Mexico

[fatimafnts]

Good Morning all!

Thanks for the replies playa08 & jack87. I'll throw that theory out the door lol. Hopefully now that new officers have been assigned to you both you will start to see action on your file again. It appears they reset you in the queue when it gets reassigned, but honestly who knows what goes on in the Visa offices.

I wonder if anyone has ordered GSMC notes AFTER they have their COPR. I think I will just for fun, to try to get some idea of the processing in the VO.

Do they routinely reassign files in the VO? Do they have officers that specialize in Criminality or Security reviews? Then transfer to eligibility officers? etc etc. Or does one officer normally process all aspects of scrutiny for a file? Did they reassign the file because the original officer could no longer work the file because they quit, got sick, took leave for some reason, promotion etc.

Sorry but I have nothing better to do than try to imagine the processes in the VO while we wait 18 months for our application to be approved... hopefully...

Wishing quick approvals for all!

According to my lawyer they switch between different people for different parts of the process. This apparently is done for efficiency since the officer gets used to doing security checks or something and also for accountability. It's to avoid one officer having a bad feeling about your relationships or something and denying you alone. Multiple officers make the decision. As to how and when it gets transfered I have no idea.

 

[fatimafnts]

Hey guys, 2 questions about the notes.
1) is it 30 calendar days or 30 business days before receiving them; and
2) are the notes from when you order them or from when they send it to you?
If anyone has any idea I'd appreciate the information

 

[agarand8]

Hey guys, 2 questions about the notes.
1) is it 30 calendar days or 30 business days before receiving them; and
2) are the notes from when you order them or from when they send it to you?
If anyone has any idea I'd appreciate the information

Calendar days, and from the date you request them

 

[Jalex23]

They are always quick to respond to my emails, however I feel the volume of emails that must be sent to them constantly is probably so large that I really try not to. To me I'd rather they be working on my file or someone else's than answering emails. Each officer probably spends an hour everyday just on emails, if not more.

I would say if you got aor from Mexico then wait until 7 months from aor and if you've heard nothing, order GCMS notes. If GCMS notes show nothing happening, send an email. If GCMS notes show something like added to interview queue, or criminality/security started, then wait 2-3 more months, order more GCMS. If you send an email and they tell you you're in queue for review, wait 2-3 more months and order GCMS again.

When we start this process, we know that there is a possibility that we are waiting for 18 months. It sucks but it's better to be patient than pester the workers.

We are all going to Canada eventually! Just have to be patient.

I would suggest people to just let CIC work. Ordering GCMS notes adds work to an already overloaded system. CIC doesn't need constant reminder of our cases. So that is more like a placebo for impatient people than actually a benefit for anyone.

Forget about the process and let them do their job.

 

[OhCanadiana]

I would suggest people to just let CIC work. Ordering GCMS notes adds work to an already overloaded system. CIC doesn't need constant reminder of our cases. So that is more like a placebo for impatient people than actually a benefit for anyone.

Forget about the process and let them do their job.

Completely agree on minimizing distractions and therefore the workload so that CIC can focus on applications (unless your application has a unique twist and needs specific follow-up).

For those curious on the process, pour yourself a cup of water/tea/coffee and read through http://cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op02-eng.pdf. IIRC, it doesn't cover details like the fact that security and criminality checks are done by other government agencies (including CBSA, CSIS) but does give great insight into the CIC perspective of evaluating family class applications.

 

[agarand8]

In my March 2014 thread it's discussed a few times that ordering electronic GCMS notes doesn't affect those people actually working on your file, because they can be accessed electronically the person who processes that request doesn't even need to be at your VO. I understood it to be its own department.

If you are requesting paper copies of GCMS notes however, this will affect the people actually looking at your file as someone actually has to go get your physical file and photocopy the notes.

Regardless of this it is our right to order notes on the file to see what is happening. If I don't hear something for months and months I have the right to send in my request to see what's happening, especially when they're sending out an AOR that has the "cases in this class are generally processed within 6 months. If you haven't heard anything by then contact this office directly". I asked for notes a week short of 6 months and then sent an inquiry 7 months. If the letter had said 8 months I would have waited until the 8th month but I'm not about to let my husbands file get lost on the corner of someone's desk, hell no, this is my future on the line. I stand by what I said, if you're worried and aren't hearing anything request notes first before sending an inquiry. Electronic notes don't affect your case worker so if from those you can see something is happening, no reason to send an inquiry.

 

[gsize]

In my March 2014 thread it's discussed a few times that ordering electronic GCMS notes doesn't affect those people actually working on your file, because they can be accessed electronically the person who processes that request doesn't even need to be at your VO. I understood it to be its own department.

If you are requesting paper copies of GCMS notes however, this will affect the people actually looking at your file as someone actually has to go get your physical file and photocopy the notes.

Regardless of this it is our right to order notes on the file to see what is happening. If I don't hear something for months and months I have the right to send in my request to see what's happening, especially when they're sending out an AOR that has the "cases in this class are generally processed within 6 months. If you haven't heard anything by then contact this office directly". I asked for notes a week short of 6 months and then sent an inquiry 7 months. If the letter had said 8 months I would have waited until the 8th month but I'm not about to let my husbands file get lost on the corner of someone's desk, hell no, this is my future on the line. I stand by what I said, if you're worried and aren't hearing anything request notes first before sending an inquiry. Electronic notes don't affect your case worker so if from those you can see something is happening, no reason to send an inquiry.

