Port of Spain Office, Trinidad and Tobago

[tdguy]

I was speaking to my wife last night, we agreed that we would wait a while later to see if anything comes, if it doesn,t we will call the call center and get my uci.... Im a bit concerned the vo didnt send it. Hope we didnt get an impolite officer...

 

[Canadianinlove]

Hi Ryanr.

My husband was in New York on a temporary green card - conditional on marriage. He married a US citizen but divorced before the 2 year waiting period was up.
We asked the visa office to be Ottawa as that is where they process people who are LIVING in the US.

CIC denied this and sent our file to POS as that is his country of citizenship. We had red flags as well and had an interview in Trinidad.

I would start preparing and maybe look into what is going to happen if your wife has to return to Trinidad for an interview - as that is a very likely possibility.

They should approve you as a sponsor as the your file was sent to POS - which means that you are allowed to sponsor her to come to Canada but now they visa office in POS is looking at her application. Lots of evidence is great. It proves that you have a relationship. The only thing you need to prepare for is if they call her to Trinidad to find out why she is in the US.

From the time that POS had our application to our actual interview was 3 months. It seems like a long time as you are going through the process but they actually put us through quickly.

Whenever there is clarity needed on an application that can not be determined through documentation they will call an interview. Did you guys include any information about why she is in the US as "not positive status"? Sometimes it helps to have a letter written to help explain her situation and why she is in the US. This might have helped your case and potentially a reason for her not to be called for an interview.

All that being said it depends on the visa officer reviewing your wife's application. Stay positive. You are just at the beginning of the process and might have to wait a little before you receive communication from them. Expect at least 3 months from your wife's application in POS. It you hear sooner that would be fantastic.

Good luck and welcome.

Hello Everyone

This is my first time on the forum. Also the first time I've ever reach-out to anyone for support (not necessary help, but to know of others in my situation).
In wanted to introduce myself, and say "Hi". It's such a sigh of relieve to know that there are so many others like me. My situation is complicated (read further), but I’m sure many others have been down the same path.

Category........: FAM - Wife
Visa Office......: POS
App. Mailed/Filed.......: 2015 Dec 04
Email - App. Confirmed Recv 2016 Jan 3
Email - App pushed to Visa POS – 2016 Jan 6

Honestly this is killing me. As a person whose gone through the immigration process with my family some 25 years ago is one thing. I was young, and didn't know much (obviously my parents didn't involve us too much). Now that I am in a similar situation, I am sponsoring my wife, I’m going bonkers.

My situation is a little different than most, and is unfortunately not as clear, or "straight" as some say. Keeping it simply, my wife is in the US, but without "positive US status". So you done know that this is going to be an uphill battle with CIC.

But I am confident that with the amount of supporting documentation, (2500 pages - gift details, wedding details pics, back and forth trips monthly for 18 months, photos, itinerary, details of each and every trip documented and separated by months, 900 pages of WhatsApp Conversation).

Honestly, I went all out, I wasn't messing around. I figured at the end Immigration Canada will decide on an Interview or Not. With obvious reasons I do not want her to return to TT for an interview.
-If for an interview, she will have to return to TT (and we know the turtle paper pushers they have, that it will be months up to an interview, or longer after).
- OR they go through all of this documentations and say "Approved" (I know it’s not that easy), but there's hope.

Anyhow, Hello All, I hope you are all enjoying Jouvert, and Carnival Monday.

Today is a good day, tomorrow will be a better one, one less issue to worry about with CIC, it’s just a matter of waiting.


Cheers, and a good day to all,

Ryan

**PS** If you wish to read - noted below are the details of my supporting documentation.


I knew what I was getting myself into form day one. I say that because my wife is in the US without status, and Im in Canada. From the get go of dating, I made sure I collected everything, I knew 90% what was expected. I got a few binders, and separated each month from day one, to the day I submitted the application. Why I did each month, is so there was a chronological order, also in most months I visited her at the very least once, OR we did something, letter, pictures, bank statements or receipts etc...

