Reply: Where To Begin?
ToqueEh said:
Hi Papirico, thanks for your reply. Our application is in process so I can assure you we have read in detail CIC's immigration guides several hundred times
I did skim Leon's thread also, and have read it in the past whilst Googling around. It seemed to be all information we're aware of, and doesn't cover any specific forum etiquette here, which is what I was looking for. Apologies if this wasn't clear. I see a thread for London applications but don't see any recent new applications being posted there, so was wondering if there's somewhere else this all goes.
I see by looking around random threads that I need at least 10 posts before I'm able to track dates in my profile.
Welcome ToqueEh (so very French Canadian expression
) and sounds like you are doing a good job so far. Yes you will pick up quickly; however, in the meantime here is some info. below that may help. From a few of my own previous posts, another member's post and my own experiences as a newbie.
Not sure if you know how to navigate these forums or not, I did not when I was new but have since figured a few things out, so in case you don't know:
When you click on a link, you will arrive at another page and the top of that screen (#1) is the oldest post and the highest number (i.e. 2268) will be the most recent post and you can read as much as you want in between. You can also check the dates of the posts at the top (I think).
Most Visa Offices (VOs) have a forum member who tracks and maintains a spreadsheet so people can compare overall timelines and experiences. Have you found yours yet? If not, let me know and I will try to find the link and send it for you.
New members do need 10 posts before they can add in their timeline details, which will show underneath your forum name on the left hand side of the screen. However you can also just type the timeline info. into your message, which is what I did before I had 10 posts. You can also "rate" members posts as plus +1 or minus -1 depending on if they are helpful or not so helpful. You can also report members to the moderator if you see a pattern of escalating poor ettiquette or rude/abusive posts. Yes some people actually do that; however, happy to say most are helpful and supportive.
Ahhhh....yes those Acronyms!! Here is my knowledge to date of the main ones and if I am incorrect, a more senior or knowledgeable member will usually chime in to clarify. Also another forum member (Thanks Mikeramma! +1 for this for sure) did a long list a few years ago (most are still relevant) at the following link: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/immigration-acronyms-t3007.0.html
VO = Visa Office -
Note I have also seen the use of VO sometimes to mean Visa Officer, the context of the post will usually allow you to understand if the acronym is being used interchangeably.
IO = Immigration Officer
SA = Sponsorship Application
COPR = Confirmation of Permanent Residence - Official document meaning the applicant (the person being sponsored) has completed the process and has been approved as a permanent resident (PR) and a visa will be issued for them to "land" in Canada.
ARC = If you have been the subject of a removal order from Canada you will probably need an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) if you want to return. Whether you need one depends on the type of removal order that was issued. More info. on CIC website.
File x fer = file transfer - I believe this is the date that the Visa office (VO) abroad receives the applicant's physical file from Mississauga Case Processing Centre (CPC)
AOR = Acknowledgemment of Receipt - this usually means that the applicant's file has been transferred from Mississauga CPC and received at whatever visa office (VO) abroad that will be processing the applicant's file.
Case Specific Enquiry (CSE) - If you read many threads you will see that not all visa offices are consistent with the AOR process and many people will send a Case Specific Enquiry (CSE) e-mail to the VO after about 90 days from receiving their sponsorship approval (SA) to make sure that the applicant's file was indeed received.
PPR = Passport request. This means you are near the end of the process (except in the New Delhi Visa Office (NDVO) where for some reason they request the passport very early in the process) and the VO needs the passport of the applicant to ensure there is enough time left for the person to arrange travel to Canada and I believe some VOs staple the visa inside the passport. Not 100% sure if all do this.
Best wishes and many blessings for your journey
.
