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Manila Tread for English Speakers - join here!

Steph C

VIP Member
Nov 11, 2009
3,052
71
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
April 30 2012
Doc's Request.
N/A
File Transfer...
Sep 27 2012
Med's Request
April 15 2013 (re-med)
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
March 18 2013
VISA ISSUED...
May 22 2013
LANDED..........
June 6 2013
Scos: Waiting to extend an NBI?? I mean that's one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. Firstly, there was nothing in our notes to mention extension of an NBI that was already more than a year sour. Second, they cost about 5 dollars and can be got in a day. Third.. you can even get the NBI to send them straight to the embassy.. perhaps other embassies do this but not ours. Fourth.. F000K, you're one of the most organized guys around, I'm sure your application was golden, I'm sure by the way you post that you're not a total old geezer with no teeth so there's no issue of MOC's. Yes I would agree with Tagum, get the damn NBI and send it in, at least they will take your app off the shelf.
 

BernLyn

Member
Jun 27, 2013
13
1
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila, Philippines
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
20-Jul-2013
AOR Received.
10-Aug-2013
File Transfer...
21-Aug-2013 SA received
Med's Done....
24-Jun-2013
Hello Tagum,
Sorry for the dumb question, but is your wife from Tagum City?
 

CanadianJeepGuy

Champion Member
Jun 24, 2012
2,666
99
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
NOC Code......
N/A
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
10-05-2012; "In Process" 26-04-2013
Doc's Request.
docs and pics resent 04-09-2012
AOR Received.
16-08-2012 (Unofficial. Received email missing docs)
File Transfer...
09-10-2012
Med's Request
April 14th 2013
Med's Done....
Dec 2011; re-med May 06 2013
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
May 06 2013
VISA ISSUED...
May 27 2013
LANDED..........
June 15th 2013
chelseaviel said:
Guys! Just got my visa!!! Thank you all so much for all the help. You've been a great help! For those still waiting continue praying and God will make it happen in a perfect time.
Sorry for the belated congratulations I missed your post!!
 

CanadianJeepGuy

Champion Member
Jun 24, 2012
2,666
99
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
NOC Code......
N/A
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
10-05-2012; "In Process" 26-04-2013
Doc's Request.
docs and pics resent 04-09-2012
AOR Received.
16-08-2012 (Unofficial. Received email missing docs)
File Transfer...
09-10-2012
Med's Request
April 14th 2013
Med's Done....
Dec 2011; re-med May 06 2013
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
May 06 2013
VISA ISSUED...
May 27 2013
LANDED..........
June 15th 2013
scos said:
Had another chat with the MP's office. I don't know how you guys got them to actually apply pressure, all mine seems to do is ask for a status, say thank you and that is it.

So I found out that they have my wife's medical and passport (knew that already)
They are working on the application (knew that already)
The NBI has expired (knew that already)
They are "trying to extend" the NBI and as a result have put a 60 day bring forward date on the app. (ok, that is new)

So according to her we are done till mid-September! She will call me back then with an update. When I complained about how ridiculous that was she told me that I was still within the 14-16month processing window. I said "Wait, 14 to 16(!!!) month window? Does that mean when CIC posts the updated times we can expect Manila to be 16 months????". She just said "Possibly. They just told me 14-16 months".

Then I guess to try to comfort me she said my wife should definitely be here for Christmas!!! If that happens then that would mean an app by a Canadian citizen, one married spouse, no dependents, no complications, clean medical history, no legal problems and a ton of relationship proofs, letters from friends and family and all that takes 16 months to process??? I told her if it takes that long I will be emailing EVERYBODY!

I am hoping now that she doesn't know what she is talking about and that it may actually be close to done now. After all, she also told me that my wife HAS to take the COA seminar. I said I thought that was optional but according to her it is mandatory. Well, I checked the embassy site and it IS optional. So I hope she is as wrong about by future timeline as she was about that.

In the meantime, GCMS part 2 is still in process, and I think I will fire off a letter to the embassy. A new NBI should be ready for August 1st (1 year app anniversary!). Though I was told not to send it to them until they ask for it (I guess it might confuse them or something).