In each month, I included bank statements, pictures, receipts, itinerary, anything everything related to us. Hell I even included toll receipts.
A second binder, I had every whats app conversation printed out, ALL 900 pages (all 96,000 lines of text between both of us) - good, bad, ugly conversion, even the racy ones I didn't care - all yuh wah read, take that!.
A 3rd binder had a second set of conversations

It honestly took me another 8 months to organize and put everything into the right order, with proper details, labelling each photo, with date, name of each person, and relation to each.
My lawyer loved me, he didn't have to do much other than send it to Staples and get 2 copes (It took Staples 5 days, plus they had a 2nd person brought it to help, with printing each receipt), which cost <$600

I can personally say I took the supporting documents to the extreme. I met my wife in Nov 2013, we courted, got married in Aug 2014, submitted application Dec 2015. I figured why apply right away with little to "no" supporting documentation. I deliberately delayed submitting until everything was organize, and that we had enough details to support a legit marriage.

If you read above, they have two decisions APPROVE or INTERVIEW

 

[Canadianinlove]

I think it is more administration then anything else.

I was speaking to my wife last night, we agreed that we would wait a while later to see if anything comes, if it doesn,t we will call the call center and get my uci.... Im a bit concerned the vo didnt send it. Hope we didnt get an impolite officer...

 

[tdguy]

Hey I have a question out of curiosity, why do they ask what you have been doing for the past 10 years?? Is having a good job in your home country a plus for the application, I know Im only 24 but I recently got a promotion at work and I am doing pretty good for myself in Trinidad.. they look at these things??

 

[tdguy]

I think it is more administration then anything else.

Please excuse my ineptness, but what exactly do you mean when you say admin? the office or cic on the whole?

 

[Canadianinlove]

We were in Trinidad at the time - after our interview we were called back to the visa office and they processed the visa in 20 mins.

What I have read on other forums they just send you a letter - regular mail or email.
Make sure you send yours to them visa courier...

I have a general question for anyone who has been through this office...once the file is in POS how do they send passport request or requests for documents is it by regular local mail or registered?

 

[ryanr]

Hi Ryanr.

My husband was in New York on a temporary green card - conditional on marriage. He married a US citizen but divorced before the 2 year waiting period was up.
We asked the visa office to be Ottawa as that is where they process people who are LIVING in the US.

CIC denied this and sent our file to POS as that is his country of citizenship. We had red flags as well and had an interview in Trinidad.

I would start preparing and maybe look into what is going to happen if your wife has to return to Trinidad for an interview - as that is a very likely possibility.

They should approve you as a sponsor as the your file was sent to POS - which means that you are allowed to sponsor her to come to Canada but now they visa office in POS is looking at her application. Lots of evidence is great. It proves that you have a relationship. The only thing you need to prepare for is if they call her to Trinidad to find out why she is in the US.

From the time that POS had our application to our actual interview was 3 months. It seems like a long time as you are going through the process but they actually put us through quickly.

Whenever there is clarity needed on an application that can not be determined through documentation they will call an interview. Did you guys include any information about why she is in the US as "not positive status"? Sometimes it helps to have a letter written to help explain her situation and why she is in the US. This might have helped your case and potentially a reason for her not to be called for an interview.

All that being said it depends on the visa officer reviewing your wife's application. Stay positive. You are just at the beginning of the process and might have to wait a little before you receive communication from them. Expect at least 3 months from your wife's application in POS. It you hear sooner that would be fantastic.

Good luck and welcome.

Hello CIL,

Thank you for the kind words and explanation.
Yes I was approved as a sponsor; so now the app is going to TT

When you say "RED FLAGS" what do you mean by this? And what makes you think it was a red flag (or were they "issues" you knew ahead of time would be a problem, or did CIC indicate this?

Honestly - I am preparing for the worst to happen, and that she will be called in. I mean without status in the US - I’m certain this will bring up questions, resulting in an interview - but I’m hoping with the supporting documents they won’t' but you never know.


The only issue I’m concerned, and would be a significant flag, would be her non-status in the US, and that she’s been there for over 10yrs. Yes we did indicate she vacationed, and overstayed her visa.
I mean how can you clearly answer that – why is she there? She went there on vacation, liked the country, which is similar to Canada, and wanted to stay. She has come a long way to survive, and made a life for herself.
10 years later, she met this handsome fellow, and knew they were meant for each other. They got married, unfortunately he lives 800 miles away in Canada, but he wants her close to him.

It may seem funny, but really. There are so many other ways she could have gotten a Green Card, but she held out for the right Prince! This is why we are here – she is not a criminal, but want to life with her Husband.


