Just got an email about my landing interview! Next Wednesday in Etobicoke.
It's finally over! I will probably come back to post about my interview experience (but I don't expect to be asked too many questions considering my application was simple and straight-forward)
Some thoughts:
- The most tedious part was definitely preparing the initial application. Triple-checking every form to make sure I didn't forget to add or sign something, labeling each picture/going through our relationship history with my sponsor to prove it was genuine (considering we're not married + I've lived here my entire life and grown up here, I didn't want CIC to think it was a common-law partnership of convenience to finally become officially Canadian/PR).
- The worst part of waiting was after I passed the medical exam, because nothing was updated on myCIC or Ecas. Last week I just got a message saying that I passed eligibility (I didn't even know they were reviewing it - as of now, myCIC still shows that they're reviewing my eligibility...) Not hearing anything for weeks/months after passing the medical exam seems to be a common experience...
- About the Police Check: if you only have to submit a Canadian police check, it DOES NOT have to include fingerprints unless CIC specifically requests it (you'll see whether you need it or not on myCIC). Just go to your local police station and ask for a criminal background certificate. They'll ask you why (when you fill in a form) and you just have to check immigration. You will get a copy right away. CIC might request fingerprints later if you share a name with someone who is blacklisted, but if you're lucky you won't have to go through the RCMP/fingerprint process