Hi all, I've been following the thread and seeing the comments as concernss the recent delay in conclusion of FSW processing for some applicants. I've also been seeing the reactions, explanations and comments to the issue and request to contact the Canadian Prime Minister, Immigration Minister and signing of petitions. I'll just urge everyone to remain calm and focused as I believe those waiting are bigger than their current circumstances. Canada is not the only country where your life can flourish. I personally tried for US visa lotteries, UK's HSMP which I got but did not renew and even considered Australia's Skilled Worker program. If God says yes, no country can say no.
That being said, I'm reposting an explanation of what entails during Background and Security Checks phase of application processing for the benefit of those who are new to this thread. There's a version by my friend qorax but I've updated it for this thread. Older thread members would have read this before now but perhaps would like a refresher. I've enhanced this with explanations for a lot of Immigration acronyms and jargons. Here goes;
The Background Checks comprises of 2 parts:
The Standard Documentation Checks and the Security & Criminality Checks.
Standard Documentation Checks:
The background check is done at the CHC/VO (CHC is Canadian High Commission) stage. This begins when an applicant's file gets the 1st BFD (BFD means Bring Forward Date) by the VO. This leads to the e-CAS update/status "In Process". All documents have been reviewed and an applicant's NOC have been checked against the MI - Ministerial Instructions. If the VO finds our case 'eligible' for Canadian PR, the file becomes 'Accepted'; and then it goes for standard background checks, viz. Experience, Qualifications, Adaptability, Qualitative Considerations etc.
The process involves many things. If an applicant's case file is well presented and the attachments logically/sequentially arranged with appreciable quality/quantity, adequate POF documents etc., the review officer may make the discretionary call of not contacting an applicant's employers, supervisors or senior colleagues indicated on reference letters etc. The case officers are allowed to make this judgement call towards quick dispensing and conclusion of this phase. However, where there are any concerns, they may likely request for additional documents, to support their decision to approve a file for next phase. That is why some of you get additional documents requests which can include pictures of the applicant in their employer's place of business, business registration documents, copies of tax filings and calling your supervisor, checking your LinkedIn and Facebook profiles. In extreme cases, the applicant may receive physical Interview request.
This checking phase can run from three to 8 months but some may expereince longer waits. As I always say, all applications are different so don't measure your progress with your friend, NOC mate or colleagues file. When satisfied, the application progresses to the Medical Request stage, where most of you jump for joy to go to hospital! eCAs status will remain as 'In Process' at this point. When the medical results are received at London (they all pass through London), eCAs will be updated to "Medicals received".
The Security & Criminality Checks:
The other part of the background check is the 'Security Check'. THis begins after an applicant's (ans his family members) medical results are submitted to the CHC/VO by the panel physicians through the eMedical electronic system. Please note the physician does not make the final decision about the medical examination, this lies with CIC.
The security check is a serious and major phase that concerns wether we can be allowed Canadian territory considering Political, Socio-Economical, Anti-Social disposition and perceived Threat to Canada's integrity etc. Those of you that like to go on Facebook/Twitter and make certain negative posts/comments about your country/government, let me just say it is not wise.
The Security Check is a serious & time-consuming stage, involving many agencies including CSIS, Interpol, NASC, Database Checking & contacting our Local Police Authorities which is Force HQ at Alagbon, Lagos. Some of the issues considered at this phase include the number of countries an appliant and/or family members have visited, applicants coming from or visiting 'certain' countries, ex-Servicemen (people with training with arms/paramilitary), prolonged stay in a country without sufficient documents to prove cause, frequent traveling to certain nations, your *Name (your name will be run through Anti-money laundering/Anti Terrorist financing databases), Inter-Religion/Nationality Marriages etc.
If an applicant scales this phase positively, the file progresses the 'final review' stage. If there are any 'red flags', the file goes into a 'spin'. This means they may engage our local Police/CID agencies or private investigators. The outcome/timeframe of this enhanced check is beyond the control of CIC, it's up to the local police to conclude. So this affects the timeframe and nothing can rush it, not even 20 GCMS/CSEs that one may send. Please note, at this stage of enhaced security check, an applicant
may be invited for an Interview.
Once an applicant receives positive security clearance, the applicant receives the PPR mail, eCAs is updated to "Decision made". If nothing negative turns up from residual checks, the passports are stamped with the PR visas.
The Process in a Nutshell:
Stage -1: [CIO stage] Send Initial Apps + Processing Fees to CIO-Nova Scotia > Qualitative Check > Issuance of AOR >
Stage-2: [CHC stage onwards] Transfer of Applicant file to the Local Visa Office > File on Queue > e-Cas: "Received by Visa Office" > Eligibility Check + PSDEC (This means Paper Screening Decision) > Background Check > Issuance of Additional documents Request (if required) > 1st BFD > e-Cas: "In Process" > Send Additional Documents > Issuance of Medical Request + RPRF > 2nd BFD >
Stage -3: Medical results Sent > e-Cas update: "Medical Results Recieved." > Issuance of PPR > Passports received > Security Check > Visa/s Stamped > e-Cas update: "Decision Made"
Stage -4: Return of 'Stamped' Passport/s + COPR > Landing at the POE > e-Cas update: "Completed".
Please note every step outlined above was verified against information sources publicly released by the Canadian government, Immigration ministry, CIC and open sources on the Internet so it's a compendium of my information gathering and research since 2011. People are free to Google and do their own research.
It's a bright, sunny day in Mississauga right now with great temperatures across Ontario. The outlook is that we will get little snow this year and it's going to be a warm Christamas. Shout out to my people Kollins, KSA and Frances freezing their asses off in Calgary, Alberta with heavy snow. Frances my sis, you know God is still on vacation here in Toronto
All the best to you all across Canada and in Nigeria, seasons greetings from Pipi and I
