Mexico

[tishness]

So... Husband had his interview today. He was a little late due to traffic, but he says it didn't seem to matter. There was no one else waiting when he got there and he had to wait 20 minutes. He says the ladies that interviewed him were nice and didn't ask anything much outside of what was in our application (how we met, our ages and education, what I do, general stuff like that). They asked him about the time he was in Canada. He had overstayed and got a 1 year exclusion, but they didn't make a big deal about it. They asked if he had paid back the airfare and he said he didn't know how to. The officer said that they would send him a letter about that. They also asked him about the PGR check and he said he hadn't received anything about that either. She said that they would send him a letter about that too. He asked her if he could just do it there and they said no, he'd have to wait for the letter with the instructions. He asked her if she could just give him the letter and he could get to work on it today. The officer said, "Why not?" and printed off the letter so he could take it to the PGR.

All in all, he was there 30 minutes. We were pretty surprised that he was called for an interview, but I think in addition to possible red flag situations, they must just do it randomly. We've been together almost 10 years, married for 5 and have a 2 year old. We met when I was working down there and I haven't returned to Canada since. Never had a long distance relationship. He did overstay (he was allowed 6 months and he stayed for 11) and get a 1 year exclusion order, but that was in 2004. Who knows? I'm just glad this part is over with...

Sounds like it went well - always nice to hear a positive story - thanks for sharing and best of luck!

 

[OhCanadiana]

So... Husband had his interview today. He was a little late due to traffic, but he says it didn't seem to matter. There was no one else waiting when he got there and he had to wait 20 minutes. He says the ladies that interviewed him were nice and didn't ask anything much outside of what was in our application (how we met, our ages and education, what I do, general stuff like that). They asked him about the time he was in Canada. He had overstayed and got a 1 year exclusion, but they didn't make a big deal about it. They asked if he had paid back the airfare and he said he didn't know how to. The officer said that they would send him a letter about that. They also asked him about the PGR check and he said he hadn't received anything about that either. She said that they would send him a letter about that too. He asked her if he could just do it there and they said no, he'd have to wait for the letter with the instructions. He asked her if she could just give him the letter and he could get to work on it today. The officer said, "Why not?" and printed off the letter so he could take it to the PGR.

All in all, he was there 30 minutes. We were pretty surprised that he was called for an interview, but I think in addition to possible red flag situations, they must just do it randomly. We've been together almost 10 years, married for 5 and have a 2 year old. We met when I was working down there and I haven't returned to Canada since. Never had a long distance relationship. He did overstay (he was allowed 6 months and he stayed for 11) and get a 1 year exclusion order, but that was in 2004. Who knows? I'm just glad this part is over with...

That's great. And, yes, they do a number of interviews for 'program integrity' reasons (vs. specifics they wish to investigate further). Some of it is to check documents for authenticity, for example, to weed out / discourage folks from 'playing games.' Good that he got his PGR letter =).

 

[ElleElle74]

Wow, the Embassy is on their game today. Husband got the email for repayment 10 minutes ago, but they also want additional medicals done. Grrr. That costs $400.

 

[OhCanadiana]

Wow, the Embassy is on their game today. Husband got the email for repayment 10 minutes ago, but they also want additional medicals done. Grrr. That costs $400.

When did he do his medical?

(I ask because he may be able to ask them if it's possible to extend )

 

[tishness]

Wow, the Embassy is on their game today. Husband got the email for repayment 10 minutes ago, but they also want additional medicals done. Grrr. That costs $400.

Yeah the cost is insanity - I wonder if the Canadian government regulates panel physician costs? Ohcanadiana?

 

[OhCanadiana]

Yeah the cost is insanity - I wonder if the Canadian government regulates panel physician costs? Ohcanadiana?

They should be 'reasonable fees' that 'reflect local conditions and service charges' but in reality they can be pricey. If you have the option to shop around at all (e.g., if you're visiting Canada) explore that option.

Here's some interesting reading:

The handbook says:
"Panel members should charge reasonable fees and post a fees list in the clinic. Fees will reflect local conditions and service charges. Consequently, the fees for IMEs may vary from country to country and even within a country. If a panel member is completing a paper-based IME that must be mailed to the RMO, he or she should discuss the method and cost of sending the documents with the client beforehand."
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/dmp-handbook/index.asp#chap3.4.8

and also:

"3.1.1 General

All panel members are required to:

maintain familiarity with the latest version of this Handbook and all associated administrative and IME instructions;
follow instructions regarding verification of the client’s identity;
hold current professional registration and licensing issued by local or national regulatory authorities and provide proof thereof when requested by the RMO;
maintain the confidentiality of all immigration medical information in their control and store that information securely;
ensure that the fees charged for immigration medical services fairly represent the services performed and comply with local guidelines or those of a medical association or group;
ensure that a list of fees and charges for the IME and related expenses is posted in the clinic or office. The list should include fees for required radiological and laboratory investigations, for postage or courier charges, and for other services. Any special fees for groups or large families should also be listed. Copies should be available for clients on request and all clients should receive a receipt for services;
ensure that all panel clinic staff members under their supervision are aware of the requirements and standards for the IME and its procedures;
ensure that panel clinic staff understand the role and obligations that pertain to panel members;
ensure that individual and clinic contact information is up-to-date. eMedical users must keep their contact information updated in the system, while those who use paper-based forms must inform the RMO of changes in contact information; and
ensure high quality of work by all professionals involved in conducting IMEs, including staff members and specialist consultants."
(bolding mine)

There used to be greater competition (in Mexico City there were 2 or 3 separate practices and a few others 'in provincia') but the numbers have been dwindling with the integration with the US and Australia and conversion to eMedical (which does actually entail costs for the Panel Physicians).

