Sending FBI Clearance after submitting application?

[RedSox502]

Hello, I am a US citizen, my wife is Canadian.

I have seen some individuals on this forum who have said that they sent their FBI/police clearances after sending their application package- is this common practice or is it up in the air as to whether a Visa officer will accept the application without the FBI clearance? Anyone have experience with this?

The reason I ask is I have to return to the US this week for a friend's wedding (I am currently visiting my wife in Canada and am within the validity of my TRV, which I have successfully extended twice). I wanted to have my PR application package paid for and sent out before I attempt to return to Canada (2 weeks later) to visit with my wife while the PR is in process...that way I can show the border official that I currently have my PR application in the works. However I don't yet have the FBI/police clearances and I have seen that they can take 8-16 weeks to come through. My current TRV will be expired by then and although I am from the US and technically should be able to visit again without another TRV or too much trouble, I am paranoid about being turned around at the border.

So...I was wondering if it would be viable to send the application package out and later send the FBI clearance once I receive it, with a cover letter requesting that it be added to my application?

[CharlieD10]

Some persons have had success explaining via letter and showing proof they have requested the FBI check.

If you go that route, wait until your file is received at Buffalo in order to send the FBI check to them, don't send it to CPC-M.

[RedSox502]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Do you know if this this is something that is done often and is generally acceptable? I don't want to seem like I'm trying to be sketchy or anything, and certainly don't want to have my initial application package returned.

And just to make sure I'm understanding correctly, if I were to do this you mean to send the FBI clearance directly to Buffalo's office and NOT to Mississauga where I would have sent my application package (minus the FBI check), correct? EDIT: once I have received confirmation that it was received by Buffalo, that is.

Some persons have had success explaining via letter and showing proof they have requested the FBI check.

If you go that route, wait until your file is received at Buffalo in order to send the FBI check to them, don't send it to CPC-M.

[CharlieD10]

No, it is not done often, nor is it generally acceptable, they have made exceptions.  The requirement for a complete package is that FBI and other police clearance certificates are to be submitted with the application, and should be no more than 3 months old when they arrive at CPC-M.  I am guessing, but I suppose it is because they took the time to explain and prove that they have already requested the check why those persons were given the exception.

And, yes, wait until Buffalo confirms receipt of the file before sending it to them, not to CPC-M.  Once the file is in Buffalo, CPC-M has no interest in the police clearances again, so it has to go directly to the visa office.

[RedSox502]

Great, thank you for the replies!

[JAYJAY2]

I just sent in last week without the FBI checks since they are taking a long time.  I sent a letter with it saying I am still waiting for it and gave them the fedex tracking number showing them it was there.  I didn't send any police certificates.