Hong Kong processing times - 19 months??!!!

[Fencesitter]

Hi all ,

I'm new to this forum, so I thought it wise to say hello to all and a big thanks for having such a great resource!!

So, I've been living with my wife in Guangzhou for the past 5 years. My wife is Chinese and I am a Canadian citizen by birth. My wife is pregnant and will deliver our son in the next couple of weeks. Our son will be a Canadian citizen, so no worries about adding him to the permanent resident applications. The thing is, how can one plan to return home when the time it takes to process the visa out of Hong Kong is nearly two years? I've read and heard from friends that it can take as little as 4 months! The timing is the main issue that I am concerned with because we have a car and a ton of stuff to either sell or ship to Canada. Anyone have experience dealing with the consulate in Hong Kong? Does it really take nearly two years? Seems way too long!

I also have a question related to proving I'm going home with my wife and son. I can get a letter of employment from my dad (he owns his own company), so I'll more than likely work for him, yet I don't know what exactly needs to be stated in the letter? Will immigration Canada contact my dad to enquire about the details of employment (salary, hours, holidays, etc...)??? I prefer to keep such matters private if at all possible.

We plan to go back in two years (mainly due to the 19 month processing time out of Hong Kong). Should I send in my application package and payment now? I'm concerned that my application will be approved too early...I still need to do a lot of things!!! I don't know what would happen if it only took 4 months but we're not ready to go...

I'll be posting a lot more in the coming days and weeks as I prepare the application and supporting documents. I'll also try to contribute useful information based on my communications with immigration Canada!

Thanks!
Fencesitter

 

[Fencesitter]

Any chance of getting some help or info?

 

[FranFran]

Hi there

It's hard to say. The average processing time for 80% of cases is 19 mths (which is likely due to interviews). I wanna know about the processing time of the remaining 20% as well.

I am a Hong Kong resident married to a Canadian citizen. My husband sent the application in end-May this year and we got the approval for sponsorship in mid-Jul.

I got a letter dated Aug 22 waiving me a selection interview. In the letter the visa office asked me to apply for the certificate of no criminal record from the HK Police and said it expects to finalize my application and issue a visa once the documentation are ready.

I keep checking the ecas these days but am stilling for my 'decision made'...

As far as I know, the medical result is valid within a year. If you plan to leave for Canada two years later, you need to take this into account

Good luck!

 

[steaky]

Hey Fen,

No need to add your son in the PR application. Instead as soon as the child is born, you apply the Canadian citizenship card and passport on the behalf of the child. Read some of my older posts for details:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/child-born-to-a-canadian-citizen-outside-canada-t61657.15.html

If your wife's hometown is in Northern China (according to her Hukou), you can designate Beijing as the visa office processing your wife's application. Beijing takes 4 months in average.

Having tons of stuff from China ship to Canada is not an issue. I recently shipped my belongings to Vancouver from China. All you have to do is prepare the goods accompany form and goods follow form, get it stamped by CBSA, upon your returning to Canada / wife's landing. From the movers came to my former home and pack my stuff into a container up to delivery to my new home in Vancouver, the process just took around 1 month. It would be better if you have someone in China taking care of the packing while you setting up your new home in Canada.

The employment letter from your dad would be a great idea. Ask him to give you another letter that he is willing to give you and your family accommodation until you find yourself a home.

Yes, send your application package and payment as soon as you are ready. You don't need to move right away to Canada after your wife gets her PR visa to Canada. Depending the expiry date of her passport, she will have within up to one year to land in Canada. When to move to Canada after your wife got her PR visa is really up to you. You could move right away to Canada after your wife get her PR visa or you can return to China after landing and plan the schedule later on. It's very flexible. Plan ahead and Good luck.

 

[Fencesitter]

Hey all,

Thanks a lot for the replies.

Yes, I will ask my dad to write those letters.

So if it really does take 19 months for the visa to be processed, I should send my application in October 2011 to ensure everything is sorted by the summer of 2013.

I also read on this forum something about a 'Letter of Release'. I am currently teaching, so would I need my employer to write this letter at the end of the 2012-2013 contract? Or is this letter only necessary for folks working in Hong Kong? I am confused about this part.

So far, I have organized all applications for parts 1-3. We are in the process of organizing our supporting documentation. Once that is all completed, we will pay the $75 + $475 + $490 (the payment of the $490 was recommended on the guide).

When should my wife go to get the police clearance and medical? Does she wait until I have been approved as the sponsor?