Well, maybe time to read something less convoluted and more uplifting. Always wanted to read some Kafka...

My argument points were that:

1) I have followed all the posted and related policies and procedures as directed by CIC.
2) Processing times are arbitrary and meaningless. CIC's policy is to process all applications in 6 months. Therefore my expectation level is 6 months but I'm an understanding 7th generation citizen/voter who has had family members serve and die in all our global conflicts and/or serve the greater public interest domestically, so I will raise that expectation to 8 months. If they cannot process in 8 months then they should deny the application and I will only be too happy to defend it under appeal.
3) Constant delays manufactured by CEM are intentionally malicious and personally costly to me. I have paid for this service not to have my personal life interfered with by government incompetence.
4)CEM has all the info and fees they require to complete the file and provide my spouse with her COPR. There is no reason to delay further.

That's what I would email to everyone. The PMO, Minister of CIC, Liberal, Conservative, NDP MP's, Globe and Mail, The Sun and the Toronto Star.
 

WoodyKatie

Hero Member
Oct 25, 2012
344
7
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
Oct. 31, 2012
File Transfer...
Dec. 12, 2012
Med's Done....
Oct. 9, 2012
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
May 29, 2012
VISA ISSUED...
August 29, 2013
LANDED..........
October 2, 2013
scos said:
Had another chat with the MP's office. I don't know how you guys got them to actually apply pressure, all mine seems to do is ask for a status, say thank you and that is it.

So I found out that they have my wife's medical and passport (knew that already)
They are working on the application (knew that already)
The NBI has expired (knew that already)
They are "trying to extend" the NBI and as a result have put a 60 day bring forward date on the app. (ok, that is new)

So according to her we are done till mid-September! She will call me back then with an update. When I complained about how ridiculous that was she told me that I was still within the 14-16month processing window. I said "Wait, 14 to 16(!!!) month window? Does that mean when CIC posts the updated times we can expect Manila to be 16 months????". She just said "Possibly. They just told me 14-16 months".

Then I guess to try to comfort me she said my wife should definitely be here for Christmas!!! If that happens then that would mean an app by a Canadian citizen, one married spouse, no dependents, no complications, clean medical history, no legal problems and a ton of relationship proofs, letters from friends and family and all that takes 16 months to process??? I told her if it takes that long I will be emailing EVERYBODY!

I am hoping now that she doesn't know what she is talking about and that it may actually be close to done now. After all, she also told me that my wife HAS to take the COA seminar. I said I thought that was optional but according to her it is mandatory. Well, I checked the embassy site and it IS optional. So I hope she is as wrong about by future timeline as she was about that.

In the meantime, GCMS part 2 is still in process, and I think I will fire off a letter to the embassy. A new NBI should be ready for August 1st (1 year app anniversary!). Though I was told not to send it to them until they ask for it (I guess it might confuse them or something).

Well, maybe time to read something less convoluted and more uplifting. Always wanted to read some Kafka...
Better to submit a new NBI, it takes only 10 days to be released.
 

scos

Champion Member
Jun 11, 2012
1,026
48
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
2012-08-01
AOR Received.
2012-10-16
Med's Request
2013-05-02
Med's Done....
2013-05-07
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
2013-05-02, In-Process: 2013-06-04, Decision Made: 2013-07-25
VISA ISSUED...
2013-07-30
LANDED..........
2013-08-18
Yeah, I think handing in the new NBI will be the best bet. If they get it after deciding then no loss, if they get it before, it should mean they can't turn around and request it with another bring-forward date. My wife ordered and paid for it but it won't be ready for pick up till Aug 1st, so there is still a bit of a wait.

I think I will add your (CJGs) points to the email I am working on. Points 1, 3 and 4 I think cover most of it. My take on point 2 when I was talking with the MP's official was that if I hired anyone, like say, a plumber to fix a leaky pipe and he said 2 days, then I expect the work done in 2 days. If the next day he says 5 days, and then 12 days, then 6 months, well... most people would FIRE that plumber. But of course there is no way to fire immigration because there is no competition (and outsourcing would not fix THAT). And of course there is no agency to force them to do anything if they want to drag their heels.

