James Russo said:
Bing, congrats! Very happy for you...
JessK yes...it's common. Did cic request you?
Thanks James.
Sent a letter/email/fax to them a week ago to ask why its taking more than 20 months for the first phase. They replied with an email saying its in process and a week later got the SA and AIP.
Now, need to work on getting my wife back because she had to leave for a family emergency last November.
I'm holding on to this article guide to CIC officers:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/visa/processing/pr.asp
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the IRCC website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its regulations permit certain foreign nationals to apply for permanent residence from within Canada. Given that processing times for in-Canada applications can be lengthy, in some instances, an applicant may voluntarily and temporarily leave Canada during the processing of their application.
Temporary residence applicants with in-Canada applications for permanent residence in progress
Has an approval in principle been granted?
When processing applications for temporary resident visas for foreign nationals with an application
for permanent residence in Canada in progress, take into consideration whether approval in principle
(first-stage approval) has been granted. It is consistent with IRPA, and in the best interests
of both CIC and the applicant, to facilitate the re-entry of these applicants as temporary residents
in order to continue processing their application for permanent residence from within Canada.
Note: Officers should note that issuing a temporary resident visa to facilitate return will permit
these applicants to be granted permanent residence from within Canada. A temporary resident permit will not.