Taking too much time, should I worry?

[Travelgirl1985]

Hello

I sent a paper application to the VAC in Port of Spain for a TRV. I planned to travel June 9 to Canada for 2 weeks.

I got a dhl confirmation that my application was signed for on the morning of May 16. The current processing time for this office for TRVs is 13 days (it was 14 at the time I sent the application).

I'm pretty sure days are calculated as calendar days (not business days). The 30th was a holiday at this office, but even still, we are going on day 17 and haven't heard anything. Apparently I was supposed to get an email with a tracking number once my application was opened and begun processing... but I haven't received anything yet, and by their estimate, the process should be completed. I checked all my junk folders etc and haven't received an email. I also keep checking the dhl return envelope tracking info but it hasn't been sent back.

Anyone have any ideas? Should I just keep waiting? No red flags and thought it would be a fairly normal processing time.

 

[Bryanna]

You're right, the stated processing time is in calendar days with the key word being *estimated* = only a guide and not a commitment to complete processing within XX days.

Contact VFS for the tracking email. This would typically give you a VFS tracking number (doesn't help) + says your application has been forwarded to the visa office on XX date. You won't get an email from the visa office unless they require any additional information.

This situation is perfectly normal. You'll have to wait for the decision

 

[Travelgirl1985]

You're right, the stated processing time is in calendar days with the key word being *estimated* = only a guide and not a commitment to complete processing within XX days.

Contact VFS for the tracking email. This would typically give you a VFS tracking number (doesn't help) + says your application has been forwarded to the visa office on XX date. You won't get an email from the visa office unless they require any additional information.

This situation is perfectly normal. You'll have to wait for the decision

Hi Bryanna

Thanks for your reply!

I guess I was just concerned that they were decreasing their estimated times and my timeline was more than the average (for no obvious reason). I read on the VAC site that they would send an email when my appmication was started (if complete) but perhaps thats the tracker email you are referring to, which i havent received. I was thinking since i hadnt received this email tjat my applicatiin was sitting unopened in a pile somewhere, but since you think i may not receive any email, thats a bit more reassuring then.

What is "VFS" for this not overly helpful tracking number? At this point I'll do anything to at least acknowledge my application was opened lol.

Thanks again.

 

[Bryanna]

What is "VFS" for this not overly helpful tracking number? At this point I'll do anything to at least acknowledge my application was opened lol.

Sorry. I should have been a bit more clearer. It's not VFS but CSC where you submitted your paper application.

You can also try linking your paper application to your online account so you get updates/don't miss out on any communication from the visa office. Here's how:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/my_application/link.asp

Do note after you link: You will no longer be contacted by CSC + all updates/passport request, etc will be notified only in this online account

 

[Travelgirl1985]

Sorry. I should have been a bit more clearer. It's not VFS but CSC where you submitted your paper application.

You can also try linking your paper application to your online account so you get updates/don't miss out on any communication from the visa office. Here's how:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/my_application/link.asp

Do note after you link: You will no longer be contacted by CSC + all updates/passport request, etc will be notified only in this online account

I was actually hoping VSF was the answer because I'd never heard of it and when I googled it, it looked like I may get somewhere! Lol

I should have mentioned this in my original post... I have been trying to link my application to my account every day for the last week but it never finds one to match... the only option I can use is to search my family name, name, and application details as I don't have a UCI or tracking number.... sigh. That's another reason I was worried it hadn't been touched.

 

[Bryanna]

Do check you're entering every detail correctly when you link the application, including blank spaces + date formats + spellings.

Do contact CSC for the tracking email.

It's possible, like you mentioned, that processing on your application has not started. Slim chance though

 

[Travelgirl1985]

Do check you're entering every detail correctly when you link the application, including blank spaces + date formats + spellings.

Do contact CSC for the tracking email.

It's possible, like you mentioned, that processing on your application has not started. Slim chance though

Do I just contact the email listed on the VAC site? Or should I contact CSC another way?

I'll try linking it again.

Thanks

 

[Bryanna]

Calling would be best, or a visit to the CSC office if possible

 

[Travelgirl1985]

Calling would be best, or a visit to the CSC office if possible

Just had a bit of a panic attack/realization. I sent the application to the VAC in Port of Spain instead of directly to the visa office.

I thought it was essentially the same thing. Every time I looked up application info, it seemed to direct me from the CSC site to the VAC site so I sent it there thinking it was all in the same office. Which is fine... I think.. except it was an unnecessary step.

Would it have been better if I had just sent it to the POS visa office? I had no intention of needing the VAC to look over my application for completeness etc as I made sure it was done well. It seems like I just added extra processing days and complicated a straight forward application. Now I'm officially freaking out.

 

[Bryanna]

Calm. Relax. Don't panic

You've done the right thing by submitting your application to the VAC/CSC.

The visa office would not have processed your application if you had mailed it directly to them

 

[onelove1]

Adding to this thread.. been 14 days for me and still no reply... estimatdd processing time is 11 days per website.. last rejection took 13 days so i dont know how to take this as good or bad am i in for another rejection or a positive outcome ? Thoughts?

 

[Bryanna]

Adding to this thread.. been 14 days for me and still no reply... estimatdd processing time is 11 days per website.. last rejection took 13 days so i dont know how to take this as good or bad am i in for another rejection or a positive outcome ? Thoughts?

It's a guessing game as the processing time does not indicate an approval/rejection.

Hope you get your TRV this time

 

[onelove1]

It's a guessing game as the processing time does not indicate an approval/rejection.

Hope you get your TRV this time

Ugh I sure hope so too! We wont give up until its approved and to think that the whole Liberal govt was about reuniting familes , sibligs etc and to have trv rejected 5 times its so disappointing.. lets hope this time they give us a chance as ttey do to others on this forum