Is there any reason why we should get our application in before Oct 1?

[thereds]

I've been told by a consultant based in Dubai that I should apply before Oct 1 as all the applications received in the Damascus office will be moved to the CIO in Nova Scotia for processing.  This transfer from Damascus to the CIO will create a backlog of applications, which will increase the processing time from the standard 1 year to 5-6 years.  

The consultant then suggested that to avoid having to wait 5-6 years, he could get my name in before Oct 1 using only my passport copy and registering my name through some service he has access to with the relevant Canadian authorities.  As the consultant is a CSIC member (this has been verified), the consultants at this firm claim to have access to this 'service' and he would be able to register my name as an applicant before Oct 1 by paying an advance of approx. USD 500 with the balance to be paid in 14 instalments.  Once he has registered me, I have 2 months to come up with the completed application forms and the supporting documentation to submit my formal application.

My questions are as follows:

• Do CSIC members have access to this 'service'?
• Or, is the consultant full of it and just lying to make some quick money?
• And lastly and most importantly, is there any truth to the application backlog story and increased processing times?

[sanity]

Thereds,

Beware of this consultant as he is definetly dragging you into a scam - you should clearly stay away from such bogus agents.
From your query, it is not clear if you are planning to file a FSW application. If yes, then it should be send to the NS office - they will then forward it to your VO. To better stream the flow of applications, the MI list is aiming at completing an eligible application within 12 months.

Please check the CIC website & follow the instructions. Irrespective of the consultant being a CSIC member or a top boss, he/she cannot bypass the system and procedure - it is applicable for everyone so there is no preference if you go via a consultant or file it yourself. Only when CIC receives the complete application pack, will they start processing your application else they simply return the documents. This guy is just trying to make some easy money - lure you into a trap so after you put down a deposit, you are tied down to even change your mind.

Good luck with your application - the choice is yours !

Sanity

[Cappuccino]

I've been told by a consultant based in Dubai that I should apply before Oct 1 as all the applications received in the Damascus office will be moved to the CIO in Nova Scotia for processing.  This transfer from Damascus to the CIO will create a backlog of applications, which will increase the processing time from the standard 1 year to 5-6 years. 

The consultant then suggested that to avoid having to wait 5-6 years, he could get my name in before Oct 1 using only my passport copy and registering my name through some service he has access to with the relevant Canadian authorities.  As the consultant is a CSIC member (this has been verified), the consultants at this firm claim to have access to this 'service' and he would be able to register my name as an applicant before Oct 1 by paying an advance of approx. USD 500 with the balance to be paid in 14 instalments.  Once he has registered me, I have 2 months to come up with the completed application forms and the supporting documentation to submit my formal application.

My questions are as follows:

• Do CSIC members have access to this 'service'?
• Or, is the consultant full of it and just lying to make some quick money?
• And lastly and most importantly, is there any truth to the application backlog story and increased processing times?

This smells of scam from top to bottom
1) CIO do not process applications - visa offices process applications.
2) Even pre-June-2010 have been told their applications should be processed within 2 years. In which Universe would the higher priority MI-2/MI-3 post July 2011 applications take 5 to 6 years?
3) There is no such thing as a service where you supply only your passport. Your FULL application including IELTS results and all supporting documents must be sent to CIO from the outset.

So to answer your specific queries
Do CSIC members have access to this 'service'? - No, this service does not exist
Or, is the consultant full of it and just lying to make some quick money? - Yes the consultant is full of it. DO NOT PAY this guy anything
And lastly and most importantly, is there any truth to the application backlog story and increased processing times? - almost certainly not, it is ridiculous.

Please avoid this fraudulent consultant, and save yourself a lot of money and wasted time.

Wayne.

[thereds]

Thanks for the replies guys. 

I wasn't planning on using this consultant without doing a thorough check myself and you guys have just confirmed my suspicions.

[devilhimselff]

Also send an email to CIC and report this crook. So that he doesn't con anyone else.

[thereds]

Also send an email to CIC and report this crook. So that he doesn't con anyone else.

Unfortunately, I don't have anything in writing from this guy, so it's going to be hard to prove.

[sanity]

Unfortunately, I don't have anything in writing from this guy, so it's going to be hard to prove.

I reckon a smart move is to summarise the details he shared, on an email & ask him to clarify some silly Q - eg: the breakdown of installments so you can write a cheque blah blah ...

Play the trick smartly so he can get a taste of the dirt he tried!

Sanity

[thebeast184]

Total scam. If you dont mind please share the agency name so others in this forum can avoid crooks.

Rod

I've been told by a consultant based in Dubai that I should apply before Oct 1 as all the applications received in the Damascus office will be moved to the CIO in Nova Scotia for processing.  This transfer from Damascus to the CIO will create a backlog of applications, which will increase the processing time from the standard 1 year to 5-6 years.  

The consultant then suggested that to avoid having to wait 5-6 years, he could get my name in before Oct 1 using only my passport copy and registering my name through some service he has access to with the relevant Canadian authorities.  As the consultant is a CSIC member (this has been verified), the consultants at this firm claim to have access to this 'service' and he would be able to register my name as an applicant before Oct 1 by paying an advance of approx. USD 500 with the balance to be paid in 14 instalments.  Once he has registered me, I have 2 months to come up with the completed application forms and the supporting documentation to submit my formal application.

My questions are as follows:

• Do CSIC members have access to this 'service'?
• Or, is the consultant full of it and just lying to make some quick money?
• And lastly and most importantly, is there any truth to the application backlog story and increased processing times?

[jmora]

If you are a resident in Dubai, and unless you are a Syrian National or applying for Quebec you don't have anything to do with Damascus. Applications from UAE residents get processed in London VO.

-If you are a UAE resident and a Syrian National applying under FSW I think you will have the choice between Damascus VO and London VO.
-If you are a UAE resident and a Syrian National applying under QSW I think your only option is Damascus.(not sure though)

Seems like a scam...