Fingerprints

[heatherusa]

Can the sponsorship and pr application be sent off while the fingerprint clearance is being waited on?  We will get my husbands fingerprints sent off in the next few days but do we have to have them back before we can send the sponsor application?

[sbwv09]

I've heard of people doing this but I think it's generally better to wait for everything. The clearence can take over 3 months and that's super annoying, but if you send out your app too soon and they request the background check, you only have 90 days to get it in. If there happens to be a problem with the fingerprints (which happens sometimes) you may not be able to get the background check in during the allotted time and will have to start all over again. However, there are people here who know much more than I do

[heatherusa]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I appreciate the information.

[BeShoo]

My partner was advised by the CIC hotline that he could send the application with an explanation and proof that the police check was applied for, but I suppose you are taking some risk that they may close your file if they request it and you don't get it to them within 90 days. I don't think they'd necessarily take action if there was a good reason you couldn't provide the missing info within 90 days, but they are within their rights to do so.

[Kimmy520]

My husband called the Canadian Immigration Hotline and was told generally the same thing. They did mention that nothing is guaranteed and that it is up to the discretion of the individual immigration officer to either accept or reject the application package without the FBI clearance letter. They also said that there are people who do successfully send in their applications with notes specifiying that they will send in the FBI clearance letter as soon as they receive it. But again, no guarantees.

I actually just got off the phone with the FBI about my clearance letter and they told me that although the website says 13 weeks, he estimates 9-10 weeks from the time the FBI RECEIVES your request. However, other people on the forum have been saying that they've experienced 3 months of waiting, so, really nothing is ever very clear (I'm learning) when it comes to all matters immigration. =) You can Fex-Ex it to them and although they are not currently expediting request, it'll at least get to you faster. Include a self addressed prepaid Fex Ex envelope and cross your fingers that they accept your fingerprints!

Good luck!!!! We're still waiting on all of my documents to arrive and hopefully will get them sooner than later. I think we'll wait until we receive everything, just to be on the safe side. I've read too many horror stories. This process is so unnecessarily stressful but it's great to have this community. 

[sbwv09]

I agree! I've learned so much already. I hope that we will all have a smooth a ride as possible