We also found out some information on banking and mortgages. I have been a non-resident of Canada for over ten years. I have never had a credit card. I was beginning to lose hope that we could secure a loan. Thanks to the Bank of Montreal and their "Newcomers to Canada" program, my wife will have no trouble securing a loan. What a great program! Too bad they don't offer similar programs for Canadian citizens in my situation. I don't really like the fact that banks basically force you to get a credit card to establish a credit history. I think it's unfair to those of us who prefer to pay cash or save enough money to make bigger purchases (e.g. a car). I've never had any debt and have always paid my bills on time...this should count!

Anyway, I'm losing sleep over all this stuff. Never have I felt so stressed!!! The process seems so time consuming and complicated, when in fact it doesn't need to be this way.

Please write back and let me know what you think of my plans. Foolish? On the right track?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[FranFran]

Hey all,

Thanks a lot for the replies.

Yes, I will ask my dad to write those letters.

So if it really does take 19 months for the visa to be processed, I should send my application in October 2011 to ensure everything is sorted by the summer of 2013.

I also read on this forum something about a 'Letter of Release'. I am currently teaching, so would I need my employer to write this letter at the end of the 2012-2013 contract? Or is this letter only necessary for folks working in Hong Kong? I am confused about this part. <-My frd in another forum has a similar case as you do. He is a Canadian citizen currently working in HK and his dear is from the Mainland. He told me that the letter of release is needed to show your intention to move back to Canada. The Consulate will send you a letter requesting the 'Letter of Release" later. As you said you wanna keep things private, you don't need your employer to write this now.

So far, I have organized all applications for parts 1-3. We are in the process of organizing our supporting documentation. Once that is all completed, we will pay the $75 + $475 + $490 (the payment of the $490 was recommended on the guide).

When should my wife go to get the police clearance and medical? Does she wait until I have been approved as the sponsor?

We also found out some information on banking and mortgages. I have been a non-resident of Canada for over ten years. I have never had a credit card. I was beginning to lose hope that we could secure a loan. Thanks to the Bank of Montreal and their "Newcomers to Canada" program, my wife will have no trouble securing a loan. What a great program! Too bad they don't offer similar programs for Canadian citizens in my situation. I don't really like the fact that banks basically force you to get a credit card to establish a credit history. I think it's unfair to those of us who prefer to pay cash or save enough money to make bigger purchases (e.g. a car). I've never had any debt and have always paid my bills on time...this should count!

Anyway, I'm losing sleep over all this stuff. Never have I felt so stressed!!! The process seems so time consuming and complicated, when in fact it doesn't need to be this way.

Please write back and let me know what you think of my plans. Foolish? On the right track?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Fencesitter]

Thanks for the reply.

As I understand it, the "Letter of Release" is only required if you are working in Hong Kong...at least I hope this is true. I am working in the mainland, so not sure if this will apply. The thing is, I don't want to let my employer know I will not continue my contract until I know for certain my wife can get the visa (or has it!). If there were to be a problem, I would continue working in the mainland. I will not just up and leave the country without following the terms of my contract which state one month written notice. I hope the consulate will not request this letter...and if they do I wonder if there is a way out of providing it - giving the same explanation as I have above.

Any ideas?

 

[FranFran]

Thanks for the reply.

As I understand it, the "Letter of Release" is only required if you are working in Hong Kong...at least I hope this is true. I am working in the mainland, so not sure if this will apply. The thing is, I don't want to let my employer know I will not continue my contract until I know for certain my wife can get the visa (or has it!). If there were to be a problem, I would continue working in the mainland. I will not just up and leave the country without following the terms of my contract which state one month written notice. I hope the consulate will not request this letter...and if they do I wonder if there is a way out of providing it - giving the same explanation as I have above.

Any ideas?

I got no ideas if the letter of release applies to applicants working in China. For applicants in HK, they have to get the letter from the Inland Revenue Dept (one needs to clear the income tax before departing Hong Kong).

By the way, if I remember correctly, mainland applicants should hand in the police certificate together with your application for sponsorship. The Consulate General will send you a letter later on requesting your wife to do the medical check up

 

[FranFran]

And Fencesitter, I think your case may not take 19 months as it looks straightforward..but anyway, it's hard to predict how long does it take for your wife to get a visa. I wanna know mine too!!!