In regards to the prep - did you have anything specific in mind?
My thoughts were -
- Where she will stay (I already confirmed with my family - she is welcomed - no issue there)
- How will we deal with this financially (I’m already working my @$$ off to save money - so she won't have to depend on anyone, other than accommodations - lol I'm hoping with the 5:1 conversion it will buffer and help a bit.
- If called in, we will fly down a day or two before the interview, and I’ll stay a week or two - to help her acclimatize (again being 10 years away - and a new family to meet, and stay with.


Though if not the above, I’m more concerned with how long they will take to make a decision after the interview, and how long it will take for the completion of the Visa (passport/photos and vista stamped on Passport)
Essentially, after the interview in TT, how long does she have to wait to when she will be on that flight to Canada? This is something I don't haven’t a clear answer to.


*3 months*3 months*3 months* Got'a hold it together *3 months*3 months


Thanks again for your wordsd CIL.


Ryan

 

[Canadianinlove]

I am glad your wife waited for Prince Charming.

Our red flags were the following:

My husband had already entered into the US through marriage. red flag
We met on line. red flag
We married after 5 1/2 months of knowing each other. red flag
His exwife in the US called Canadian immigration and said they he was coming to Canada just to work as revenge (she was suffering from a mental illness that she hid from him until he got to the US). red flag

We had a whole set of drama. I think when you look from the outside in it looked really bad.

With all the red flags we still got through and life as been great. He started working 2 weeks after he landed.

I went to Trinidad too for his interview. I think it is best to be there and show the seriousness of the situation.

It seems that you have a lot covered. From the interview to passport request I have seen varied times. I agree that it would hard for her to stay in a "new" place while waiting for her passport and visa back. that being said - I found that if you are Trini they seem to process at POS visa office quickly. It might seem like a silly comment but people from outside of Trinidad that have POS as their visa office seem to wait a lot longer.

Keep positive though - we got our Visa the next day (Friday) and we landed in Canada on the Monday.
It was very quick even with all the red flags and a grueling interview.

I have stayed on the forum to give other people hope because in the end love always wins. Just be honest and everything will work out.

Hello CIL,

Thank you for the kind words and explanation.
Yes I was approved as a sponsor; so now the app is going to TT

When you say "RED FLAGS" what do you mean by this? And what makes you think it was a red flag (or were they "issues" you knew ahead of time would be a problem, or did CIC indicate this?

Honestly - I am preparing for the worst to happen, and that she will be called in. I mean without status in the US - I’m certain this will bring up questions, resulting in an interview - but I’m hoping with the supporting documents they won’t' but you never know.


The only issue I’m concerned, and would be a significant flag, would be her non-status in the US, and that she’s been there for over 10yrs. Yes we did indicate she vacationed, and overstayed her visa.
I mean how can you clearly answer that – why is she there? She went there on vacation, liked the country, which is similar to Canada, and wanted to stay. She has come a long way to survive, and made a life for herself.
10 years later, she met this handsome fellow, and knew they were meant for each other. They got married, unfortunately he lives 800 miles away in Canada, but he wants her close to him.

It may seem funny, but really. There are so many other ways she could have gotten a Green Card, but she held out for the right Prince! This is why we are here – she is not a criminal, but want to life with her Husband.


In regards to the prep - did you have anything specific in mind?
My thoughts were -
- Where she will stay (I already confirmed with my family - she is welcomed - no issue there)
- How will we deal with this financially (I’m already working my @ $$ off to save money - so she won't have to depend on anyone, other than accommodations - lol I'm hoping with the 5:1 conversion it will buffer and help a bit.
- If called in, we will fly down a day or two before the interview, and I’ll stay a week or two - to help her acclimatize (again being 10 years away - and a new family to meet, and stay with.


Though if not the above, I’m more concerned with how long they will take to make a decision after the interview, and how long it will take for the completion of the Visa (passport/photos and vista stamped on Passport)
Essentially, after the interview in TT, how long does she have to wait to when she will be on that flight to Canada? This is something I don't haven’t a clear answer to.


*3 months*3 months*3 months* Got'a hold it together *3 months*3 months


Thanks again for your wordsd CIL.


