Thread for Outland LONDON, UK Applications!

[Korma]

I'm in the same position as you mate! My wife and I had been living in Scotland for years, but she had to move home at fairly short notice for work. I went with her to help get set up with a place to live and stuff. Now my return flight back to Scotland is at the end of the month and I just don't know if i can face being apart! We've had to do it once before when she got her visa to come back to the UK (after we lived down under). I'd just wait it out if I were you! In my past dealings with CBSA I once landed in Halifax without a copy of my return ticket on me. I was returning within 2 months, but because the officer was a little wary about me he amended my stay time so that my duration of stay could not be longer than the time that I had stated. To cut a long story short, without them actively doing that on your landing, you have nothing to worry about. It certainly wouldn't hurt to contact CBSA and give them a later departure date off the top of your head though. Best of luck with your application! Our applications arrived on the same day so I expect we'll follow a similar timeline!

Cheers,

DGT

I'm glad I'm not the only one in this situation at least! It's really tough being apart and I just can't do any more of it...

I'm pretty sure I'm fine, but I just have this nagging thought in the back of my mind that if I apply for an visitor extension, or go to fly back to the UK, or even contact CBSA they're gonna say "Hey, this guy's lied to us! Let's detain him and ban him from the country for 10 years!". I'm sure that's not the case, but the border people always seem to be so cold to you that it makes me think the worst! Ah well, I guess I'm just a worrier.

I hope your application goes well and you don't have any trouble either. It'll be interesting to see how close to each other our applications are approved.

 

[Sweden]

Thanks for the info Sweden.

Well, consider this post my allowance to update my timeline . I'll add myself on to the spreadsheet shortly - I've had a look at it a couple of times now and it looks like some people are being processed nice and quick, while others aren't have much luck. I'm hoping the processing time for stage 2 will be 6 months at the most for me, but I guess I'm at the mercy of the VOs in London.

I've considered changing my address to my address in Canada. How do I do this on ECAS? I can only seem to log on using my wife's details and obviously her address is already in Canada. I tried entering my name and DOB with both the UCI and file number but neither worked. Hmm. When I go to activate my PR I'm leaning towards flying to England regardless, I guess it depends on how soon my wife can get time off work when we've received it.

I'm kind of put off about going to the States. We crossed the bridge in Niagara Falls to use some casino money we got through a hotel package deal and ended up waiting for 3 hours in a crowded room for them to let me through. Very stressful as I had no idea what was happening! We spent more time waiting to get into the States than we did actually in the States!

I suspect when my PR is sent my medicals will be close to expiring, so maybe it's best to enter and turn around there.

Normally you should be able to log in with the file number + applicant details ( starting with Fxxxx...) and see your own address. make sure you only use your last name ( no initial, no first name etc). If that doesn't work, send a Case-specific-enquiry to London Vo here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions/london.asp because as far I remember, even when doing it through ecas, it ends up leading you to send the CSE anyway... inform London of your new address, normally you will have a standard answer telling you that they won't acknowledge your request but it will be done ( I found it quite ironical to receive a standard email telling me that they won't tell me they have received my request!!!). My address change in ecas was done within 2 weeks more or less, and I received the COPR in Canada without trouble.

Having the COPR sent to Canada will indeed give you more option - either fly to the UK and back, if you still have time, or flagpole if your medicals are close to expiring - less stressful.

For the US/Canada border, I haven't tried it myself but was told recently that at the Vancouver crossing, when there is a line, going through the duty-free allows you to jump the queue - maybe try that next time you go through Niagara crossing! It also depends when you go - middle of the week, middle of the day is probably a better option than during holidays, boxing week sale, evenings and week ends in general...

Good luck,
Sweden

 

[rebecassss]

I'm pretty sure I'm fine, but I just have this nagging thought in the back of my mind that if I apply for an visitor extension, or go to fly back to the UK, or even contact CBSA they're gonna say "Hey, this guy's lied to us! Let's detain him and ban him from the country for 10 years!". I'm sure that's not the case, but the border people always seem to be so cold to you that it makes me think the worst! Ah well, I guess I'm just a worrier.

I first entered Canada in July 2010. The last time I entered was December 2010. Both times I put "2 weeks" on the form, and the last time I entered Canada I never left! It's never been an issue, and it seems unlikely that it would be given that you didn't have a stamp. Provided you extend your visa before you hit 6 months (if you intend to stay that long) it really shouldn't be a problem. I certainly have never had any trouble.

 

[rebecassss]

Can anyone explain to me what the VO asking for extra documents is about? Does this happen if something is missing from the application or is it something else?

 

[scottishmaple]

Can anyone explain to me what the VO asking for extra documents is about? Does this happen if something is missing from the application or is it something else?

