I'm filing an outland application but should I apply from US or UK?

[dysonjonathan]

Hello! Thanks in advance for everyone's advice.

So here's my story.

I'm a Brit living in the US. I was originally thinking that I would file as a US resident but, because it takes less time, I was thinking I would file as a Brit instead. The only downside, that I can see, is if they call me for an interview I'll have to go back to the UK.

Is there any reason I should be careful about this or does it not really matter, since I can technically file either as a US resident or a UK citizen?

I'd rather get my PR 4 months quicker and have to pay for a flight to the UK than wait longer and have to fly Buffalo anyway, right?

THANKS!

 

[RobsLuv]

As a dual citizen, you have the option to request either Buffalo or London. I don't know how to explain this exactly - but I'll try. I think that, while it seems logical to make the decision based on processing times and trips for interviews - neither is a "given". With a complete application and no complications, both London and Buffalo could be faster than their posted timelines and you most likely would avoid an interview altogether. So applying through London for a faster timeline might, or might not, actually end up being faster. And being willing to fly to London as opposed to Buffalo for an interview in exchange for a faster timeline might, or might not, actually pan out.

The bottom line is that you are guaranteed having to go to London to submit your passport if you apply through there because you can't mail your passport overseas. If you apply through Buffalo, you can mail your passport to them and receive your COPR without having to pay for a flight. To me, the possibility of 4 months faster processing (which is no guarantee) and at least one flight - maybe two - wouldn't be worth the cost if I could avoid at least one of those flights by applying through Buffalo. It's your call, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that, if your application is straight forward with no complications, and you submit all your evidences and clearances upfront, you can reasonably expect to process through Buffalo close to as fast as you would through London without the cost of airfare.

I've probably made it much more confusing than need be - but, in my world, saving money is the object. If you have the money and you want to risk having to fly at least once, and that's acceptable for a "faster" timeline, then London it is. Your call. I'm glad I had no choice to make other than inland vs outland (that was a cinch) because someone could go crazy over this one!

 

[GOGOGO]

Hi dysonjonathan

There is a London UK thread that you can go and ask questions like anything special thing that you need to be aware of when processing through UK, or get an idea of the processing timelines from forum members:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/thread-for-outland-london-uk-applications-t49436.0.html

In case you're interested in the processing timeline of some forum members going through Buffalo US, there is link in my signature.
The Buffalo US thread is here:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/thread-for-outland-buffalo-applicants-t41886.0.html

 

[dysonjonathan]

@Rob - Thanks for your input. I might take your advice because our application should be very straightforward. I too like saving money but I also want to get up there asap!! Hmmmmmm?

@Gogogo - Thanks for the links!

 

[pinklady]

I just wanted to add that as a UK citizen with a british passport, you no longer need to submit the passport to London as the purpose was so they could attach a one entry visa. Since UK citizens are visa exempt to enter Canada as visitors, London have stopped requesting passports and instead send the COPR (confirmation of permanent residency) directly to you.

Also, in the event you do have to submit your passport you can certainly mail it to London. I sent mine to London from Canada and recieved it back in Canada 5 weeks later with the visa (this was before they started to skip this step in December 2011)

Also most people going through London do not get called for interviews. It seems to be mainly non EU residents getting interview requests.

Good luck!

 

[dysonjonathan]

Thanks Pinklady! Good to know. Now I'm back to being unsure about which way to go.

Did you file through London? How long did the whole process take for you?

 

[dysonjonathan]

@Pinklady - I just noticed your timeline. It only took you 4 months from sending in the app to landing in Canada? Wow.