Hi I would like to share my timestamp getting visitor visa as a tourist and not knowing the long process time, i missed my flight to Canada with my boyfriend to attend a friend's wedding. So I don't wish any other applicants do the same mistake as I did, and my mistake was I thought I just needed an eTA like Australia, but I have overlooked that Canadian eTA doesn't apply to Malaysia..! So here you go my timestamp:
July 3, 2016 02:56:42 a.m. EDT : Confirmation of Online Application Transmission
CIC website advised 19 working days processing time
July 3, 2016 02:57:32 a.m. EDT : Submission Confirmation
July 28, 2016 04:00:48 a.m. EDT : Original Passport Request (Visa approved)
Exactly 19 working days processing time, visa approved. (In between, went to VAC Singapore to request urgent approval due to flight departing on 14 July 2016, was asked to send email for special request to Canada High Commission in Singapore, but didn't receive any reply. (Wasted my time, hotel and food expenses for a week in Singapore.) IN THE END, I MISSED MY FLIGHT TO CANADA TO ATTEND FRIEND's WEDDING!!! BOYFRIEND HAD TO FLY ALONE!! HORRIBLE!!
4-Aug-16 : Sent passport to VAC Kuala Lumpur to get visa stamp.
VAC Kuala Lumpur advised 5 - 10 working days.
15-Aug-16 : Passport with visa stamp ready to collect at VAC Kuala Lumpur
Tracked status on website, passport ready to collect. Visa approved until passport expired with multiple entry.
My humble advices:
1. DON'T BE HOPEFUL, make plans according to the worst case scenario.
2. VAC / Canada High Commission won't entertain your special request unless emergency e.g. medical concern.
3. Processing time are all in "working days", take note of their Public Holidays locally (for despatch), Singapore High Commission's public holiday AND Canada's public holidays.
4. VAC / Canada High Commission in Singapore don't approve your application, all approved from Canada Immigration Center.
5. If you don't have Canada Visa, don't try to risk to check in your flight without visa, you will not be allowed to board without a visa at check-in counter. (If flight ticket destination is in Canada).
6. If you miss your departing flight, your returning flight will be forfeited. (same returning ticket).
7. At VAC Kuala Lumpur, the guard will let you in without queing for Canada Visa. The queue normally is for British Visa with appointments.
GOOD LUCK AND ALL THE BEST!!