 

[ElleElle74]

When did he do his medical?

(I ask because he may be able to ask them if it's possible to extend )

He did them in June 2014. I read the letter and it says that they require additional tests to be done. My interpretation is that the original medical isn't expired/expiring soon, but they have some questions about the results. At least that's what I'm thinking.

He's coming home tomorrow, so won't have time to get them done in DF (he just went for 2 days). He's going to have to go to Boston. I would say the price doesn't reflect the services rendered. It's in and out, 20 minutes tops; but there are only 3 doctors in New England, so they can probably charge whatever they like. We have no choice but to pay.

 

[OhCanadiana]

He did them in June 2014. I read the letter and it says that they require additional tests to be done. My interpretation is that the original medical isn't expired/expiring soon, but they have some questions about the results. At least that's what I'm thinking.

He's coming home tomorrow, so won't have time to get them done in DF (he just went for 2 days). He's going to have to go to Boston. I would say the price doesn't reflect the services rendered. It's in and out, 20 minutes tops; but there are only 3 doctors in New England, so they can probably charge whatever they like. We have no choice but to pay.

In Philly area it's $650 so at least you're better off and someone mentioned in the Midwest somewhere it was pushing 4 figures. Supply and demand ...

The request for medical tests is somewhat puzzling. Usually follow-ups are requested in a matter of weeks. They may be to enable an extension (the Regional Medical Office officers have a choice of granting the extension, denying it and thus triggering the need for a full redo, or requesting additional tests especially if one traveled or lived in certain countries). That being said, if you can land before June it may be worth an e-mail saying you can land with short notice (weekend drive up from Boston?) and would be happy not to pay the $400 to extend the medical a if the decision can be made by x date.

Also, two additional thoughts:
While he is in DF consider dropping off a prepaid courier envelope for the CoPR (default will be mailing by regular mail AFAIK).
Keep in mind that he needs to pick up the PGR background check and drop it off at the Embassy in 10 days. If he won't be there, he can leave a power of attorney for someone if he has family or close friends there. Otherwise, since it sounds like you don't live in Mexico, the Embassy can process the PGR for him. Have him drop off stuff with them before he leaves

 

[Emmalina]

Hi does anyone know how long a canadian citizen can stay out of Canada? are there any reprecussions??

 

[OhCanadiana]

Hi does anyone know how long a canadian citizen can stay out of Canada? are there any reprecussions??

Citizens don't have limitations (from a CIC perspective they retain citizenship vs. PRs who have more specific requirements to maintain status).

 

[tishness]

Hi does anyone know how long a canadian citizen can stay out of Canada? are there any reprecussions??

If you are looking at sponsoring your spouse you need to be residing in Canada.

 

[OhCanadiana]

If you are looking at sponsoring your spouse you need to be residing in Canada.

That is only the case for Canadian PRs. Canadian citizens can sponsor their spouse if they intend to move back to Canada.

 

[JAMO1973]

That is only the case for Canadian PRs. Canadian citizens can sponsor their spouse if they intend to move back to Canada.

That is correct. I am a Canadian-born citizen living in Mexico with my Mexican wife who I am sponsoring Outland for PR. You just have to show and satisfy the VO that you will be returning to Canada if the visa is approved.

 

[CanadianInChile]

So... Husband had his interview today. He was a little late due to traffic, but he says it didn't seem to matter. There was no one else waiting when he got there and he had to wait 20 minutes. He says the ladies that interviewed him were nice and didn't ask anything much outside of what was in our application (how we met, our ages and education, what I do, general stuff like that). They asked him about the time he was in Canada. He had overstayed and got a 1 year exclusion, but they didn't make a big deal about it. They asked if he had paid back the airfare and he said he didn't know how to. The officer said that they would send him a letter about that. They also asked him about the PGR check and he said he hadn't received anything about that either. She said that they would send him a letter about that too. He asked her if he could just do it there and they said no, he'd have to wait for the letter with the instructions. He asked her if she could just give him the letter and he could get to work on it today. The officer said, "Why not?" and printed off the letter so he could take it to the PGR.

All in all, he was there 30 minutes. We were pretty surprised that he was called for an interview, but I think in addition to possible red flag situations, they must just do it randomly. We've been together almost 10 years, married for 5 and have a 2 year old. We met when I was working down there and I haven't returned to Canada since. Never had a long distance relationship. He did overstay (he was allowed 6 months and he stayed for 11) and get a 1 year exclusion order, but that was in 2004. Who knows? I'm just glad this part is over with...

Hi T

I have been reading through this thread for the first time and this post caught my eye. Your applaction was recieved at the Mexico City visa office on Jan 23 and your husband has already gone for an interview? Thats amazing! Congrats to you and fingers crossed the process stays moving fast for you. (looks like you had to wait 4 months for SA!) I am so happy because I did not think it was possible to move so fast...I thought once sent to Mexico it would be a min of 6 months but more like 8 months for the process. Reading this post makes me feel so positive.

 

[carlosJ]

Hi everyone, the Immigration section, just sent me this mail:

In order to send you back your documents, you must submit a prepaid Airway Bill (a prepaid airway envelope from an international courier service company such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, Etc.)
Please ensure that the courier company used has international service available in Mexico.

I went yesterday to DHL, Estafeta and FedEx and they told they don't have that kind of service, so I sent them a prepaid tracking number, Will that work? or should I continue searching in other couriers?