Good afternoon JamFam,
It has been awhile since I last ‘posted', I am always in the shadows keeping an eye out on you wonderful people. First let me start by saying “Congratulations!” to all those that have recently completed the process and for those that have heard news or seen activity from KIN/POS. Welcome to all the “Newbies”. For those that are still waiting, please know even though it seems like forever...”Your time will come”. Hold the faith and never give up or in to this process...Easier said than done you say DG...well take it from the woman who waited 27 months...This process does have an end date.
I want to express my opinion on a constant issue that surrounds: Submitting documents prior to them being requested. Please note that what I am going to say is totally my own opinion and feel free to take it with a grain of salt. I am not trying to be negative; I am only sharing my opinion (hopefully no harm done). I strongly believe that you should not submit documents prior to your VO requesting them for a couple reasons (I know others have said otherwise).
1) No one likes to be told how to do their job.
Even though you may believe that you are helping yourself, you may in turn be doing the opposite. For the record I did send additional documents/photos/police certificate/re-med and none of it was even attached to my file. The same documents that I submitted beforehand were requested by my VO months after the fact (even though the police check/re-med was still valid). They say that hind sight is always 20-20. I would have saved myself the trouble and expense of sending the documents if I knew we would have to send it again anyways
2) Sending more information may lead to additional scrutinizing of your application
We all “believe” we know what the VOs are looking for or how they process our files or what the guide says on what should be done during processing. No two files are processed the same. On the outside the specs seem the same...No previous marriages, no medical issues, no criminal record, never left the island...yada yada and yet some files are processed sooner than others. Why give the VO a reason to question your intentions behind sending additional information? I say this because, I did send in additional information and our VO noted and voiced their opinion to Ottawa and two MPs that did inquires on our file...that she believed we were trying to “Fast Track” the process (I have the email if anyone wants to see).
Looking back at the process now that we are completed, I wish that I let Kingston and my VO “Do” their job. I whole heartedly believe that my ‘good' intentions of wanting to do all that I could do for our application and my husband hindered and extended our application processing time. I want to leave you with this...before you send that email, contact your MP, or send in additional info think about if you were the VO how would you interpret these actions...? This is not to say...if your police certificate is about to expire or you have not received confirmation of a medical extension not to be proactive and get all your ducks in a row...I am just saying hold on to the information if and when they are requested you will have them ready.
Sorry for the long post. I really wanted to give an “update” on life post landing but, I have a lecture to head into. I promise between papers and studying for my mid-terms I will be back shortly. What I can say is the application process, is the preparatory time for your “exercising patience” skill; that WILL much be needed when your spouse/significant other lands.
Stay Sweet as Always & May the Odds Be in Your Favour....
Love DG :-*
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