Confirmation of Permanent Residence

[Helen2011]

Hello

I have been living in Canada for 2 years and 11 months and now time for me to apply for citizenship. Therefore I have couple questions about the procedure.
1. Can I apply for citizenship even though I physically stayed in Canada for 2 years and 9 months? I went for 2 months vacation to my country last year
2. On citizenship document checklist they ask to submit photocopy of Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence. So I dont have both of those documents but I have my passport with my immigrant visa and they also wrote some number on my visa when I first lended in Canada. Would it be a proove of Record of Landing?
3. Once I sent my package to NS in Sydney how long I have to wait for getting info that they actually received my doc or not?
4. How long is the citizenship process in total? I heard that it takes almost 2 years which is unbelivable! Is any way to rush on it?

Thank you so much in advance

Helena

[Alabaman]

I am sure you know you can't apply for citizenship until your have 3 full years of physical presence. Applying earlier than that is inviting trouble for yourself.

The citizenship process takes any time from 12 to 18 months. If your application have issues then it could be longer than that.

[Leon]

You definitely don't want to apply before you have 3 years physical presence as this will automatically require an interview with a citizenship judge where you must explain what is so special about you that you should not be subject to the same rules as everybody else.  You will also have to wait much longer than otherwise and you might not even be approved.  It is much better to wait.

You should have some piece of paper, either a COPR or a Record of landing but not both.  If you have lost it, you can apply for a copy, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/certcopy.asp

There is nothing you can do to speed up your citizenship application.

[Helen2011]

thnak you so much for advise, I really appreciate your help.
I have another question which I want to ask. What should I do with my receipt( fee for citizenship)? Can I use it in October when time for me to apply?

Thanks

H