No AOR yet and FBI clearance will be one year old tomorrow

[mapleleafrag]

Hi everyone--

My spouse received his sponsorship approval letter from Mississauga on 17 Dec, notifying us that the package had been forwarded to Buffalo.

I have not yet received my AOR, 6 weeks later, though I understand that sometimes on spousal applications they do not bother with an AOR. True or false? Others seem to be receiving AOR in about 3-4 weeks.

Also, I'm still not showing up at all on the CIC Client Application Status site using either my Client ID number or my Receipt number.

A further complication: My FBI clearance was dated 29 January 2007. No one can tell me for sure whether the police clearances have a one-year expiration, though some people seem to think they do. I've never been able to find that information anywhere official. I got a new clearance a month ago, so I'd be prepared in case Buffalo asks for a new one.

Is there any cause here for concern or is there anything I should be doing at this point? Besides worrying...

Thanks all.

[tamee]

dont base ur confusion on AOR there have been some people who never do get them, as for the FBi, i thought it was good for 6 months and had to be submitted within 3 months of the date on the check, i could be wrong so get a second opinion from someone else.

[thaiguy]

You're right about the police check, Tamee.

[mapleleafrag]

So what should I do about getting them my new FBI clearance? Wait until they ask? Or...?

[tamee]

I would. or if you want, send it to the office that has your file and include your full name, date of birth and your file number, or the client id located on your sponsors approval letter, on a cover letter along with what it is you are sending and to attach it to your spousal application.

[mapleleafrag]

You think it is OK to wait until they ask? Because, being from the states, I have a deep distrust of the competence of any government bureaucracy, and I can imagine this getting lost if I try to get it to them before they ask.

Is it possible that they would send back my entire application because of this?

[tamee]

that i dont know, seems doubtful, i would think they would jsut ask u to send them the required info, but i dont know, maybe thaiguy or pmm can answer that question.

[mapleleafrag]

On the other hand.... :)

--Tamee, thanks for all your help and patience--

The date of my new FBI clearance is Dec. 3. That means they need it in their hands by March 3? So maybe I should send it...

I feel very lucky to be immigrating to a country where I speak one of its official languages. I can't imagine how much the paranoia and confusion would increase if I were a non-native speaker.

[tamee]

I personally would send them an email and ask, they will answer before u need to send it off, that way you know  for sure right?

re-buffalo-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca


thats the email addy, just copy and paste it into the email.including the RE.

[thaiguy]

You think it is OK to wait until they ask? Because, being from the states, I have a deep distrust of the competence of any government bureaucracy, and I can imagine this getting lost if I try to get it to them before they ask.

Is it possible that they would send back my entire application because of this?

I suggest you wait until they ask for it.  It needs to be valid for final processing of your application.  If you get it done too soon, it will expire and they'll ask you for another one.

If you don't send them a police certificate that's valid within the timeframe they ask, they will likely deny your application.

[mapleleafrag]

Thanks for all your great advice.

My current police certificate is dated Dec. 3. Do you think I should order another one?

[thaiguy]

Go ahead and send this one - there's no reason not to.

But be prepared to obtain a second one on short notice.  So have a fingerprint card and cover letter ready.

[mapleleafrag]

All right, I am preparing a letter (referencing my full name, DOB, Client # and KIT ID #). I will send this along with a copy of my spouse's sponsor approval letter from Mississauga.

Is that all I need to include? (along with the Fingerprint card with the FBI stamp, of course.)

Should the cover letter be from my spouse, or from me, or does it matter?

Also, it will be sent from Canada, as I am here visiting my spouse right now. Is that OK?

You guys have been fantastic. I appreciate the prompt help. This is a great forum.

[thaiguy]

It shouldn't matter where or whom the letter is sent from.  In your letter, also specify the type of application.

Good luck.