You are wise !!!!! I highly recommend for people to be on top of these things. I wish I was more pro active at the beginning. Little did I know how they mess things up. I could tell you horror stories about my file but then again my timeline says it all. Best wishes !

 

[gsize]

Hi! I just wanted to update you with my news. My husband just went to his interview in Mexico City. Long story short, at the end of the interview the woman who interviewed him said that she okayed his interview and will put it thru as positive but he will have to wait up to 2 months to receive the letter with the final decision....Has this ever happened to any one else?

completely normal. Good luck.

 

[agarand8]

Does anyone have any idea how long it generally takes from the day they receive your passport until the day they send it back to you?

My husband is freaking out even though it's only been 2.5 weeks that they've had it. My gut tells me to wait until monday (at least) before I send an inquiry but he insists that I call the embassy today.

I've heard that sometimes it can take a month, but a different person told me it should only take 2 weeks. Can anyone let me know?

 

[charalito]

Does anyone have any idea how long it generally takes from the day they receive your passport until the day they send it back to you?

My husband is freaking out even though it's only been 2.5 weeks that they've had it. My gut tells me to wait until monday (at least) before I send an inquiry but he insists that I call the embassy today.

I've heard that sometimes it can take a month, but a different person told me it should only take 2 weeks. Can anyone let me know?

My guess is that something is delaying visa stamping over at the Mexico City VO. I'm FSW, but our passports have been there for 4 weeks, and there's also another case of almost 5 weeks... Let's hope they speed things up, I feel weird without my passport.

 

[CANzanillo]

Sooooooooo,

Today was the day I had scheduled a month ago to call CIC to request an EMAIL replacement of the Spousal Approval conventional mail letter that they had mailed to me in Mexico. Surprise, surprise I haven't received the letter . So, the gentlemen kindly says he will put in a request for an EMAIL replacement of the letter. Great! Hopefully they will fulfill the request quickly. So, I decided to ask for the date that our "file" was transferred to the Mexico City VO. Just to refresh everyones memory I was approved on March 24, 2015. He tells me that the file was transferred on April 20th - 2 days ago!! Incredible that it would sit there for 4 weeks before being sent off. But, not to worry, I'm fully trusting the process here while we wait with desperation. (added a little sarcasm for effect .

So, I've pushed ahead my anticipated AOR2 date to end of June instead of end of May. Oh well, what can you do. Maybe I'll get lucky and things will go quickly in MCVO.

Good news today for lucky Mexicans who already HAD a Canadian Visitor Visa (expired) or who have an American tourist Visa. They will soon be able to visit Canada without having to apply for a visitor Visa!!

Being reported in Mexico...

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion-mexico/2015/mexicanos-podran-entrar-a-canada-con-visa-de-eu-1094270.html

and here:

http://saladeprensa.sre.gob.mx/index.php/es/comunicados/5959-212



Good Luck to all!!

 

[agarand8]

My guess is that something is delaying visa stamping over at the Mexico City VO. I'm FSW, but our passports have been there for 4 weeks, and there's also another case of almost 5 weeks... Let's hope they speed things up, I feel weird without my passport.

Omg really? Ah that's scary. I was wanting to bring my husband home first week of June.

Funny we got our PPR on the same date. It took us a week to get to a DHL office and another week of transit before it got there though.

 

[charalito]

Got our visas!

Passports are back! Visas are here!

So very happy!

My courier method, in case somebody needs options. I opted for this because some salespersons are not used to prepaid purchases and I don't like explaining to the salesperson why I need them:

• Go to nearest DHL location, ask for 2 document envelopes and 2 plastic envelope thingies to affix labels with.
• Return home
• Sign for an online account at My DHL https://www.mydhl.dhl.com/.
• Buy two labels online, pay with credit card. One label is to ship to Mexico City, another one for return. In the "company" field, put your case number. Both will ask for shipping date, on the return one put whatever you want, it doesn't matter.
• Print labels.
• Put labels in the plastic thingies, stick them on envelopes (one each).
• Fold the "return" envelope and insert into the other one
• Add your own papers (either a folder or a regular envelope with your file number with big letters, a cover letter and documents requested.). Do not close DHL envelope.
• Wait for DHL to pick up, or go to the location again if you're impatient like me. Say you already have the labels, just need to drop the documents. Show them the inside of the envelope (no need to take things out) and ask if you can seal it.
• Take a deep breath, hand over your life and future hopes.
• Go for a beer, or a cupcake or your choice of treat! You deserve it!

Wishing you all speedy process and safe travels.
See you in Canada!

 

[OhCanadiana]

Re: Got our visas!

Passports are back! Visas are here!

Congratulations!!! Enjoy landing

Agree it's sooooo much easier to sign up for courier accounts. I often suggest it and folks seem hesitant - it was easy, wasn't it?
In addition to ease of getting the label, if you don't need to mail something in you can upload a pdf file of the mailing label and submit it via a case specific enquiry.

 

[CANzanillo]

Congrats Charalito! I updated your info in the spreadsheet!

300 days start to finish.

From AOR2 to COPR in hand, about 90 days!! Not bad!