Thread for outland Buffalo applicants!

[muffy1]

Just wanted to share an update for those who are familiar with my story. MP' office did an inquiry and here is the update:

Just wanted to update you, though I don't have much of an update. After 3 weeks of waiting to hear back (the MP's office was closed for one week), I called to follow up with the office. First of all, the assistant made me feel as though it was "outrageous" for me to put in a request. She told me flat out that a request on my file should not have been made. I said that when I first contacted the MP's office that I gave all of my details and reasoning for why I felt that an inquiry could be made and the original contact at the MP's office agreed that an inquiry is justifiable and then proceeded with it. She also stated that any email inquiry and especially this inquiry from the MP will delay processing of my file "significantly". She also stated that she was actually shocked that their office even received a reply as a lot of times their inquiries will not be honored if made within normal processing times.

From there, she explained that they are working on an RCMP check currently (and because of this there is no bring forward date) and they have not touched my PCC nor has the system updated that they have received it. I do have a delivery signature & confirmation so I do know the document is there somewhere. She also mentioned that my file is still in transit to Ottawa.

She stated that I can expect processing to take the full 12 months, as posted online (which would take me to December 5th I believe)if not longer due to Buffalo's closure and also a closure coming up (next week I believe she said) in Damascus (if I remember correctly). I'm a bit steamed right now so I can't remember clearly which city was noted.

I'm just basically steamed at the way she spoke to me, even citing word for word some information available online. Then, I cited what I few words I could remember from the Ops Manual and she continued to reiterate that they should not have made an inquiry in the first place and expect my file to to be delayed significantly because of this.

Because I am a bit "bummed", can anyone say for sure or with some level of certainty that the above information i.e. inquiries delaying processing is true?

I am going to go cool off a little bit, say a couple prayers, and look at this very handsome picture of my husband to remind myself that this is all worth it for him At least I've got him I'll check back in later.

Thanks for listening everyone....as always....All the best!

 

[Lasiar]

Just wanted to share an update for those who are familiar with my story. MP' office did an inquiry and here is the update:

Just wanted to update you, though I don't have much of an update. After 3 weeks of waiting to hear back (the MP's office was closed for one week), I called to follow up with the office. First of all, the assistant made me feel as though it was "outrageous" for me to put in a request. She told me flat out that a request on my file should not have been made. I said that when I first contacted the MP's office that I gave all of my details and reasoning for why I felt that an inquiry could be made and the original contact at the MP's office agreed that an inquiry is justifiable and then proceeded with it. She also stated that any email inquiry and especially this inquiry from the MP will delay processing of my file "significantly". She also stated that she was actually shocked that their office even received a reply as a lot of times their inquiries will not be honored if made within normal processing times.

From there, she explained that they are working on an RCMP check currently (and because of this there is no bring forward date) and they have not touched my PCC nor has the system updated that they have received it. I do have a delivery signature & confirmation so I do know the document is there somewhere. She also mentioned that my file is still in transit to Ottawa.

She stated that I can expect processing to take the full 12 months, as posted online (which would take me to December 5th I believe)if not longer due to Buffalo's closure and also a closure coming up (next week I believe she said) in Damascus (if I remember correctly). I'm a bit steamed right now so I can't remember clearly which city was noted.

I'm just basically steamed at the way she spoke to me, even citing word for word some information available online. Then, I cited what I few words I could remember from the Ops Manual and she continued to reiterate that they should not have made an inquiry in the first place and expect my file to to be delayed significantly because of this.

Because I am a bit "bummed", can anyone say for sure or with some level of certainty that the above information i.e. inquiries delaying processing is true?

I am going to go cool off a little bit, say a couple prayers, and look at this very handsome picture of my husband to remind myself that this is all worth it for him At least I've got him I'll check back in later.

Thanks for listening everyone....as always....All the best!

Hi muffy, I felt sick reading this post, and how that person treated you on the phone, unbelievable and rude, as for my end and dealing with my mp's office, they have been very cooperative and as helpful as they can be, I don't believe it delays anything, in fact I think she got the process rolling back in may when she called them for me.. Too bad there was not someone else you could go through to help you. I feel like telling that person off for ya. I don't know but I'd report the "blank" to someone if I knew who.
~Hugs~ muffy
Lasiar

 

[muffy1]

Awwww, thank you Lasiar!! Your msg made me feel a bit better What really gets me is some of the things she stated and said to me that implied that she thought I had not even a shred of intelligence in me. I was honestly dumbfounded.

One of the things she also stated to me was that the processing times are posted online and there are AND I QUOTE, very, very few applications that are processed any earlier than posted timeframe. She even stated that it usually takes even longer than posted times. However, I thought the processing times posted online referred to 20% of cases. Maybe, in this example, I am the idiot here for misunderstanding.

