Hello. I would like to share my visa application timeline here.
Apr 25 – Submitted paper-based application to VFS Dubai. Biometrics done same day as the application submission to VFS.
Apr 29 – Linked my paper-based application to CIC online account.
May 4 – Review of eligibility status changed to “We are reviewing whether you meet the eligibility requirements” from “Your application is in progress.”
May 15 – Correspondence letter re: validity of biometric information
May 19 – Final decision. Application is approved.
The system shows counterfoil and document number. Expiry date is 2020 which may mean that the visa is only valid for a year (?). I have submitted my passport along with my application so I should just wait a few more days before it is sent back to me through courier.
This is my first time applying for a visit visa to Canada (or to any country requiring a visa). I hold a Philippine passport and have been working and living in UAE for 12 years. Here are the documents I submitted along with the basic forms required:
1. Bank statement - 4 months. This is where my salary gets credited.
2. Pay slips - 3 months
3. Employment certificate
4. NOC from employer
5. Travel insurance
6. Dummy bookings for ticket and hotel showing one week stay in Toronto only.
7. Travel history in a tabular form along with the copies of my passport stamps - previously travelled in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Iran, Cambodia. In my form, I indicated the dates, number of days, city, country and purpose of visit. Also included the my travels back to Philippines.
Note that I have no inviter. I also did not submit a day-to-day itinerary because this was not in the list of required documents. I found out about this forum after my application. Reading through other people's posts got me worried the entire time because I may have missed out some supporting documents. Nevertheless, I am glad that the visa is approved albeit being just valid for a year.
Good luck to all!