Storage of files at embassies

[MarkGuy]

I tend to think outside of the box, and this post is indicative of that.

Where do the Canadian Embassies around the world store all of the files/documents/boxes that come their way for Family Class Sponsorship applications?

One friend talked about his package weighing 20 lbs before he mailed it out.
If an embassy deals with hundreds of applications or more per year, the real estate to store these applications could quickly become very limited.

Anyone know?

 

[bonbon9]

No clue!

But I definately hope they're recycling all that paper!

 

[patiently_waiting]

The Canadian Government began a program a few years ago in which all documentation is scanned and saved in a data base. All hard copies are saved for 7 years then shredded. They send you all your pictures and cards back when you get your Passport Request.

There ya go!

 

[sheila la]

The Canadian Government began a program a few years ago in which all documentation is scanned and saved in a data base. All hard copies are saved for 7 years then shredded. They send you all your pictures and cards back when you get your Passport Request.

There ya go!

Well I for one am relieved to hear this. I am sponsoring my husband from Egypt and with the crisis going on in Egypt right now, I would hate to think about having to send documents again, not to mention, it may be some time to get those documents replaced.

Are there any members here who have had similar situation with spouse in a country with unrest and how it was dealt with by CIC?

 

[missinghim]

patiently_waiting: I never got back my pics with PPR. Some embassy's send PPR early in the waiting game. This is common in New Delhi.

 

[patiently_waiting]

patiently_waiting: I never got back my pics with PPR. Some embassy's send PPR early in the waiting game. This is common in New Delhi.

Sorry missinghim, I should have clarified better, at the end of the process. ;D

 

[MarkGuy]

The Canadian Government began a program a few years ago in which all documentation is scanned and saved in a data base. All hard copies are saved for 7 years then shredded. They send you all your pictures and cards back when you get your Passport Request.

Thanks very much PW!
Now I'll be able to sleep better.

 

[MarkGuy]

patiently_waiting: I never got back my pics with PPR. Some embassy's send PPR early in the waiting game. This is common in New Delhi.

My they did request it very early!
What are the reasons for this?
One that I can think of is to double-check your trips, to see if they're in line with your notes.

Speaking about sending the PPR early, would they ever make a PPR and then request an interview?
In our situation, the passport would be needed to attend a possible interview.

 

[scylla]

Actually, not all processing offices/officers send your photos and cards back. We went through Buffalo and received nothing back (my husband received his visa and landed almost 5 months ago).

 

[MarkGuy]

Actually, not all processing offices/officers send your photos and cards back. We went through Buffalo and received nothing back (my husband received his visa and landed almost 5 months ago).

I vaguely remember reading on one of the forms something about giving up ownership of the documents that are filed.

 

[patiently_waiting]

Actually, not all processing offices/officers send your photos and cards back. We went through Buffalo and received nothing back (my husband received his visa and landed almost 5 months ago).

That is a real bugger skylla.

 

[scylla]

Actually - it wasn't so bad. I had read enough on the message boards before submitting our application that I knew it was 50%/50% that our stuff would be returned. We can re-print all of the photos we sent. So no loss there. We did lose a few cards (given to us at my shower and our wedding). However I picked the cards I included carefully and didn't include any cards from very close family friends or cards with really meaningful messages that I didn't want to lose. So overall, I'm fine with what was lost. I consider this part of the cost of getting my husband his PR status.

 

[PMM]

hi

That is a real bugger skylla.

If you wish to know what is supposed to happen with documents http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/op/op01-eng.pdf section 19

 

[missinghim]

no need to make apology Patiently waiting!

Yes Mark they can still ask for interview n as for additional docs after ppr.

It depends on how far along i guess u r but embassy can do what they want in the end.

 

[MarkGuy]

Yes Mark they can still ask for interview n as for additional docs after ppr.

It depends on how far along i guess u r but embassy can do what they want in the end.

Thanks Missinghim.
I hope we never get to that stage, but it sure would make it difficult to attend an interview without having your passport!

Thanks PMM,

It doesn't really make it clear what happens to the documents.
"2. At visa offices without microfilm or microfiche equipment, documents and files are to be
retained in paper format according to file retention and disposal schedules."

According to "file retention and disposal schedules" whatever they may be!

Also, the checklist table above that shows no documents heading to the microfilm. That's counter to 2.