Useful Links & Tips

[Empirical-Scientist]

These is a collection of some useful links related to citizenship (grant of ~) applications, which I consult daily or occasionally. Please add to this collection, but do NOT post questions or anything else unrelated to the topic. Let us maintain this thread as an inbox of important information we collect with respect to the process of citizenship.


[size=10pt][size=10pt]CITIZENSHIP[/size][/size]
- CIC Citizenship FAQ: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?t=5
- CIC FAQ on filling applications correctly and completely: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?t=4
- Applying for citizenship: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become.asp
- Residence: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/residence/index.asp
- Residency Calculator: https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do?&lang=en&_ga=1.93388191.385784751.1403594514
- Roles of judges & officers: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/residence/decision/index.asp
- Check citizenship application status: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/my_application/status.asp?s=81
- Preparing for the test:
- Discover Canda: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/index.asp (Smartphone apps available, too.)
- Online tests at CIC: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/games/how/index.asp?utm_source=slash-canadian2&utm_medium=short-url&utm_campaign=articles
- Richmond Public Library material: http://www.yourlibrary.ca/citizenship/
- North Vancouver Public Library material: http://www.nvdpl.ca/resource-guides/citizenship_test
- Residence Questionnaire (RQ): http://residencequestionnaire.wordpress.com/
- Operational manuals & bulletins: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/index.asp
- Glossary of Terms used by CIC: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp


[size=10pt][size=10pt]YOUR MP
[/size][/size]- Find your electoral district: http://www.elections.ca/scripts/vis/finded
- Find your MP: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseofCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC



[size=10pt][size=10pt][size=10pt]CONTACTNG CIC
[/size][/size][/size]- Call Centre telephone number: 1-888-242-2100 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time)
- Deaf or hard of hearing; other related impairment: 1-888-576-8502
- Case-specific inquiries: https://dmp-portal.cic.gc.ca/enquiries-renseignements/canada-case-cas-eng.aspx?_ga=1.106142977.385784751.1403594514


[size=10pt][size=10pt]NEWS & UPDATES
[/size][/size]- CIC Newsroom: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/index.asp
- Bill C-24 evolution and explanation: http://openparliament.ca/bills/41-2/C-24/
- Subscribe to latest releases: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/subscription.asp


[size=10pt][size=10pt]SOCIAL MEDIA
[/size][/size]- Main page: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/social.asp
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitImmCanada
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitCanada
- YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CitImmCanada


[size=10pt][size=10pt]TIPS
[/size][/size]- Photos: Most photo centers are aware of citizenship photo requirements (e.g. London Drugs). Ensure they stamp your photos with their address and date taken. Do not forget to PRINT your name on the back of each photo (use a Staedtler fine-point permament marker, black ink - leaves no trace on the front of the photo). I usually go to two different photo centres and end up selecting the best two photos I believe match the requirements.
- Do not staple or attach documents or photos in any way.
- Review your application on the day you intend to mail it while reviewing the guide for a final check. Ensure the date you sign your residence calculator printout is equal to the application date. Ensure that the form version you have hasn't been upgraded to a new version. For instance, if you used the May 2014 citizenship application form and you submit in July, make sure CIC hasn't released a July 2014 form.
- Sign your application in black ink.
- The best way to include legible, clear photocopies is to scan whatever document is required and print the scanned documents out using a laser printer.
- It's recommended you include a cover letter, unless your application package is crystal clear. Be concise in the cover letter to avoid confusing the CIC agent more than if you were not to submit a cover letter. If you decide to include a cover letter, date it with the application date and sign in black ink.
- DO NOT leave any gaps in periods of physical presence (addresses, education/work). If you need to explain a record, include an extra sheet and write "SEE ATTACHED SHEET" on the record you inted to reference on a separate sheet. On that separate sheet, write your name, application date, question number. I would recommend also signing the extra sheet.
- DO NOT include more documents than what is required. That may raise suspicion and complicate your application process.
- For the sake of justified suspicion, avoid any propaganda agains the government, CIC, or any other institution in social media, etc. That sounds like a conspiracy, but it's a hot tip for protecting yourself, your citizenship prospects, and your citizenship in the future...
- Good luck and stay positive.