I also asked where I should I address a letter calling for the creation of an ombudsman for immigration. She said to send it to my MP and he'd get right on it. Ummmmm-no, I don't think that is the right answer. I guess maybe the opposition critics and leaders should get that one. Considering this governments secretive ways I don't see them implementing something like that anytime soon.
 

Tagum-N.B.

Champion Member
Jan 11, 2013
2,231
47
Category........
Visa Office......
manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
11-01-2012
AOR Received.
manila 20-03-2012 in process july1, 2013
IELTS Request
remeds request july11 remed complete july17-aug 1
VISA ISSUED...
AUGUST 31.2013
LANDED..........
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
Steph C said:
Scos: Waiting to extend an NBI?? I mean that's one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. Firstly, there was nothing in our notes to mention extension of an NBI that was already more than a year sour. Second, they cost about 5 dollars and can be got in a day. Third.. you can even get the NBI to send them straight to the embassy.. perhaps other embassies do this but not ours. Fourth.. F000K, you're one of the most organized guys around, I'm sure your application was golden, I'm sure by the way you post that you're not a total old geezer with no teeth so there's no issue of MOC's. Yes I would agree with Tagum, get the damn NBI and send it in, at least they will take your app off the shelf.
I ONLY HAVE 2 TEETH LEFT OF MY OWN THE REST ARE MARFELS
 

Tagum-N.B.

Champion Member
Jan 11, 2013
2,231
47
Category........
Visa Office......
manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
11-01-2012
AOR Received.
manila 20-03-2012 in process july1, 2013
IELTS Request
remeds request july11 remed complete july17-aug 1
VISA ISSUED...
AUGUST 31.2013
LANDED..........
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
BernLyn said:
Hello Tagum,
Sorry for the dumb question, but is your wife from Tagum City?
OF COURSE
 

Tagum-N.B.

Champion Member
Jan 11, 2013
2,231
47
Category........
Visa Office......
manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
11-01-2012
AOR Received.
manila 20-03-2012 in process july1, 2013
IELTS Request
remeds request july11 remed complete july17-aug 1
VISA ISSUED...
AUGUST 31.2013
LANDED..........
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
WoodyKatie said:
Better to submit a new NBI, it takes only 10 days to be released.
ONLY 4 HOURS
 

Tagum-N.B.

Champion Member
Jan 11, 2013
2,231
47
Category........
Visa Office......
manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
11-01-2012
AOR Received.
manila 20-03-2012 in process july1, 2013
IELTS Request
remeds request july11 remed complete july17-aug 1
VISA ISSUED...
AUGUST 31.2013
LANDED..........
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
scos said:
Yeah, I think handing in the new NBI will be the best bet. If they get it after deciding then no loss, if they get it before, it should mean they can't turn around and request it with another bring-forward date. My wife ordered and paid for it but it won't be ready for pick up till Aug 1st, so there is still a bit of a wait.

I think I will add your (CJGs) points to the email I am working on. Points 1, 3 and 4 I think cover most of it. My take on point 2 when I was talking with the MP's official was that if I hired anyone, like say, a plumber to fix a leaky pipe and he said 2 days, then I expect the work done in 2 days. If the next day he says 5 days, and then 12 days, then 6 months, well... most people would FIRE that plumber. But of course there is no way to fire immigration because there is no competition (and outsourcing would not fix THAT). And of course there is no agency to force them to do anything if they want to drag their heels.

