Myths you have heard about immigration from other people

[muffy1]

Some people submit applications over 100 pages. Would they scan all the pics as well?

Well, that's why I agreed with what you said. That's the first thing I thought of, too, when thinking of that...was the pics. However, I can't imagine that they keep all original files forever, either. I'm sure there is some sort of purge system. Who knows.

 

[canadianwoman]

Some people submit applications over 100 pages. Would they scan all the pics as well?

When I had my appeal, our photos were included in the file - all scanned.
For non-appealed applications, I would doubt they would scan all the photos.
I do know that for older TRV files, they just keep the electronic record and the paper copy is discarded. I'm basing this on the fact that when I asked for my husband's FOSS and CAIPS notes, which is supposed to be a copy of everything the government has, there were only copies of the electronic files; there were no copies of the original application forms.

 

[CanadianJeepGuy]

When I had my appeal, our photos were included in the file - all scanned.
For non-appealed applications, I would doubt they would scan all the photos.
I do know that for older TRV files, they just keep the electronic record and the paper copy is discarded. I'm basing this on the fact that when I asked for my husband's FOSS and CAIPS notes, which is supposed to be a copy of everything the government has, there were only copies of the electronic files; there were no copies of the original application forms.

They send those back to the principal applicant I thought.

 

[muffy1]

They send those back to the principal applicant I thought.

Yes, you're right. I believe (at least it was stated as such at the time we applied in 2011) that if you wanted your supporting documents back you would have to include a return envelope/etc. IF I remember correctly.

 

[CanadianJeepGuy]

Yes, you're right. I believe (at least it was stated as such at the time we applied in 2011) that if you wanted your supporting documents back you would have to include a return envelope/etc. IF I remember correctly.

I will check with my wife to see what they sent her and if any of our original documents were returned.

 

[muffy1]

I will check with my wife to see what they sent her and if any of our original documents were returned.

Thanks! Let us know, please. I'd love to get our originals back but we did not include a return envelope so I'm not hopeful.

 

[CanadianJeepGuy]

Thanks! Let us know, please. I'd love to get our originals back but we did not include a return envelope so I'm not hopeful.

Nor did we. Looks like I have one more email to send to my MP..... ;D ;D ;D

 

[muffy1]

Nor did we. Looks like I have one more email to send to my MP..... ;D ;D ;D

Haha...awww....this process REALLY IS never ending, eh?

 

[Steph C]

We didn't get any documents back except for some unused passport photos. I submitted 500+ pages, a bit excessive but hey, we had a successful Conjugal application. It said on my GCMS notes that they discarded all the chat logs and documentary proof. I guess it was way too much to have on file. I think they kept the photos.

 

[Steph C]

Nor did we. Looks like I have one more email to send to my MP..... ;D ;D ;D

Go ahead Jeep Guy, I bet they miss you! You probably gave him an incurable eye twitch.

 

[CanadianJeepGuy]

We didn't get any documents back except for some unused passport photos. I submitted 500+ pages, a bit excessive but hey, we had a successful Conjugal application. It said on my GCMS notes that they discarded all the chat logs and documentary proof. I guess it was way too much to have on file. I think they kept the photos.

500 pages!! That's a tome. Your case had many hurdles for sure.

 

[Steph C]

When I said 500 pages I was being modest. After I read that they threw it out I think I spent too many months printing chat logs.

 

[canadianwoman]

We did not get back our photos or our original marriage certificate. Don't think I wasn't panicking about the last one.
However, I wrote the visa office a letter asking for the photos and marriage certificate back, and they mailed them to me right away. This request was at least two-and-a-half years after submitting our application.
They have to keep the evidence in case there is an appeal. If they issue a PR visa, then no need to keep the supporting docs, I guess.
If you want your photos back - or any other supporting evidence - I would just write a letter to the visa office and ask for them. If you don't get any cooperation, then go to your MP. It also seems that visa offices differ on what they do with the supporting docs - some seem to send back photos automatically; many others don't.

Getting the marriage certificate back was a bit of an ordeal, but also funny in a way. I had seen that the government lawyer at the appeal had the original, so after we lost the appeal I phoned the Vancouver Immigration and Refugee Board to see if I could get it. I pressed '2' for French - and then spoke English. The woman was so helpful and kind - I guess she didn't get many calls for French in Vancouver. She didn't know where the certificate was, but she gave me the names and phone numbers of several people at CIC and the Canada Border Services Agency. Every one, when I phoned, shrieked and said, "You're not supposed to have this number! This is not a public access number! Who gave it to you?!!!" And so on. It was nice to rattle their cage.

 

[LeisaP]

I will check with my wife to see what they sent her and if any of our original documents were returned.

all we got back was my husbands original birth certificate, and 6 extra PR pictures, thats it, nothing else.

I know if u go to get your visa in person sometimes they will give you back your evidence.

 

[LeisaP]

We did not get back our photos or our original marriage certificate. Don't think I wasn't panicking about the last one.
However, I wrote the visa office a letter asking for the photos and marriage certificate back, and they mailed them to me right away. This request was at least two-and-a-half years after submitting our application.
They have to keep the evidence in case there is an appeal. If they issue a PR visa, then no need to keep the supporting docs, I guess.
If you want your photos back - or any other supporting evidence - I would just write a letter to the visa office and ask for them. If you don't get any cooperation, then go to your MP. It also seems that visa offices differ on what they do with the supporting docs - some seem to send back photos automatically; many others don't.

Getting the marriage certificate back was a bit of an ordeal, but also funny in a way. I had seen that the government lawyer at the appeal had the original, so after we lost the appeal I phoned the Vancouver Immigration and Refugee Board to see if I could get it. I pressed '2' for French - and then spoke English. The woman was so helpful and kind - I guess she didn't get many calls for French in Vancouver. She didn't know where the certificate was, but she gave me the names and phone numbers of several people at CIC and the Canada Border Services Agency. Every one, when I phoned, shrieked and said, "You're not supposed to have this number! This is not a public access number! Who gave it to you?!!!" And so on. It was nice to rattle their cage.

good to know!! im going to try and email our VO and ask for our supporting documents. since it took us like a year to prepare them, its nice to just get them back lol.