I wish I knew who to write a letter of concern to! We have not even landed and this is the type of respect, from one human being to another, that we are given by politicians and their representatives? But when they want our vote it's a completely different story!

 

[parker24]

Awwww, thank you Lasiar!! Your msg made me feel a bit better What really gets me is some of the things she stated and said to me that implied that she thought I had not even a shred of intelligence in me. I was honestly dumbfounded.

One of the things she also stated to me was that the processing times are posted online and there are AND I QUOTE, very, very few applications that are processed any earlier than posted timeframe. She even stated that it usually takes even longer than posted times. However, I thought the processing times posted online referred to 20% of cases. Maybe, in this example, I am the idiot here for misunderstanding.

I wish I knew who to write a letter of concern to! We have not even landed and this is the type of respect, from one human being to another, that we are given by politicians and their representatives? But when they want our vote it's a completely different story!

First of all, I call bulls*** on the "delaying" your process. It does NOT do that unless the MP magically popped in at CIC and demanded to see your file. *scoffs in disgust* I have a strange feeling your MP is Conservative, reason being that MOST Conservative MP's don't wanna do any more work than they have to. It's stupid and ignorant.

Okay so that's off my chest, second of all, the NERVE of her to even say anything like that. I would have said "You realize you are talking to a person who VOTES right? You're losing votes by talking to me like I'm 5 years old..." What nerve! I'd go in and ask to speak to your MP personally and tell him/her what they said! OMG I'm so mad right now!

Don't worry too much about it. As long as your file is straightforward, you should be okay. Ignore MP b**ch

 

[Lasiar]

Awwww, thank you Lasiar!! Your msg made me feel a bit better What really gets me is some of the things she stated and said to me that implied that she thought I had not even a shred of intelligence in me. I was honestly dumbfounded.

One of the things she also stated to me was that the processing times are posted online and there are AND I QUOTE, very, very few applications that are processed any earlier than posted timeframe. She even stated that it usually takes even longer than posted times. However, I thought the processing times posted online referred to 20% of cases. Maybe, in this example, I am the idiot here for misunderstanding.

I wish I knew who to write a letter of concern to! We have not even landed and this is the type of respect, from one human being to another, that we are given by politicians and their representatives? But when they want our vote it's a completely different story!

too bad you couldnt speak to the MP himself? make an appointment? email directly? or how about the premier of the Province? or even better maybe the Media? I think it's terrible how you were treated and she needs to be put in her place.. Grrrr!! Keep calling CIC every week muffy, hopefully someone can tell you something encouraging.. I am still waiting for word from my MP's office as well. Hugs and fingers crossed still.

 

[muffy1]

Thank you both so much, Lasiar and Parker! I really appreciate your feedback. I received some feedback from a senior source, here, as well, right in line with what the two of you said. I was thinking maybe I was crazy (as we all know this process has a way of messing with your mind, so to speak).

I have been in contact with the MPP previously and did email her. She did not say anything at all to it except to send me a link of Government contacts. I am also assuming that if I email my MP directly, one of her assistants will be reading it; particularly the one I spoke with today. I will be calling tomorrow to schedule an appointment to hopefully at least make her aware of this situation and to see if this is how her staff normally treats its constituents. The MP is NDP.

I also wrote to the Mayor's office to let them know, as the assistant there was MORE THAN helpful and actually referred me to this person directly, just to make them aware. I just cannot stand when people cannot even extend what has now become a courtesy to treat other human beings as just that- human beings.

Ok, I think I've gotten that out of my system. I greatly appreciate your feedback! All the best to you both, and all of us still going through this process

 

[Lasiar]

Thank you both so much, Lasiar and Parker! I really appreciate your feedback. I received some feedback from a senior source, here, as well, right in line with what the two of you said. I was thinking maybe I was crazy (as we all know this process has a way of messing with your mind, so to speak).

I have been in contact with the MPP previously and did email her. She did not say anything at all to it except to send me a link of Government contacts. I am also assuming that if I email my MP directly, one of her assistants will be reading it; particularly the one I spoke with today. I will be calling tomorrow to schedule an appointment to hopefully at least make her aware of this situation and to see if this is how her staff normally treats its constituents. The MP is NDP.

I also wrote to the Mayor's office to let them know, as the assistant there was MORE THAN helpful and actually referred me to this person directly, just to make them aware. I just cannot stand when people cannot even extend what has now become a courtesy to treat other human beings as just that- human beings.

Ok, I think I've gotten that out of my system. I greatly appreciate your feedback! All the best to you both, and all of us still going through this process

Good luck muffy!

 

[mameelynn]

Just wanted to let you all know we FINALLY got our sponsor approval letter today!!! Happy day around here!!!! It was dated July 3rd! ;D

 

[Lasiar]

Just wanted to let you all know we FINALLY got our sponsor approval letter today!!! Happy day around here!!!! It was dated July 3rd! ;D

Congratulations & speedy processing.

