Thread for outland Buffalo applicants!

[mrswolfe]

Our friend who is not on this board but applied in December got PPR today!

Plus, Buffalo has sent my wife's passport back through Canada Post, so maybe we will get it back in time for our anniversary tomorrow!

 

[doctorkb]

We got an email back in July that had both file numbers on it (after we prodded Buffalo) but when we got the COPR it only had the F number, so I can almost agree with some of the previous speculation of them just being in a transition period from B to F numbers. No worries, man, you're on your way.

Having seen our GCMS notes, I can tell you that I'm pretty sure this isn't a "transition" situation.

The "B" number represents the PAPER file that the consulate has on hand. The "F" number represents an electronic file number.

I suspect that we will continue to have BOTH until/unless CIC goes completely paperless.

 

[ddobro2]

yay, happy anniversary

Our friend who is not on this board but applied in December got PPR today!

Plus, Buffalo has sent my wife's passport back through Canada Post, so maybe we will get it back in time for our anniversary tomorrow!

 

[Ellan]

Just out of curiosity, how many people that sent their application in December through Buffalo are still waiting for PPR? Am I the only one? :'(

 

[ddobro2]

I think you have amaranth and ganapatiom in your company

Just out of curiosity, how many people that sent their application in December through Buffalo are still waiting for PPR? Am I the only one? :'(

 

[argenta]

We applied in November, so we're with you!

Just out of curiosity, how many people that sent their application in December through Buffalo are still waiting for PPR? Am I the only one? :'(

 

[Trish1982]

I also applied in December, well...sent app at the end of November actually.

Still waiting here too!

 

[ddobro2]

Just got off the phone with the Call Centre. Well, I only called them because the ATIP line only gave you the option of leaving a message (even if you selected the option that WASN'T to leave a message), and I didn't want to do that.

I was set on filling out that Record Correction Request Form, and seeing as how apparently no one on this forum is familiar with it, I needed help in what certain fields meant.

The woman at the Call Centre basically talked me out of it because, um, I guess "different visa offices have different ways of doing things and just because they did not enter the CSQ information doesn't mean they don't have the CSQ." Ok, I tried to explain that I just wanted to know they have a copy of it. She seemed to think that finding that out is as simple as emailing Buffalo. Um, not exactly, but we'll see what they respond with for my latest inquiry. Will not be surprised if I get the "due to high volumes" message yet again. She was fine with me sending a copy directly to them too. I'll probably have to do that.

Additionally, I should note that the woman I talked to said that it's the #Bxxxxxxx that is the number used by the visa offices. I said, well, I think both the #Fxxxxxxxx and the #Bxxxxxxxxx are used, seeing as how Buffalo puts both on its AOR, and just what is the difference? I don't think she knew what the difference was herself, but when I said a couple of times that I think the #F is for the electronic file and the #B is for the paper, she flat-out said "no."

Then she told me to use the e-CAS system, because it's so reliable and "most of our customers have no problem with it." She said that I should log in with my #B number instead. Um, I did that and it shows the exact same thing, "Application Received." In fact I told her that e-CAS is not reliable for outlanders, as I've personally heard of numerous cases of the status being "Application Received" up until PPR, then "In Progress" after landing. She essentially didn't want to hear it. No, it's for everybody and it works fine. Right, lady. Oh, and she also said that "the average processing time for Buffalo is 11 months." I tried to correct her and say, not exactly, 80% of applications that get seen at Buffalo are finished processing within 11 months. That is not the same as the mean average. As if she didn't hear me, she just repeated what she said earlier. It's as if these people are just trained to spit out information without even thinking about it when someone corrects them.

I couldn't help mentioning that Buffalo is such a black box, either. Cuz it is.

 

[CandC2009]

Just out of curiosity, how many people that sent their application in December through Buffalo are still waiting for PPR? Am I the only one? :'(

Im with ya (still waiting on PPR)

 

[amaranth]

Just out of curiosity, how many people that sent their application in December through Buffalo are still waiting for PPR? Am I the only one? :'(

Yup, I'm still here too. BUT...