It will depend on what they are looking for, if they ask you for extra documentation it maybe that you are in a common law relationship and they want further proof that it is genuine (perhaps continued correspondence since applying) or any other evidence to support information that you have supplied to them, it is really case by case. Some people may have missed out form when initially applying and may call it on the spread sheet as extra documentation, but it really is not as it should have been supplied in the first place. I hope this helps with your question

 

[rebecassss]

It will depend on what they are looking for, if they ask you for extra documentation it maybe that you are in a common law relationship and they want further proof that it is genuine (perhaps continued correspondence since applying) or any other evidence to support information that you have supplied to them, it is really case by case. Some people may have missed out form when initially applying and may call it on the spread sheet as extra documentation, but it really is not as it should have been supplied in the first place. I hope this helps with your question

Yeah, I was looking at the spreadsheets and saw a lot of "extra documents requested" and was wondering if it was something I should be concerned about it for the future. This definitely helps, thanks!

 

[Korma]

I first entered Canada in July 2010. The last time I entered was December 2010. Both times I put "2 weeks" on the form, and the last time I entered Canada I never left! It's never been an issue, and it seems unlikely that it would be given that you didn't have a stamp. Provided you extend your visa before you hit 6 months (if you intend to stay that long) it really shouldn't be a problem. I certainly have never had any trouble.

Ah thanks, that puts my mind at rest a little . I'll certainly be extending my visa around the 5 month point if I haven't received my PR by that point, which is very likely.

Normally you should be able to log in with the file number + applicant details ( starting with Fxxxx...) and see your own address. make sure you only use your last name ( no initial, no first name etc). If that doesn't work, send a Case-specific-enquiry to London Vo here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions/london.asp because as far I remember, even when doing it through ecas, it ends up leading you to send the CSE anyway... inform London of your new address, normally you will have a standard answer telling you that they won't acknowledge your request but it will be done ( I found it quite ironical to receive a standard email telling me that they won't tell me they have received my request!!!). My address change in ecas was done within 2 weeks more or less, and I received the COPR in Canada without trouble.

I tried my F number and my details again and still can't seem to get in. Am I perhaps using the wrong category? I'm choosing Sponsorship as the application type, and then Sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependant child living outside Canada as I would to log in using my wife's details - I can't see a family class option if I select Permanent residence from outside Canada as the first category.

Oh well, I won't worry too much, I'll probably end up contacting them directly. Although I guess I won't be able to see if they've processe my address change if I can't log in to check!

 

[Sweden]

I tried my F number and my details again and still can't seem to get in. Am I perhaps using the wrong category? I'm choosing Sponsorship as the application type, and then Sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependant child living outside Canada as I would to log in using my wife's details - I can't see a family class option if I select Permanent residence from outside Canada as the first category.

Oh well, I won't worry too much, I'll probably end up contacting them directly. Although I guess I won't be able to see if they've processe my address change if I can't log in to check!

true - it's weird. Maybe you could do both at the same time - send them a case-specific enquiry about the address change ( I checked again, and even through ecas, it goes through a case-specific enquiry on the website, so you would be using the correct procedure), and also mention that you can not log in using the File number, and ask if you can get your own UCI or their file number - like this you might get an answer with the new login ( by then you will have your own UCI), and you can see the address change.

Good luck,
Sweden

 

[Laurenhannah]

Ah thanks, that puts my mind at rest a little . I'll certainly be extending my visa around the 5 month point if I haven't received my PR by that point, which is very likely.


I tried my F number and my details again and still can't seem to get in. Am I perhaps using the wrong category? I'm choosing Sponsorship as the application type, and then Sponsoring a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependant child living outside Canada as I would to log in using my wife's details - I can't see a family class option if I select Permanent residence from outside Canada as the first category.

Oh well, I won't worry too much, I'll probably end up contacting them directly. Although I guess I won't be able to see if they've processe my address change if I can't log in to check!

Hey Korma,


go here: https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/authenticate.do?app=ecas

it skips all that other stuff you go through. I think Sweden probably already said this but if you're using your F number you choose 'Immigration file number/Application number' as identification type then put in who ever is being sponsored (the person who wants PR) details. If you're from England, don't choose UK, there is an 'England' option. Capitals etc all matter too. Good luck!

 

[Korma]

If you're from England, don't choose UK, there is an 'England' option. Capitals etc all matter too. Good luck!

Aaah thank you, this has solved it! I was choosing United Kingdom and Colonies - I didn't even realise there was an option for England.

Thanks so much!

EDIT: Interestingly enough there isn't a link on the page for me to update my mailing address like there is if I log on using my wife's details. Not to matter, I'll just contact the London VO if I want to update my address. I'm still considering if I'll do it or not, but it makes sense to so I expect I will.

 

[antz21]

Happy New Year everyone!

Here's to hoping that 2013 is a fast year for PR approvals...!

Random question - In the spreadsheet, did heading "B" get changed from 'Application Sent to Mississauga' to 'Medicals Done' or was it always like that?

 

[scottishmaple]

Random question - In the spreadsheet, did heading "B" get changed from 'Application Sent to Mississauga' to 'Medicals Done' or was it always like that?

I think someone has made a mistake heading B was Application Sent not medicals done as the dates posted are not for medicals. i think a little while back the headings were accidentally deleted and never replaced, so perhaps someone has assumed/guessed that this is what the heading was, but it is wrong... another thing that is strange, is that the London Spreadsheet has a column for AOR from London, however if you go to the CIC london website it clearly states that London will not send an AOR for Family class

For all permanent resident applications (except Family Class, Provincial Nominees, Arranged Employment and Quebec applications), a letter of Acknowledgement of Receipt is sent to the applicant within 24 weeks from the date this office receives the completed application. The Acknowledgement provides details of processing times. Please read it carefully.