 

[homi2285]

Just wanted to share an update for those who are familiar with my story. MP' office did an inquiry and here is the update:

Just wanted to update you, though I don't have much of an update. After 3 weeks of waiting to hear back (the MP's office was closed for one week), I called to follow up with the office. First of all, the assistant made me feel as though it was "outrageous" for me to put in a request. She told me flat out that a request on my file should not have been made. I said that when I first contacted the MP's office that I gave all of my details and reasoning for why I felt that an inquiry could be made and the original contact at the MP's office agreed that an inquiry is justifiable and then proceeded with it. She also stated that any email inquiry and especially this inquiry from the MP will delay processing of my file "significantly". She also stated that she was actually shocked that their office even received a reply as a lot of times their inquiries will not be honored if made within normal processing times.

From there, she explained that they are working on an RCMP check currently (and because of this there is no bring forward date) and they have not touched my PCC nor has the system updated that they have received it. I do have a delivery signature & confirmation so I do know the document is there somewhere. She also mentioned that my file is still in transit to Ottawa.

She stated that I can expect processing to take the full 12 months, as posted online (which would take me to December 5th I believe)if not longer due to Buffalo's closure and also a closure coming up (next week I believe she said) in Damascus (if I remember correctly). I'm a bit steamed right now so I can't remember clearly which city was noted.

I'm just basically steamed at the way she spoke to me, even citing word for word some information available online. Then, I cited what I few words I could remember from the Ops Manual and she continued to reiterate that they should not have made an inquiry in the first place and expect my file to to be delayed significantly because of this.

Because I am a bit "bummed", can anyone say for sure or with some level of certainty that the above information i.e. inquiries delaying processing is true?

I am going to go cool off a little bit, say a couple prayers, and look at this very handsome picture of my husband to remind myself that this is all worth it for him At least I've got him I'll check back in later.

Thanks for listening everyone....as always....All the best!

Reading your story reallyy makes me furious and angry at them .. how can they do that to others ? it's in their job description to help people like us... I'm very sorry that you had to go through that unpleasant encounter.

My husband went to his MP office the other day . He didn't get to meet any of the MP officers but only their front desk person.. well at least from what I heard , she was decently nice. She asked him to sign a consent form which allows them to look into our case. Lasiar, I'm just wondering if you or your husband signed a consent form? Hopefully they will contact him soon with some bit of information about the whereabouts of my application.

I can't sleep well these days. This process really is painful..

 

[muffy1]

Thank you very much Homi for your reply! I just can't seem to let this one go. I mean, people have been rude to me before it happens but this person came across as degrading and "how dare I waste her time?". Then to go on and give false information and present it as though it is fact when the actual factual information is clearly posted online. Come on, who do these people think they are lying to? If she thought I had no grounds then say so and if that were the case they would not have proceeded with the inquiry. It's not as though I forced anyone at the office to do this. It's disheartening and infuriating all at the same time. But, thank you for the kind words. I just feel bad thinking that this person will go on to the next person in line and treat them the same way. I can handle things happening to me but when I think she could very well be treating others like this....THAT infuriates me! Thanks for allowing me to vent!

btw, does anyone know if there is an RCMP check in progress does that mean that there will not be a bring forward date entered on your file?

 

[Isometry]

One of the things she also stated to me was that the processing times are posted online and there are AND I QUOTE, very, very few applications that are processed any earlier than posted timeframe. She even stated that it usually takes even longer than posted times. However, I thought the processing times posted online referred to 20% of cases. Maybe, in this example, I am the idiot here for misunderstanding.

You're not an idiot, it sounds like the woman you spoke to has no clue what's going on with anything. The processing time for phase 2 varies a lot, but about 80% of all cases are processed within the posted time or less. 20% take longer. Quite a few are quite a lot faster, though I've lost my link to the official spreadsheet with the breakdowns.

Don't take it personally. You got her on a bad day, or she's the type who just likes to feel important.

 

[OhCanadiana]

The processing time for phase 2 varies a lot, but about 80% of all cases are processed within the posted time or less. 20% take longer. Quite a few are quite a lot faster, though I've lost my link to the official spreadsheet with the breakdowns.

I actually just posted a summary yesterday including data through March 2012, which was just released in this post.

 

[JimM]

I actually just posted a summary yesterday including data through March 2012, which was just released in this post.

Ottawa seems to be at about the same speed as Buffalo was, but I suppose that will change when we see the figures from after they got the extra workload.

 

[parker24]

Ottawa seems to be at about the same speed as Buffalo was, but I suppose that will change when we see the figures from after they got the extra workload.

I agree. I'm also curious as to how many people they have in each CIC office. Never seen a CIC building up close so just curious haha