Inland processing times confusion

[tink23]

Hi,

I'm trying to really understand my options and what my possible wait times will be for outland processing vs inland processing. I've got a good understanding about my visa office for outland processing, but I'm confused about the inland processing.

From what I've gathered, for inland processing, first stage approval is done around the 10 month mark and then second stage approval is completed within the 18 month mark. Is this correct?

Also, what is the first stage approval? Is it the approval of the sponsor? and then second stage would be the actual visa approval.... right?

As well, at the time of first stage approval, if a OWP is included at the time of submission, then the applicant can begin working at the time. correct?

Have I missed anything or did I completely misunderstand this?

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Tink

[Leon]

Right.  First stage approval is usually after 9-10 months.  If you included your application for OWP with the sponsorship package, you would get it right away and can start working.  Otherwise, you would have to apply for it at that point and wait a bit.

According to the CIC website, PR is another 9 months after first stage but these timelines are averages, your case can be faster or slower.  First stage approval also tends to mean that you would be eligible for health care.

Also keep in mind that it is not advised to leave Canada when you have inland in process, especially if you are not visa exempt.  If you were to get stuck outside Canada, unable to get a visa to go back, your inland application would automatically be cancelled because it is a requirement that you are in Canada for it to continue.

[tink23]

Thanks a lot, Leon. I appreciate the clarification.

Tink

[weerth]

Right.  First stage approval is usually after 9-10 months.  If you included your application for OWP with the sponsorship package, you would get it right away and can start working.  Otherwise, you would have to apply for it at that point and wait a bit.

According to the CIC website, PR is another 9 months after first stage but these timelines are averages, your case can be faster or slower.  First stage approval also tends to mean that you would be eligible for health care.

Also keep in mind that it is not advised to leave Canada when you have inland in process, especially if you are not visa exempt.  If you were to get stuck outside Canada, unable to get a visa to go back, your inland application would automatically be cancelled because it is a requirement that you are in Canada for it to continue.

Hi Leon,

I have a question about what you wrote. I have a tourist visa (multiple entries) so I am supposed to leave Canada after 6 months. What can you tell me about it since it´s not advised that I leave Canada when my inland is in proccess?

Thanks!

[weerth]

Right.  First stage approval is usually after 9-10 months.  If you included your application for OWP with the sponsorship package, you would get it right away and can start working.  Otherwise, you would have to apply for it at that point and wait a bit.

According to the CIC website, PR is another 9 months after first stage but these timelines are averages, your case can be faster or slower.  First stage approval also tends to mean that you would be eligible for health care.

Also keep in mind that it is not advised to leave Canada when you have inland in process, especially if you are not visa exempt.  If you were to get stuck outside Canada, unable to get a visa to go back, your inland application would automatically be cancelled because it is a requirement that you are in Canada for it to continue.

Just giving more information: I have a multiple entries visa that expires in march 2013.

Thanks!

[Leon]

You can send a form along with your application package asking to extend your visitor status until your processing is complete.