For over 2 months??? 'Code 12 - file is under review'

[clubcanada]

Hi all,

My wife's spousal application is currently being processed in Beijing. The file status can be checked through the Embassy's file system and indicates that her file is on 'code 12' (file is under review). The status has not changed for about 2 months now. Is it common that a file is being reviewed for so long? It's supposed to be a straight-forward case as this does not involve any kids nor prior marriages...

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[New Wife]

I would not worry about it too much. 2 months is a very short period of time. Some embassies make you wait 6-9 months to hear anything. If you look online the Beijing office is averaging about 4 months to process about 80% of the applications. So it looks like you are right on track.

If after 4 months you hear nothing, then maybe you will want to inquire about what is happening. Did you receive an AOR letter letting you know how long your application might take to process? That should give you a better idea of how long this process will take.

But seriously 2 months is nothing. Just hang in there, I know this is very hard.

New Wife

 

[clubcanada]

Hi New Wife,

Thanks for your reply. I'm aware that a 2-months waiting time is not much. However, Beijing has its own tracking system, which is much more detailed than ecas and also the application process differs a little bit from other embassies. For example, your passport is being sent in right after AOR and medical is a part of the initial application package.

I dont know exactly how long a case is supposed to be under review (code 12) but from what I've heard from others whose case is being processed in Beijing, normally this process step doesnt exceed 4 weeks unless additional docs are requested (code 6) - otherwise the whole application process might exceed the targeted 4 months easily. Our case has been on code 12 for over 2 months now.

These are the specific CODES used by Beijing:

2 = Interview schedule
5 = Request letter sent
6 = Additional documents request
12 = File under review
13 = Your Case has been Finalised
14 = File is in waiting queue
17 = Decision mailed

 

[New Wife]

That is interesting. My suggestion, if what you are experiencing is out of the norm for your embassy, is to contact your local MP and have them write a letter on your behalf asking the embassy for further details on your application.
We had to do that with my husband's application. The MP was very helpful. They can't move your application along any faster, but they have the authority to ask on your behalf what is going on and if there is a problem. That might be a good way to go for you.

Just give your MP all the details and tell them you are worried that this has been in code 12 for longer than is the norm and you would just like to know what is going on. The MP will find out what you need to know.

Wish I could be of more help.

New Wife

 

[RobsLuv]

Just for the record, Beijing is not the only embassy that requires the medical exam proof to be part of the initial application - all spousal and common-law applications have that requirement.

Beijing is currently reporting 4 months to finalize spousal aps - so you are still well within "normal" processing timelines. Comparing your processing timeline to what others report will only frustrate you. As long as she has not received a request from Beijing for additional information or an interview, you can assume that things are going along normally. It's possible that it's just taking some time for them to receive her background checks. Normally an MP's office is not going to make an inquiry unless you are well past the outside processing limits.

 

[clubcanada]

I guess you're right. It's better to sit and wait. I shouldnt rely too much on the online status as it sometimes is misleading...

 

[clubcanada]

hi all, here's an update on our case from beijing:
what should I say? I maybe just should have been patient: After new year the application process suddenly took off at an amazing speed and our application went from 'decision made' to 'decision sent' within one week. The next day my wife got her passport including the visa via express mail... the overall process took around 4 months in total (including sponsorship approval of around 6 weeks).
... I got to admit that at the end I wasn't sure whether I was more surprised about the quick timeline or happy that she got approved...
Just kidding - now I'm in trouble anyway as I'm running out of time to get the home cleaned up so fast....

so I'll be off now...
best wishes to you all and all the best!

 

[thaihubbie]

Hi clubcanada, I'm sponsoring my Thai husband but have chosen Beijing as our processing office because we have been living and working in Mongolia over one year now. Could you clarify what you wrote about the passport being sent in right after AOR?

However, Beijing has its own tracking system, which is much more detailed than ecas and also the application process differs a little bit from other embassies. For example, your passport is being sent in right after AOR and medical is a part of the initial application package.