 

[Travel Dream]

Thanks.... ;D

 

[kenyadian]

This should be locked and made into a sticky. Is there a way to ask the moderator on the site to do that?

 

[Empirical-Scientist]

Courier address formats, according to the CIC website:

Here it says to mail the application at:

Case Processing Centre—Sydney
Grant Adults
47­–49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 5Z2

Whereas here it says:

Case Processing Centre, Sydney
Grant Adults
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 5Z2

Furthermore, at the FAQ here it says to mail it at:

CPC-Sydney
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2

CIC strangeness...

 

[FL1040]

Courier address formats, according to the CIC website:

Here it says to mail the application at:

Case Processing Centre—Sydney
Grant Adults
47­–49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 5Z2

Whereas here it says:

Case Processing Centre, Sydney
Grant Adults
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, Nova Scotia
B1P 5Z2

Furthermore, at the FAQ here it says to mail it at:

CPC-Sydney
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2

CIC strangeness...

According to the address format used by Canada Post, the first number is the apt number, the one after the hyphen is the street number, for instance my address is 1906-3550 rue Stanwick, which means I live on 3550 rue Stanwick, apt 1906, so in this case the addresses are the same since they even have the same postal code, I am sure it´s building with different offices and if the application is delivered at 49 Dorchester they will send it to the appropriate office. You can even check the address on Google Maps and apply the street view and see the building

 

[Empirical-Scientist]

I also want to point out that the instructions on the form may sometimes be misaligned with the instructions on the guide. For instance, for question 9 on the form, under the Quebec section (9/C), it says to refer to Section 8 of the guide, when instead it should say to refer to Section 9 of the guide...

Take great care when you fill out your form!

 

[eileenf]

Also, here is the info on how to contact the Call Centre from outside of Canada:
Call 613-944-4000 then option 1, option 2, option 1, option 2

I have not used it myself, so if others have experience calling this number, please advise.

 

[informatics]

This is a very informative thread .

Moderators of this forum kindly make it a sticky topic.

Thanks

 

[applicant314]

Also, here is the info on how to contact the Call Centre from outside of Canada:
Call 613-944-4000 then option 1, option 2, option 1, option 2

I have not used it myself, so if others have experience calling this number, please advise.

I use this option. This number transfers your call to CIC. Occasionally, you will be disconnected when the transfer occurs, because you are not calling from inside Canada. In that case, just try again.

 

[Mah*]

Hi

What is the best courier to send off the application! Someone told me to purolator is good...

 

[Empirical-Scientist]

Hi

What is the best courier to send off the application! Someone told me to purolator is good...

I used Purolator. Canada Post is less stable these days... Not sure about UPS or FedEx, but the Purolator staff were aware of the Sidney, NS office address and the Citizenship Application label, etc. In other words, I didn't even have to show them where to send it off (which implies efficiency).

 

[us2yow]

Purolator is very good. It not only autofills the exact address in their system once they input some basic info and postal code. If by some remote chance, it is not delivered in next day delivery (and you paid for next day delivery), they will refund you the $$.

Now that is service. They are also very good with tracking. In one case I sent something which was not delivered even by noon ( I noticed they tend to deliver by 10 / 10 30 am). So when I called Purolator they initiated a tracking request AND gave me a call back (from a Tracking Specialist) re-assuring me that there was a minor delay but that it is already in NS AND on the truck AND should be delivered by this time ON THE SAME DAY. What more could you ask for ! ?

 

[u4g5]

These is a collection of some useful links related to citizenship (grant of ~) applications, which I consult daily or occasionally. Please add to this collection, but do NOT post questions or anything else unrelated to the topic. Let us maintain this thread as an inbox of important information we collect with respect to the process of citizenship.


