FBI clearance

[expatboarder]

Hi

Is it advisable to submit the spousal visa application without the fbi clearance if everything else in the application is done?

Will this cause a longer delay than just waiting for the clearance in the mail?  3-4 months is a long time to wait before even submitting the application which is another 11 months on average.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

boarder

[computergeek]

It's better to wait until you have the entire file.  If you send it in without the clearance and then submit the clearance later it is possible that they will reject it or that it will be lost and they will then ask you to go get it again, adding a 3-4+ month delay to the process later.

Others may have had success with the "send it in later" but I've had them lose material submitted while processing my application, so I don't trust them.

[RobsLuv]

I would say it depends: they say you should submit everything upfront, and I would agree with that on an inland application because it's going to be 11 months before they even review it, so getting the FBI and trying to send it on to CPC-V in the interim is just asking for the possibility of loss.  However, if you are applying outland, especially through Buffalo, they will be very prompt about sending you a letter requesting the FBI if it's not included with the application when they receive it.  What you want to be certain about is that the clearance is no more than 3 months old when it's submitted - so it might make the timing a bit dicey if you order too early, get the FBI back, and Buffalo doesn't ask for it until close to when it's due to expire.  Ultimately, I'd say it's better to have everything included - just so you don't risk delays in processing . . . but if you're going to experience a 3-4 months delay just to get the FBI in the first place, it might be worth it to get the ap at least through Mississauga in that time.  Be sure, if you do this, that you include a cover letter with the ap saying the the FBI has been ordered and you're waiting on it.  Otherwise, CPC-M could conceivably send the ap back as incomplete.  In addition, consider also getting a State clearance ordered.  Sometimes they ask for that as well, and then you're delayed again.