I posted this as a separate thread...but without it being a sticky it gets lost...hopefully it is helpful to the newbies on the forum.
Here are some tips for using the forum:
Getting started
If you have questions or want to know what's happening with others in similar situation (i.e. same visa office or same month of application received) search for and post in the thread for those who applied in the same month as you...these are usually called "April 2015 Outland" or something like that. You can also look for the thread that focuses on your visa office (once you receive sponsorship approval), i.e. Abu Dhabi VO, etc. Use the search functions outlined below to find the thread you are looking for.
Post general questions under the "Spousal Sponsorship" thread where a number of subject matter experts regularly review and provide answers.
Only post a new topic as a last resort...because with the traffic in the Family Sponsorship forum, your post will quickly be lost. (as this post will be if it doesn't get pinned)
Searching for keywords / topics:
1) click on the little magnifying glass to access the advanced search function. There you can specify to search in topics only (as opposed to the posts). I'm not sure why the search doesn't default to this
2) in message age, select a smaller number - say 200 days. There are subject matter experts who regularly reply in the threads that see the most use.
3) uncheck the "Check all" box at the bottom, then click on the "+" and select the forums you are interested in
Sorting the threads by most replies received, etc.
If you click on the column header in the forum, you will be able to sort ascending or descending. For example, if you want to see the most popular threads, in the "Replies" column header, click on it. It will first sort ascending (meaning those posts with 0 replies - see my comment on posting new topics). There is a small black arrow below the header text, click on this and it will reverse the sort to descending. Chances are your question will fit into one of the popular threads and you are more likely to get a response.
Sharing your timelines
Sharing your timelines helps everyone to see the progress being made. There are usually two types of timeline sheets - one by year / class and the other by visa office. You should add your information to BOTH. Keep your timeline updated including when you receive your visa and land - this really helps to motivate others and keep their hopes up. It's also helpful to show your timeline with your profile.
Tracking forums that you've posted in
In the upper left beside your profile icon, you can click on "Show new replies to your posts". To see the latest reply, click on the icon on the far RIGHT of each row. Be aware that you can't unfollow a thread once you post (or at least it's never worked for me).
Balancing information privacy with providing enough information to get a good response
Do not share personal information with others and be mindful of using people's names on the forum if you have come to know them. Your username should be something that doesn't identify you. That having been said, when you are posting a question, it helps to provide basic details such as type of application, VO, situational details...you'll get a sense of what I mean when you see the questions people are asking before they can provide responses.
If you are struggling with your application, there are a number of steps you can do
1) call the IRCC contact center - mixed reviews on how much value this is (and only call after processing times are exceeded unless you have a question about how to fill out something)
2) send a case specific enquiry - only do this if your application processing time has been exceeded
3) contact your MP - only do this if you application processing time has been exceeded
If you have ideas on how the system can be improved, write to the Minister of IRCC, Prime Minister Trudeau and cc your MP. Be positive and constructive in your ideas. Use examples from your experience but don't request action / information on your specific case.
Honestly, I wish I had learned to navigate my way around this forum much sooner while I was completing my application. I remember signing up and getting overwhelmed by all the posts. I would have saved a lot of time had I figured it out sooner!! Every question you can think of is on this forum and therefore you shouldn't need to hire a lawyer or consultant except in the most unusual or complicated circumstances.
Finally, a bit of emotional empathy. Only those who have been through the process know what it is like until the DM, PPR, PR card is received. Even after receiving PPR, we still would not believe it was over because we thought there was always a possibility of something going wrong. You know what I mean. But as long as your relationship is genuine, you are honest and your intentions are good for being in Canada, it's just a matter of when and not if.
Good luck all!
C.