I also asked where I should I address a letter calling for the creation of an ombudsman for immigration. She said to send it to my MP and he'd get right on it. Ummmmm-no, I don't think that is the right answer. I guess maybe the opposition critics and leaders should get that one. Considering this governments secretive ways I don't see them implementing something like that anytime soon.
LOL THIS IS A RIDICULOUS PROSESS,,,WHO INVENTED IT
 

CanadianJeepGuy

Champion Member
Jun 24, 2012
2,666
99
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
NOC Code......
N/A
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
10-05-2012; "In Process" 26-04-2013
Doc's Request.
docs and pics resent 04-09-2012
AOR Received.
16-08-2012 (Unofficial. Received email missing docs)
File Transfer...
09-10-2012
Med's Request
April 14th 2013
Med's Done....
Dec 2011; re-med May 06 2013
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
May 06 2013
VISA ISSUED...
May 27 2013
LANDED..........
June 15th 2013
Tagum-N.B. said:
LOL THIS IS A RIDICULOUS PROSESS,,,WHO INVENTED IT
We did. :(
 

Dan_from_Surrey

Hero Member
Nov 5, 2010
485
23
124
Surrey BC
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-09-2012
Doc's Request.
Submitted with app
AOR Received.
Sponsorship approval 24-10-12
File Transfer...
24-10-12
Med's Request
Meds received 1-11-12
Med's Done....
15-08-2012 - Meds re-done 24-10-2013
Interview........
NA
Passport Req..
04-06-2013 DM 04-11-13
VISA ISSUED...
11-12-2013
LANDED..........
22-11-2013!
Firstly congrats to those Chiesleve (spelling?) and other who received their visa's!

Scos, I feel your pain to buddy, personally I have little problem with time lines, I have a problem with the arbitrary nature they are applied selectively. 12 months for everyone cool, 6 months for everyone even better. 5 months for this guys, two and half years for that guy, unacceptable.

CJG and other have the right idea, hound 'em, I have started that, and cc everyone else. Good luck to you scos, hopefully some positive movement comes sooner than later.

Hopefully this crap with CIC, will be and extra issue in 2015 to inspire more people to get out and vote these fools out of office.
 

WoodyKatie

Hero Member
Oct 25, 2012
344
7
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
Oct. 31, 2012
File Transfer...
Dec. 12, 2012
Med's Done....
Oct. 9, 2012
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
May 29, 2012
VISA ISSUED...
August 29, 2013
LANDED..........
October 2, 2013
Tagum-N.B. said:
ONLY 4 HOURS
In davao? Well, it's nice to know.. :)

Here in Manila, releasing of NBI clearance takes 10 days from half a day. They said it was the CEM who insisted that the processing of NBI should be not less than 10 days. ::)

I even argued with the NBI staff for instructing me to comeback after 10 days without explaining why which caused them to calm me by disseminating informations. :mad:
 

Dan_from_Surrey

Hero Member
Nov 5, 2010
485
23
124
Surrey BC
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-09-2012
Doc's Request.
Submitted with app
AOR Received.
Sponsorship approval 24-10-12
File Transfer...
24-10-12
Med's Request
Meds received 1-11-12
Med's Done....
15-08-2012 - Meds re-done 24-10-2013
Interview........
NA
Passport Req..
04-06-2013 DM 04-11-13
VISA ISSUED...
11-12-2013
LANDED..........
22-11-2013!
Continued...

I used to be a card carrying Reform party member, but this abomination Harper and his cronies have created, is nothing but a shill for big business, and robber barons. <rant off/>
 

Dan_from_Surrey

Hero Member
Nov 5, 2010
485
23
124
Surrey BC
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-09-2012
Doc's Request.
Submitted with app
AOR Received.
Sponsorship approval 24-10-12
File Transfer...
24-10-12
Med's Request
Meds received 1-11-12
Med's Done....
15-08-2012 - Meds re-done 24-10-2013
Interview........
NA
Passport Req..
04-06-2013 DM 04-11-13
VISA ISSUED...
11-12-2013
LANDED..........
22-11-2013!
Question: (yeah yeah yeah I know, ways with the questions)

When we finally got our PPR, they asked for the visas and that is it. I see lots of other PPR's where they are being asked for Appendix A as well. Is this a sign we submitted a complete enough Appendix A that they are happy? (Thus giving them another reason not to handle the file, because it is complete) or??????