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/visas/processing-traitement.aspx?view=d

 

[herewecome]

Happy New Year!

I have done a lot of searching but am still none the wiser. I am being sponsored by my common law partner.

When I had my medical the DMP informed me I may well be rejected and I would be 'lucky' if they grant me PR. He mentioned a number of times about excessive demand (I am overweight and had blood in my urine, etc). I was thrown by his comments. I was told I needed to have additional tests for CIC which I duly paid for and received the results of a lab tested urine sample. I know I am excessive demand exempt but it is still playing on my mind a lot being told the odds are I will be rejected.

I am having the blood in urine looked at by my GP. Should I sit tight and wait for London to request additional info or get something sent to them proactively once my GP's investigations are concluded? I don't want to risk a straight out rejection on medical grounds and then have to appeal. Does anyone know how additional medical requests work? Am I even likely to be asked for additional tests?

We were 100% sure we would be fine with the application. Now this has put a huge dampener on the excitement and has created complete uncertainty.

 

[ldjames]

Happy New Year!

I have done a lot of searching but am still none the wiser. I am being sponsored by my common law partner.

When I had my medical the DMP informed me I may well be rejected and I would be 'lucky' if they grant me PR. He mentioned a number of times about excessive demand (I am overweight and had blood in my urine, etc). I was thrown by his comments. I was told I needed to have additional tests for CIC which I duly paid for and received the results of a lab tested urine sample. I know I am excessive demand exempt but it is still playing on my mind a lot being told the odds are I will be rejected.

I am having the blood in urine looked at by my GP. Should I sit tight and wait for London to request additional info or get something sent to them proactively once my GP's investigations are concluded? I don't want to risk a straight out rejection on medical grounds and then have to appeal. Does anyone know how additional medical requests work? Am I even likely to be asked for additional tests?

Hi- That's terrible and more than a little unprofessional- I'm also fairly certain that it is incorrect.

On CIC it states that your medical results are interpreted by immigration service doctors and the DMP's only perform the tests and pass along the results.

It seems to be the case that CIC always attempt to clarify or ask for additional details rather than outright rejecting an application as they seem fair-minded- though I have not seen much in the way of medical related instances. I think it would be advisable to forward any conclusions your GP reaches (plus any details about related medications) as it is possible that you would be asked for details later and this would save delays.

I don't see that being overweight would be an issue- I am far from slim and my DMP said that it wouldn't be a problem at all. I can't help but think that the 'lucky' comments was a thoughtless (or vindictive) aside rather than any real indicator but if you document any medical issues than you will be ready for any queries that might arise.

 

[Sweden]

Happy New Year!

I have done a lot of searching but am still none the wiser. I am being sponsored by my common law partner.

When I had my medical the DMP informed me I may well be rejected and I would be 'lucky' if they grant me PR. He mentioned a number of times about excessive demand (I am overweight and had blood in my urine, etc). I was thrown by his comments. I was told I needed to have additional tests for CIC which I duly paid for and received the results of a lab tested urine sample. I know I am excessive demand exempt but it is still playing on my mind a lot being told the odds are I will be rejected.

I am having the blood in urine looked at by my GP. Should I sit tight and wait for London to request additional info or get something sent to them proactively once my GP's investigations are concluded? I don't want to risk a straight out rejection on medical grounds and then have to appeal. Does anyone know how additional medical requests work? Am I even likely to be asked for additional tests?

We were 100% sure we would be fine with the application. Now this has put a huge dampener on the excitement and has created complete uncertainty.

Hey,

Sorry to hear about your health problems, I hope it can be sorted out.
As far as the medicals exams are concerned, I don't think you should do anything before London asks for it. If you do something in advance, you might just confuse them... so indeed there is not much else to do than sit and wait...
Spouses are "excessive medical exempt " ( or however it is formulated), and the criteria from what I understand is that you should not have a contagious disease and pose a risk to the Canadian society, which doesn't seem to be your case. there is also something about how much of a burden to the healthcare you can be - but that's more subjective to know... If your health problems have been under control for the last few years, it should be fine I think - but I'm not a doctor, and nor do I work for CIC.

From what I understand of the process, if the medical person that reviews the files has a doubt, he will ask for more exams.... ( the way it works is that your medicals are sent to a MD inside CIC who reviews the file and gives the green light or ask for more exams - the VO are obviously not qualified to decide on medical grounds).

I don't think that they would reject you straight away, if they have a doubt they will order additional exams, and give you a chance ( pretty much the same way that people get an interview, or asked to submit additional documents when there is a doubt about the relationship) to give more elements, so for now, I guess the best thing to do is to wait, and take care of your own health (in that sense, having more exams done with your doctor and seeing what can be done about it is a very good step).

So - it seems that for now, you're doing everything you can, and you'll have to wait until you hear back from London - but it's a hard place to be in for sure.
Hope everything works out for you,
Sweden