socio-Econmical, Anti-Social disposition, perceived Threat to Canada's integrity etc. This gets us the SDEC, CDEC & SECCRIM.

This is a serious & time-consuming stage, involving many agencies, including CSIS, Interpol, NASC, Database Checking & touch-base with Local Police. Many things are considered here... the No. of countries visited, Applicant coming from 'certain' countries, ex-Servicemen [including Law Enforcement services], Prolonged stay in a country w/out sufficient docs to prove cause, frequent traveling to certain nations, your *Name (?), Inter-Religion/Nationality Marriages etc.

If everything is simple & straight, the file soon gets into the 'final review' stage. If there are any 'red flags', our case goes into a 'spin'. Then our file might go to the local Police/CID agencies; the outcome/timeframe of which is beyond the control of CIC. And thereby the timeframe can be anything [sometimes beyond 1yr]. But, usually this stage should be over by 5 months max. However, a point to be noted is that we can also be called for an Interview [at this stage], due to this reason.

-Culmination: Only upon security clearance we receive the PPR.
-Timeframe: Around 2-6 months. Avg. 3 months. [With new system, sometimes PPR is clubbed with Meds]
-eCAS: Still 'In Process', but 'Med Results Recd.' inside.

*Yes, that's how a certain Mr. Sharukh Khan was detained for 4.5 hrs in an US port. He was a VIP, thus 4.5 hrs. For u & me -things could be different.
...
The Process in a Nutshell:

Stage-1: [CIO stage] Send Initial Apps+Processing Fees to CIO-NS > Qualitative Check > Issue of AOR+120 days Letter >

Stage-2: [CHC stage onwards] Send Full Docs+RPRF to the Local Visa Office > File on Queue > e-Cas: "Received by Visa Office" > Eligibility Check+PSDEC > Issue of 2nd AOR > Background Check > Issue of Additional docs Request [if any] > 1st BF'D > e-Cas: "In Process" > Send Addnl. Docs > Issue of Med Request > 2nd BF'D >

Stage-3: Meds Sent > e-Cas: "Medical Results Recd." > Issue of PPR* > Send Passport/s > Security Check > Visa/s Stamped > e-Cas: "Decision Made" >
*The Meds & PPR are sometimes 'clubbed' together.

Stage-4: Return of 'Stamped' Passport/s+COPR > Landing at the POE > e-Cas: "Completed".

Not sure how accurate this is, but it gives us a rough idea!