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[scosan]

I put most of the blame on CIC directly, Tony Clement and the Treasury Board who's tactics needlessly prolonged the strike and a Government that uses the public's negative perception of immigration and the public service to win future votes. Closing the visa offices in Tokyo and Seoul did not help and dumped applications on an already overwhelmed visa office. Look at the processing times in Tokyo and Seoul before they closed the offices to try and appear fiscally responsible - nothing like we're seeing now. No offense to my many Filipino friends but I'd like to see a study on which of the 3 main countries visas are processed quicker. I think we already know the answer.
In a way I feel sorry for the visa officers who are drowning in applications and not getting the resources they need to do their job in a timely manner. I'm happy they are helping Yolanda victims but for God's sake put extra resources into the project - don't make the applicants already waiting long past the posted times suffer even more.

Scosan

 

[maradhen30]

Thank you, JGM. The only response I ever received from all the emails, letters, case specific inquiries and complaints was 4 weeks ago when my MP's office received a note from CEM saying my file was in queue for final review. Pretty lousy service. I feel really let down by this whole process. It's hard for me to believe that not one letter to a Federal politician (I sent many during the strike) was ever even acknowledged!

My file only changed once when it went to "In Process" on Oct 30. So it took 90+ days for DM after In Process.

Scosan, what was the reason for the delay? Were there any missing documents?

 

[scosan]

Scosan, what was the reason for the delay? Were there any missing documents?

Hi Maradhen

I guess the only way I will know for sure is when I receive the case notes. They did request an additional document in May of 2013 but it was only a secondary document and should not have changed the timeline as primary proof was already included. I sent it Fedex and they received in 3 days. I'll let you know when I receive the notes.

Scosan

 

[carmie12]

Hello. What is the preferred mode to contact an MP-- email, walk-in? thanks

 

[Step]

Hello. What is the preferred mode to contact an MP-- email, walk-in? thanks

I would say phone call, then you know they are getting the message.

 

[carmie12]

I would say phone call, then you know they are getting the message.

With phone call though you think they will be able to respond immediately with the application status during the call.

 

[Step]

With phone call though you think they will be able to respond immediately with the application status during the call.

No, highly doubt it.MP will have to send e-mail to VO, then get back to you.
Only reason I think phone is better is that you have direct contact. Other forms of communication MP office can say they never received.
But if you are still within posted processing time, I doubt MP would help much.
If outside posted processing times, yes contact Mp can help then.

Step

 

[MarkandElvie]

No, highly doubt it.MP will have to send e-mail to VO, then get back to you.
Only reason I think phone is better is that you have direct contact. Other forms of communication MP office can say they never received.
But if you are still within posted processing time, I doubt MP would help much.
If outside posted processing times, yes contact Mp can help then.

Step

Are you talking about calling the MP's office directly or CEM directly? Calling CEM I know won't get you anywhere.

 

[maradhen30]

Hi Maradhen

I guess the only way I will know for sure is when I receive the case notes. They did request an additional document in May of 2013 but it was only a secondary document and should not have changed the timeline as primary proof was already included. I sent it Fedex and they received in 3 days. I'll let you know when I receive the notes.

Scosan

Thank you. Congratulations to you and to everyone who had DMs in their ecas! After 10000yrs.

 

[Step]

Are you talking about calling the MP's office directly or CEM directly? Calling CEM I know won't get you anywhere.

MP directly, CEM will not entertain phone enquiries.

 

[MarkandElvie]

What I still don't understand is why are there so many people who are getting visas 6 - 10 months, but I see people here who have been waiting over a year?

 

[dollinexile]

I would say phone call, then you know they are getting the message.

Hi Step,

What is an MP? If I may ask?

 

[MarkandElvie]

Hi Step,

What is an MP? If I may ask?

An MP in Canada is a Member of Parliament, who was elected by Canadian Citizens within their riding (area). The Memeber of Parliament who is elected by his riding represents and is the voice of the people from his riding in the House of Commons in Canada's Capital of Ottawa.

 

[Step]

What I still don't understand is why are there so many people who are getting visas 6 - 10 months, but I see people here who have been waiting over a year?

I would like to know that answer too, supposed to be processed in order of receipt.
But I suppose it could be, some applications are more straight forward than some.
No rhyme or reason to how this process works. Have seen a few applications take forever, when they should'nt have.

Step

 

[dollinexile]

Is it possible, that the reason CEM is slowing down with the processing is due to the prioritizing of the Yolanda victims? I'm just guessing, but I wonder if that is a possibility? I know there are a few of you on here who are getting frustrated over this sponsorship process, I too am in the middle of it, however my AOR was August 8th 2013 so God know's how long I will have to wait.

I guess, it is. I stumbled upon a girl who applied December 2013 and had DM this month (well not really DM coz she received her visa already). I asked her if she is from an area that was struck by Yolanda and said that she didn't. She's from Iloilo (the area was affected too but not too much) and I also asked her if she sent any kind of letter/petition to CIC. Since she wasn't affected by the typhoon, she said she didn't write nor applied for anything.

How is that even possible?? I mean, I don't have the right to react violently haha, I am only nearing my 2nd month of the 14 but I could only imagine the frustration of those people who's been waiting for months now and worse, those people who are way past the 14 month mark.

Its really heartbreaking.