Renewal of PR Card Delays

[jaycrew]

Hi guys,

I'm in despair and running out of time, hoping anyone can give me any more ideas of how to deal with this issue.

I applied for Citizenship in May of 2011, still no test, oath or ceremony, my local CIC is in Edmonton AB.

I am getting married in December so will be leaving Canada December 15th, hoping to return on January 17th. I have advised the CIC that I will be away for this period in order not to schedule me for a test during that time.

My PR card expired in August 2012, 5 years after I landed. I requested renewal of my PR Card in September 28, on an urgent basis, my ticket was already bought. Online status application advised me that my application was transferred to the local CIC office for further investigation as of October 3.

I know what you are thinking, I still have 3 weeks.. and if it does not get processed in time I can apply for temporary travel documents in a Canadian embassy abroad.

The problem is, I need a valid PR card to apply for visas to Thailand and Indonesia where I am planning my honeymoon. Application for visas is not a lengthy process, but with the consulates being in Vancouver, there is a 5-8 business day processing time.

I contacted CIC, and CIC Edmonton directly, I call the call centre every two days and the last time I spoke to an agent they advised that it looks like my PR card will not be renewed at this time.

The only other way I can think of is to barge in to CIC Edmonton and talk to someone. Putting a face and story behind my application. Any success stories doing that with anyone?

If you guys think I may have missed any other opportunities please let me know. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[steaky]

Can't you use your home country's passport to apply for tourist visa in Indonesia and Thailand?

 

[Msafiri]

The issue for the OP is that the visa issuing posts in Canada need prima facie evidence of his PR status i.e. a valid PR Card.

The OP has not got his renewed PR Card and the clock is ticking for the visa issuance window.

As I recall CIC offices no longer accept walk ins you need an appointment. What did the Edmonton Office tell you? Are you visa exempt for Canada..if yes then this may remove the cocenrn for the embassy i.e. can you re-enter Canada.

A more serious concern is that the CIC appear to be checking into your Residency Obligation...it may be unwise to leave Canada before you find out why your application is under investigation. How many days of physical presence did you claim in your PR Card renewal?

 

[jaycrew]

Steaky: I am use my home passport. but a valid PR card is still required.

Msafari: The Edmonton CIC told me that they do not accept appoints fro renewal of PR cards. Yes I agree, it appears CIC are investigating my residency Obligation, which I have sufficient back-up to prove that I have been in Canada for 4 of the last 5 years. BTW I am not visa exempt to Canada.

 

[jaycrew]

And funnily enough I have met Citizenship obligations and have applied for citizenship since May of last year. I have completed the 3 years more than a year and a half ago.

 

[Alabaman]

For situations like this some things are set in stone so there is no need to ponder

1. I believe there isn't much you can do about your wedding date so it is a must you travel. No question about that.
2. Honey moon can be shelved if nothing comes through. Another option is to apply for your visa in your home country...immediately you get there for your wedding ceremeony. I am sure that way they wouldnt ask about Canadian PR.
3. Yes you can "storm" the CIC office and put a name to the face. Sometimes you have to be aggressive with these folks. I know someone that did that and he wouldnt leave their office until they gave him an answer... two weeks later his PR was out.
4. Final option is to travel home and apply for a travel document to come back to Canada. If you decide to go this route, make sure you go with lots of documents.

 

[Msafiri]

1. Without a PR Card the travel issue is moot as visas will not be issued.

2. IMHO 'storming' the CIC Edmonton office is a bad idea. It could easily get into a trespassing issue if you play hardball. From then on it can get into legal issues.

3. Will a TD be issued at a visa post while there is an apparent Residency Obligation review of a PR Card renewal? Remember the TD application will involve a RO review which is already under process back in Canada. Will the visa officer over rule the CIC back inland? I wouldn't see this happening. At worst the OP could wait for a lengthy period whilst this was being resolved between the visa post and CIC Edmonton.

In the OP's shoes I would stay put in Canada until the PR Card was issued. If you have travel insurance you may get a refund or depending on what tickets you bought can change the dates.

It will be useful to get your file from CIC it will show their RO concerns for the PR renewal...logic says this will be an issue for your Citizenship application so best to see what the issue is now and resolve it. What does your ecas say in regards to your citizenship application?

 

[jaycrew]

I have to leave I am the groom at the wedding ;D

Everything online says that my case is in process.. No luck understanding what is being done. Agents can't give me anymore information.

As it stands i am leaving canada with or without a new pr card. If i don't have a new pr card by the time i leave, i will go to the canadian embassy the very next day and start the process. I will be bringing an letter from my employer proving that i have been working there for over 3 years.

Any other documents you can think of that may help speed up the issuance of temp travel documents in a canadian embassy abroad?

 

[SenoritaBella]

Tax slips e.g. T4s, notice of assessments, etc for the last few years.

 

[Msafiri]

jaycrew congratulations in advance hope all goes well you certainly are a determined groom. Check the processing times at the visa post that you will be submitting your TD. Carry documentation that is conclusive proof of your physical presence in Canada. In addition to what has been suggested add any medical related documents e.g. if you had any dental work, optical exams, lab work etc carry the receipts.

Good luck and do let the forum know how things go.

 

[SenoritaBella]

Speaking of medical related documents, you can ask for a summary of your doctor visits from your provincial health insurance office. That too is evidence of physical presence.

jaycrew congratulations in advance hope all goes well you certainly are a determined groom. Check the processing times at the visa post that you will be submitting your TD. Carry documentation that is conclusive proof of your physical presence in Canada. In addition to what has been suggested add any medical related documents e.g. if you had any dental work, optical exams, lab work etc carry the receipts.

Good luck and do let the forum know how things go.

 

[jaycrew]

Hi all,

Thanks for your input. So far I have gathered the following documents:

1. CRA Notice of Assessments from the past 5 years
2. Confirmation from my University that I attended a one year graduate program.
3. Credit Card Statements from the past 5 years (My OCD finally proves useful)
4. Letters from all the different landlords confirming my tenancy at their respective properties
5. Letter from Health Insurance Alberta summarizing my doctor visits (I lived in both Ontario and Alberta; Ontario needs 30 calendar days, Alberta is 3 days)

Hopefully receiving temporary travel documents in the Canadian embassy will go smoothly with all this back-up.

 

[jaycrew]

And a letter from my employer confirming my employment and that I am expected back at work in the new year.

 

[Msafiri]

You seem to have some solid documentation indicative of phyiscal presence in Canada so the TD application in theory should be smooth especially if your employer is a reputable organization. Are you able to provide the same documentation to the local office? Call them they may allow you to do this. A concern still remains if the visa post overseas will process a TD if there is a potential residency obligation 'review' ongoing back in Canada. On the other hand the Visa Officer if satisfied will issue a TD...hopefully the VO is willing to step up rather than think I don't want to rock the boat.

 

[jaycrew]

Great idea Msafari!! Will do..