Ryan

 

[Canadianinlove]

They ask for 10 years to make sure that you did not travel or stay outside of the country at anytime. If you did they will ask for background checks from each country.
One person was on a 6 month contract 5 years ago in another country and they had to get a background check from that country. It sounds crazy but they check everything.

Hey I have a question out of curiosity, why do they ask what you have been doing for the past 10 years?? Is having a good job in your home country a plus for the application, I know Im only 24 but I recently got a promotion at work and I am doing pretty good for myself in Trinidad.. they look at these things??

 

[Anxiouswifey]

I was speaking to my wife last night, we agreed that we would wait a while later to see if anything comes, if it doesn,t we will call the call center and get my uci.... Im a bit concerned the vo didnt send it. Hope we didnt get an impolite officer...

I think you need to send a case specific enquiry.... the call centre IVR clearly says once it goes to the VO they can't provide updates.

A lot of the November people haven't gotten an AOR2.... don't stress yet...

 

[ryanr]

They ask for 10 years to make sure that you did not travel or stay outside of the country at anytime. If you did they will ask for background checks from each country.
One person was on a 6 month contract 5 years ago in another country and they had to get a background check from that country. It sounds crazy but they check everything.

Its interesting they ask for such petty things. But at the end of the day there's a reason for it. There are people who commit crimes all over the world, some may be petty, other against mankind, or children, etc...
Its near impossible for the accepting nation (Canada) to verify the security of each of these people background. Its not fool proof, or perfect, but it will deter, and stop some.

To the law abiding citizen, its an additional loop to which we need to jump through - a shitty one, but yet an important one. At the end of the day Canada is a little safer, and I'm happy that we do such checks. I rest assure I dis-like it "buh wah yuhgo'do!"

Its Wednesday (Carnival done - is Lent in everyone backside) folks, we've reached the top of the week, know that is all down hill from now til' Friday.

Does anyone have plans for the weekend? NBA All Star Weekend in Toronto, We're expecting -23 deg temps Saturday, Toronto Taxi Cabs are protesting Friday against Uber...

Lastly its Family Day Monday - so we have a long weekend ahead. I hope you all get to spend some time with your family, and friends, most importantly I hope you are able to spend it with your Loved One.


Cheers,

Ryan

 

[Anxiouswifey]

Its interesting they ask for such petty things. But at the end of the day there's a reason for it. There are people who commit crimes all over the world, some may be petty, other against mankind, or children, etc...
Its near impossible for the accepting nation (Canada) to verify the security of each of these people background. Its not fool proof, or perfect, but it will deter, and stop some.

To the law abiding citizen, its an additional loop to which we need to jump through - a *censored word* one, but yet an important one. At the end of the day Canada is a little safer, and I'm happy that we do such checks. I rest assure I dis-like it "buh wah yuhgo'do!"

Its Wednesday (Carnival done - is Lent in everyone backside) folks, we've reached the top of the week, know that is all down hill from now til' Friday.

Does anyone have plans for the weekend? NBA All Star Weekend in Toronto, We're expecting -23 deg temps Saturday, Toronto Taxi Cabs are protesting Friday against Uber...

Lastly its Family Day Monday - so we have a long weekend ahead. I hope you all get to spend some time with your family, and friends, most importantly I hope you are able to spend it with your Loved One.


Cheers,

Ryan

Hey Ryan!

I hope you enjoy the long weekend as well....

I knew the weather wouldn't stay warm forever, but I was really hopeful for a mild February...

Quick question and not just for Ryan... but how many people who applied since July received an AOR2 from POS. The actual email or letter, not just an update in ECAS that they are processing.

 

[ryanr]

Hey Ryan!

I hope you enjoy the long weekend as well....

I knew the weather wouldn't stay warm forever, but I was really hopeful for a mild February...

Quick question and not just for Ryan... but how many people who applied since July received an AOR2 from POS. The actual email or letter, not just an update in ECAS that they are processing.

---------
Yeah I agree, the nice warm weather was too good to be true. To be honest, I wasn't liking it. I mean that's what we have summer for.
With that, we got the cold back, now where is the darn SNOW! I need to hit the hills to do some snowboarding and skiing to live up to this "Canadian life style" and being a Canadian.
---------
I assume AOR2 is the 2nd AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt) direct from TT?. I do not know what ECAS is.
The acronym post doesn't list what ECAS is.

