I just saw this from a sister blog about the validity of ecas updates in our application process. I hope you will find it useful....happy reading:
One thing everyone must understand that the e-cas is not our Case Progress Record. It's just a guideline that generally suggests where our application stand as in 3 stages only:
1. Apps received,
2. The case is under processing,
3. A decision has been made concerning our application.
The 'in process' is the maximum time our apps shall be in, while a 'decision made' would only occur once our Visa/s r stamped or there's [unfortunately] a 'rejection'. The only interim report we might get under 'in process' is when the CHC receives our Med reports -after it has been ratified by Ottawa. Then it starts showing 'Med Results Received' -inside the 'in process'.
So, while at 'in process' [which stays put the longest] we have no recourse to find out what is happening, under what situation our file is, how [further] it is progressing etc. And, at most times, frustration sets in.
Moreover, the e-cas is not generated by our VOs, neither at the CHC level. It is done by the MIS cell at Ottawa. As per the SOP of the CIC, the VO needs to inform 'on system' the above 3 situations [only] to the MIS cell. And they generate the e-cas accordingly.
When 'in process' commences:
When the VO 'accepts' our file -that is, once s/he has a cursory check that all documentation is correct & we match the point requirements, s/he updates on the system that the file is being put under b/ground check. Then the MIS cell puts-up the 'in process' banner. It 'only' means that b/ground checks r going on. It doesn't mean that all is completed, we might be asked for any further docs yet & might land-up an interview as well. It's all part of the b/ground check process.
When the 'decision made' comes-up:
Down the line, during any stage of the b/ground check, if the VO disapproves a case file, s/he intimates same 'online'; & then the MIS cell flags-up the 'decision made' banner.
OR
When, after receiving the pps [after meds]; and once the Security Check returns a 'go ahead', the VO forwards our pps to the PHEP section [in the CHC]. As they stamp the visa/s & the Program Director's sign & 'sticker' is placed on the Visa/s & COPR, they update 'online' a 'PHEP complete' report. Hence the e-cas changes to 'decision made'.
Note:
Now, with the various sections & offices involved, the e-cas might take time to update from the date of actual action. And there could be admin laxity, overlogging etc, that might also delay the e-cas update. or there could be 'Errors' as well. So, it is actually Not a very reliable tool to check our case progress. Plus, it is a very generic data, which doesn't perfectly relate to our case progress. Thus, in cases of inordinate delays, it's always wise to obtain our CAIPS Notes.
I hope the foregoing clarified some aspects of the e-cas.
Good luck.
Qorax
