Hi guys,
Here is my Timeline
Applied: June 12
Paid the full amount of $255 on the day I applied
Blank Update: monthly
Approved: November 4 (however, my status on the home page showed approved around 1:30pm on November 5 and I did not receive my approval letter until November 6)
Delivered: November 10
I called the CIC call center once my application passed the listed processing timeline shown on the CIC website. The call center representative checked my file and told me that my application was sent to other department for secondary review. He could not give me timeline how long would it take nor the reason why my application required a secondary review. He said there is nothing he can do for me and only told me to wait patiently. I was so frustrated at that point when I heard what the representative just said to me. However, I saw someone in this post mentioned that we can look for help from our local MP, so I did. I didnt see or talk to my MP throughout the entire process. Only his assistant helped me out and sent an e-mail inquiry to CIC for me. She told me that she would give me an update in 3 days, which she did and CIC told her to check back with them after 10 business day. On the day that she told me to wait for 10 business days, my application went from submitted, updated, to approved. It was like a miracle and I could not believe what was happening, after waited for so long and saw someone mentioned that the secondary review could add another 4 months to the processing time.
It seems to me that getting help from the MPs could help tremendously, at least CIC staff would give them the actual update of our application. Therefore, I would suggest, if the processing time of your application has passed the listed date on the CIC website, you should call CIC and find out what is happening with your application and then reach out to your MP immediately.
Thank you everyone for sharing your timeline and experience! It really helped me a lot, when i was getting through this frustrating waiting period and when I didnt know what to do! Good luck to everyone who is still waiting for your pgwp!