Two FBI Clearances?

[Soleil2020]

I have just been told ( by a local parliament member we asked to check on our case for us) that CIC is doing a second FBI check on me (I'm from the USA and I'm being sponsored by my husband. )

This is confusing to us. We already did an FBI background check with the fingerprinting and all at the beginning of this process. Our local parliament member said this is normal and that they do that for all applicants. That's the first I've heard of 2 FBI background checks though. Has any one else heard of this? What was the first one for if they were going to do another one? Can't imagine what could take so long to do a background check on a boring middle aged, woman with no criminal record whatsoever. ( Well..I did get two speeding tickets within the last 28 years. )

We were told that this process usually takes about 4 months. Then the CSIS does their own background check which takes another 2 months. We don't have any guarantees, of course, that things will be done in that time. It's supposedly in the hands of the FBI at this time. Anyway, IF it's done by mid July as was suggested we should not expect anything before that, that would be 19 months since CIC received our application.

Very upset about how this is seeming to turn out. We never dreamed it could take so long for us to be able to actually live together. :-(

 

[user828]

Order notes to see whats the whole story

See my sig for help on how to order

 

[wowsers]

You may not discover the reason for the second FBI search by ordering GCMS notes: the notes may (as in my case) be accompanied by a letter stating that certain information is withheld because it qualifies for exemption under the Access to Information Act section 15(1) (international affairs and defence). I have no convictions even for speeding, was not involved in international affairs but was in the UK army for 2 years (over 50 years ago!). Maybe that explains why an application I thought (and still think) was straightforward is taking longer than anyone else's! But an application for the notes only costs $5; so it is worth a punt.

 

[Avadava]

Just like your MP told you, it is normal that CIC does further checks. During the criminality, security and background checks, they gather information from Interpol, FBI, CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service), etc. This process can take up to 6 months, since CIC waits for information from these services.

You can find out more here: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/background-checks-explained-t39578.0.html

 

[Soleil2020]

Just like your MP told you, it is normal that CIC does further checks. During the criminality, security and background checks, they gather information from Interpol, FBI, CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service), etc. This process can take up to 6 months, since CIC waits for information from these services.

You can find out more here: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/background-checks-explained-t39578.0.html

I looked at your link and the explanation you have there is very nicely done. Thanks. I still feel confused about the initial FBI check with the finger printing. What was the purpose of that if they are just going to do another? Are they using the fingerprints from this initial check for the second check? ( Since I haven't been told I need any others.)

What makes it even more confusing is that last August, we received the email stating that we were finished with the first step of the process. They said at that time they determined that they didn't need an interview ( but could change their minds at any time) and they asked for a copy of my passport. ( being that I'm from the USA, the actual passport is not needed ) Anyway, we have always heard that this is the light at the end of the tunnel...that there were only weeks left.

Now we hear that there at least 6 months left from January 2014! It's hard to take not having any real certainty about our future, as anyone going through this can understand. I've been waiting, mostly in Canada (back and forth in the last 1.5 years) , with my husband, because we thought it would be over within weeks of getting the request for PP. Now, I'm planning to return to the States to wait , it seems pretty much indefinitely, and try to work. I don't want to leave my husband, but I HAVE to work. I can't stand just waiting around to be a real part of a community.

Ok..I'm going from asking a question to venting. Didn't really mean to. Sorry, folks.

 

[Avadava]

Is your application inland or outland? If you go to the US with an inland application, you might risk for it to get cancelled. You are supposed to stay in Canada, otherwise it is considered that you abandoned the application.

The first FBI check they asked is normal. All applicants must provide a police clearance from each country in which they resided for more than 6 months from reaching the age of 18. You are lucky you stayed only in US, I've seen cases here where people had to provide 4-5 police clearances from 4-5 different countries. In my opinion, based on the info on the police check you present with your application, CIC decides how thorough their investigation will be. Let's say your FBI check came back clean, then the security check the CIC does on their own will be more generalized. For a person with a conviction on their police check, the CIC will do a more detailed investigation.

Don't worry about venting, we all do sometimes. This process can get to you. Some couples even ended up separating, divorcing because of all the stress. I wish you good luck and don't worry. If your MP says everything is normal, then your application is within the normal time frame.

 

[Soleil2020]

Is your application inland or outland? If you go to the US with an inland application, you might risk for it to get cancelled. You are supposed to stay in Canada, otherwise it is considered that you abandoned the application.

The first FBI check they asked is normal. All applicants must provide a police clearance from each country in which they resided for more than 6 months from reaching the age of 18. You are lucky you stayed only in US, I've seen cases here where people had to provide 4-5 police clearances from 4-5 different countries. In my opinion, based on the info on the police check you present with your application, CIC decides how thorough their investigation will be. Let's say your FBI check came back clean, then the security check the CIC does on their own will be more generalized. For a person with a conviction on their police check, the CIC will do a more detailed investigation.

Don't worry about venting, we all do sometimes. This process can get to you. Some couples even ended up separating, divorcing because of all the stress. I wish you good luck and don't worry. If your MP says everything is normal, then your application is within the normal time frame.

Oh..I'm Outland, thank goodness. I understand why some couples end up separating. We are determined to hang tough. We plan to have a renewal of our vows when it's all done. Then, I will be truly home with my husband.

Thanks for your responses to my posts.