I just got off the phone with my mom, and it would appear I got (what I think is) the initial assessment letter today. She said it's only asking for the RPRF (which we already paid), interview waived, etc. but I'll know for sure tomorrow when I actually have the letter in hand! (Currently in TO with Husband, but have to head back to NY tomorrow anyway, hah.)

So, while I'm excited to FINALLY see movement, I'm curious about the letter, since I haven't seen anyone mention receiving it in awhile... it seems like most are just getting the *in process* ecas update or the PPR email...

Either way... YAY MOVEMENT!

(as a side note, I asked my mom if there was a #Bxxxxx anywhere on the letter, and she said there's only the #Fxxxxx. So the mystery of #B vs. #F continues?)

 

[CandC2009]

Yup, I'm still here too. BUT...

I just got off the phone with my mom, and it would appear I got (what I think is) the initial assessment letter today. She said it's only asking for the RPRF (which we already paid), interview waived, etc. but I'll know for sure tomorrow when I actually have the letter in hand! (Currently in TO with Husband, but already planned to head back to NY tomorrow, hah.)

So, while I'm excited to FINALLY see movement, I'm curious about the letter, since I haven't seen anyone mention receiving it in awhile... it seems like most are just getting the *in process* ecas update or the PPR email...

Either way... YAY MOVEMENT!

(as a side note, I asked my mom if there was a #Bxxxxx anywhere on the letter, and she said there's only the #Fxxxxx. So the mystery of #B vs. #F continues?)

Congratz!! Its not ppr but its something

 

[kayan]

Yup, I'm still here too. BUT...

I just got off the phone with my mom, and it would appear I got (what I think is) the initial assessment letter today. She said it's only asking for the RPRF (which we already paid), interview waived, etc. but I'll know for sure tomorrow when I actually have the letter in hand! (Currently in TO with Husband, but have to head back to NY tomorrow anyway, hah.)

So, while I'm excited to FINALLY see movement, I'm curious about the letter, since I haven't seen anyone mention receiving it in awhile... it seems like most are just getting the *in process* ecas update or the PPR email...

Either way... YAY MOVEMENT!

(as a side note, I asked my mom if there was a #Bxxxxx anywhere on the letter, and she said there's only the #Fxxxxx. So the mystery of #B vs. #F continues?)

yay congrats!

 

[JustandDaph]

Hi everyone! My husband just got his Visa back in the mail today! Quick question for those who have landed or looking to land...

The plan is for me to fly down to Florida and drive with hubs up back to Toronto, now I'm pondering on whether we should purchase travel insurance for the ride up and also for the 3 months he won't be covered by OHIP?

Has anyone purchased a third party insurance for the 3 month wait until OHIP kicks in?

ooh...another question...Should I get a one-way ticket to fly down to Florida and risk sending red flags with the border officer or get a round trip flight? Of course the one-way ticket is much cheaper...

 

[amaranth]

Hi everyone! My husband just got his Visa back in the mail today! Quick question for those who have landed or looking to land...

The plan is for me to fly down to Florida and drive with hubs up back to Toronto, now I'm pondering on whether we should purchase travel insurance for the ride up and also for the 3 months he won't be covered by OHIP?

Has anyone purchased a third party insurance for the 3 month wait until OHIP kicks in?

ooh...another question...Should I get a one-way ticket to fly down to Florida and risk sending red flags with the border officer or get a round trip flight? Of course the one-way ticket is much cheaper...

Can't help with the insurance bit, but as that's something I need to look into as well, I'll be curious to hear the answers!

As for the trip to Florida... Will you be flying out of Toronto, or can you get down to Buffalo and fly from there? It will likely be MUCH cheaper to fly from there. Dealing with the border folks shouldn't be difficult. There's really no reason for them to doubt you when you tell them you're flying down, but you'll be driving back with your husband. It's the truth! (At the most, they may want to contact your husband to verify how long you'll be there and what your plans are, but that's a stretch. I only mention it because it happened to us once, and it was no big deal!)

Congrats!

 

[Trish1982]

Looks like things are starting to pick up around here again
Grats Ama! I'll be watching the forums tomorrow night to see what you have to say!

You know whats strange...we haven't have mail at all in a week. Not even a flyer!!!!! What is with that?
I was asking people if Canada Post is on strike again. So strange.