 

[toby]

Hey Fen,


Having tons of stuff from China ship to Canada is not an issue. I recently shipped my belongings to Vancouver from China. All you have to do is prepare the goods accompany form and goods follow form, get it stamped by CBSA, upon your returning to Canada / wife's landing. From the movers came to my former home and pack my stuff into a container up to delivery to my new home in Vancouver, the process just took around 1 month. It would be better if you have someone in China taking care of the packing while you setting up your new home in Canada.

Hi Steaky:

We are debating whether to sell our furniture in China or ship it to Canada. A major determining factor would be the cost of shipping. Would you indicate generally the cost of shipping a household of furniture? And perhaps recommend a shipping company?

Thanks,

T

 

[Fencesitter]

^ My wife used to work in a trading company so she has some pretty good connections with freight forwarding companies. She got a few quotes in the range of USD 2500 for a 20' container. They don't go by weight, so if you're sending a lot of stuff, probably cheapest to simply rent the 20' or 40' container.

Fran,

Thanks for your info. I will check more about this to make sure I don't make any mistakes. By the way, I didn't see anything about the police check having to be sent with all the applications. Where did you get this info?

I just got a bit of good news! I have a job waiting for me in Canada!!! Finally a bit of release!

 

[Fencesitter]

Fran,

I am curious to know why you think my case is straightforward? What do you compare that to? The good thing is our son will be a Canadian citizen, so I highly doubt the Canadian government turning down the mother's application. If they did, that would be ugly...not to mention a major nightmare.

And for those looking to secure loans or other financial stuff, seriously check out the Bank of Montreal and the 'Newcomers to Canada' program. This is an excellent idea!! If only a Chinese bank would have done something similar when I first arrived! I make decent money every month, and no matter where I go, no one is willing to give me a Chinese based credit card...not that I really want one...but still...the option would be nice.

It's going to be so nice being back in Canada!!! It's been a long time coming! Matthew, my son, will absolutely love it...can't wait to take him fishing...and my two miniature schnauzers are going to be in heaven! A large backyard with a pool awaits them...plus fresh air...good dog food...ah...it's going to be so nice!

 

[Fencesitter]

I forgot to mention I'll have in the neighborhood of USD 100,000 to take back with me. Will the government try to take some of it in taxes? I also have gold and some diamonds...not sure what they will do about that stuff. Obviously I will transfer the majority of the cash...but I'm worried I'll be taxed...even though that money was earned outside of Canada while I was a non-resident for tax purposes. We get killed in taxes back home...so I really hope the government will let me bring it in without having to give them a cut.

 

[FranFran]

Fran,

I am curious to know why you think my case is straightforward? What do you compare that to? The good thing is our son will be a Canadian citizen, so I highly doubt the Canadian government turning down the mother's application. If they did, that would be ugly...not to mention a major nightmare.
<- Well, I'm think your case is straightforward giving that you've been living with your wife for the past 5 years. Plus you're financially good, it's unlikely that your case is a marriage fraud. I think you just need to offer them enough documentary evidences (e.g, photos) that prove your relationship. I myself printed all the relevant Facebook contents (photos with many 'likes' from my friends), letters, phone bills, etc. And I got a letter which waived me a selection interview from the HK VO about one month after they received my application.

And for those looking to secure loans or other financial stuff, seriously check out the Bank of Montreal and the 'Newcomers to Canada' program. This is an excellent idea!! If only a Chinese bank would have done something similar when I first arrived! I make decent money every month, and no matter where I go, no one is willing to give me a Chinese based credit card...not that I really want one...but still...the option would be nice.

It's going to be so nice being back in Canada!!! It's been a long time coming! Matthew, my son, will absolutely love it...can't wait to take him fishing...and my two miniature schnauzers are going to be in heaven! A large backyard with a pool awaits them...plus fresh air...good dog food...ah...it's going to be so nice! <-Canada is great, hopefully I can land there soon, be with my husband, and get used to the new environment quickly. By the way, you got a job waiting for you in Canada. This is awesome!! Congratulations

 

[FranFran]

^ My wife used to work in a trading company so she has some pretty good connections with freight forwarding companies. She got a few quotes in the range of USD 2500 for a 20' container. They don't go by weight, so if you're sending a lot of stuff, probably cheapest to simply rent the 20' or 40' container.

Fran,

Thanks for your info. I will check more about this to make sure I don't make any mistakes. By the way, I didn't see anything about the police check having to be sent with all the applications. Where did you get this info?

I just got a bit of good news! I have a job waiting for me in Canada!!! Finally a bit of release!

For the police certificate, take a look at document checklist item 13 at the http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/3903e.pdf