[size=10pt][size=10pt]CITIZENSHIP[/size][/size]
- CIC Citizenship FAQ: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?t=5
- CIC FAQ on filling applications correctly and completely: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?t=4
- Applying for citizenship: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become.asp
- Residence: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/residence/index.asp
- Residency Calculator: https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/rescalc/resCalcStartNew.do?&lang=en&_ga=1.93388191.385784751.1403594514
- Roles of judges & officers: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/residence/decision/index.asp
- Check citizenship application status: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/my_application/status.asp?s=81
- Preparing for the test:
- Discover Canda: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/index.asp (Smartphone apps available, too.)
- Online tests at CIC: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/games/how/index.asp?utm_source=slash-canadian2&utm_medium=short-url&utm_campaign=articles
- Richmond Public Library material: http://www.yourlibrary.ca/citizenship/
- North Vancouver Public Library material: http://www.nvdpl.ca/resource-guides/citizenship_test
- Residence Questionnaire (RQ): http://residencequestionnaire.wordpress.com/
- Operational manuals & bulletins: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/cit/grant/index.asp
- Glossary of Terms used by CIC: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/glossary.asp


[size=10pt][size=10pt]YOUR MP
[/size][/size]- Find your electoral district: http://www.elections.ca/scripts/vis/finded
- Find your MP: http://www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseofCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC



[size=10pt][size=10pt][size=10pt]CONTACTNG CIC
[/size][/size][/size]- Call Centre telephone number: 1-888-242-2100 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., your local time)
- Deaf or hard of hearing; other related impairment: 1-888-576-8502
- Case-specific inquiries: https://dmp-portal.cic.gc.ca/enquiries-renseignements/canada-case-cas-eng.aspx?_ga=1.106142977.385784751.1403594514


[size=10pt][size=10pt]NEWS & UPDATES
[/size][/size]- CIC Newsroom: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/index.asp
- Bill C-24 evolution and explanation: http://openparliament.ca/bills/41-2/C-24/
- Subscribe to latest releases: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/subscription.asp


[size=10pt][size=10pt]SOCIAL MEDIA
[/size][/size]- Main page: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/social.asp
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CitImmCanada
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CitCanada
- YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/CitImmCanada


[size=10pt][size=10pt]TIPS
[/size][/size]- Photos: Most photo centers are aware of citizenship photo requirements (e.g. London Drugs). Ensure they stamp your photos with their address and date taken. Do not forget to PRINT your name on the back of each photo (use a Staedtler fine-point permament marker, black ink - leaves no trace on the front of the photo). I usually go to two different photo centres and end up selecting the best two photos I believe match the requirements.
- Do not staple or attach documents or photos in any way.
- Review your application on the day you intend to mail it while reviewing the guide for a final check. Ensure the date you sign your residence calculator printout is equal to the application date. Ensure that the form version you have hasn't been upgraded to a new version. For instance, if you used the May 2014 citizenship application form and you submit in July, make sure CIC hasn't released a July 2014 form.
- Sign your application in black ink.
- The best way to include legible, clear photocopies is to scan whatever document is required and print the scanned documents out using a laser printer.
- It's recommended you include a cover letter, unless your application package is crystal clear. Be concise in the cover letter to avoid confusing the CIC agent more than if you were not to submit a cover letter. If you decide to include a cover letter, date it with the application date and sign in black ink.
- DO NOT leave any gaps in periods of physical presence (addresses, education/work). If you need to explain a record, include an extra sheet and write "SEE ATTACHED SHEET" on the record you inted to reference on a separate sheet. On that separate sheet, write your name, application date, question number. I would recommend also signing the extra sheet.
- DO NOT include more documents than what is required. That may raise suspicion and complicate your application process.
- For the sake of justified suspicion, avoid any propaganda agains the government, CIC, or any other institution in social media, etc. That sounds like a conspiracy, but it's a hot tip for protecting yourself, your citizenship prospects, and your citizenship in the future...
- Good luck and stay positive.

thanks, great work! good luck

 

[informatics]

I used Purolator. Canada Post is less stable these days... Not sure about UPS or FedEx, but the Purolator staff were aware of the Sidney, NS office address and the Citizenship Application label, etc. In other words, I didn't even have to show them where to send it off (which implies efficiency).

Thanks for the feedback !

Would you mind disclosing how much did they charge to you ?

 

[Empirical-Scientist]

Thanks for the feedback !

Would you mind disclosing how much did they charge to you ?

I chose next-business-day delivery by 10:30 AM, $35 from Vancouver...