All communication (so far) about my application was sent to my lawyer's email, and then he fwd it to me. Alternatively after 2 weeks of receiving confirmation that my application was received, I was finally able to log into the OnLine service website and see the status.
---------
Funny "SIDE NOTE* When I logged in, I was amazed to see that it also has details of my own status from 2002/2005 when my Visa was processed. Mind you I've been living here since 1988.
---------
Second side note, On Feb 8th - I submit an on-line enquiry about my application to CIC TT, and received a response directly from them this morning (after 48 hours or so). It was't anything special, I was just trying to get a timeline for processing.

What I sent via CIC online submission:
Enquiry: Hello I recently received notification that I met the requirements for eligibility as a sponsor. With the above the Application to Sponsor a Member of the Family Class has now been forwarded to Visa office in POS. Can you assist in providing an approximate processing time for this next step while in Trinidad? Thank you Ryan R

Their Response
On Wed, Feb 10, 2016 at 7:25 AM, <PSPAN-IMMIGRATION@international.gc.ca> wrote:
Good day,

While we are unable to provide an exact processing time, spousal applications are processed on a priority basis.
This case has not yet been reviewed. If it is determined after review that an interview is not required, processing can probably be
completed within 6 months.

For your information and guidance.



Immigration Section / Section de l’immigration
High Commission of CanadaA
3-3A Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair | 3-3A, rue Sweet Briar, St. Clair
Port of Spain,Trinidad & Tobago | Port d’Espagne, Trinité-et-Tobago
Fax : (868) 628-2619
PSPAN-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca

 

[Anxiouswifey]

---------
Yeah I agree, the nice warm weather was too good to be true. To be honest, I wasn't liking it. I mean that's what we have summer for.
With that, we got the cold back, now where is the darn SNOW! I need to hit the hills to do some snowboarding and skiing to live up to this "Canadian life style" and being a Canadian.
---------
I assume AOR2 is the 2nd AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt) direct from TT?. I do not know what ECAS is.
The acronym post doesn't list what ECAS is.

All communication (so far) about my application was sent to my lawyer's email, and then he fwd it to me. Alternatively after 2 weeks of receiving confirmation that my application was received, I was finally able to log into the OnLine service website and see the status.
---------
Funny "SIDE NOTE* When I logged in, I was amazed to see that it also has details of my own status from 2002/2005 when my Visa was processed. Mind you I've been living here since 1988.
---------
Second side note, On Feb 8th - I submit an on-line enquiry about my application to CIC TT, and received a response directly from them this morning (after 48 hours or so). It was't anything special, I was just trying to get a timeline for processing.

What I sent via CIC online submission:
Enquiry: Hello I recently received notification that I met the requirements for eligibility as a sponsor. With the above the Application to Sponsor a Member of the Family Class has now been forwarded to Visa office in POS. Can you assist in providing an approximate processing time for this next step while in Trinidad? Thank you Ryan R

Their Response
On Wed, Feb 10, 2016 at 7:25 AM, <PSPAN-IMMIGRATION@international.gc.ca> wrote:
Good day,

While we are unable to provide an exact processing time, spousal applications are processed on a priority basis.
This case has not yet been reviewed. If it is determined after review that an interview is not required, processing can probably be
completed within 6 months.

For your information and guidance.



Immigration Section / Section de l’immigration
High Commission of CanadaA
3-3A Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair | 3-3A, rue Sweet Briar, St. Clair
Port of Spain,Trinidad & Tobago | Port d’Espagne, Trinité-et-Tobago
Fax : (868) 628-2619
PSPAN-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca

I must say you are quite detailed in your posts! I like it...

And that is great, six months or less to go

ECAS is the system that you log into to check your application status.

AOR2 is an email or letter from Trinidad confirming receipt of your application.

Both Tdguy and I applied in November. My application was delayed but then I got an AOR2 and he didn't...

Both of us through the same visa office, same month, but two different processing ...

It's actually my birthday today, and I was telling people mother nature was going to disappoint me because it is always a snow storm for my birthday or incredibly cold weather... she is still on her game lol...

 

[tdguy]

Hey that 48 hour reply was good! I think I am going to send a case inquiry tomorrow or tonight .... should i just say that i didnt receive aor 2?