Waiting on London

[Canadianlady]

Hi, I hope someone can assist me.  I'm Canadian, my husband is British.  We are living in Britain currently. 
I was approved to sponsor my husband in April and my husband's application was rec'd in London for processing April 21, 2008.  Since this time, we have heard nothing from London although we can follow his application on line...it has just stated "in process" for months now.
My husband was charged with drinking/driving 7 years ago and has not had any convictions since.  We both are professionals and own a home in Toronto.  We have filed all information required, including the rehabilitation form/letters of character reference, etc. and have lawyers in Toronto representing us.  Our lawyers have inquired about our application status (as of 2 weeks ago) and since this time we have not heard anything from anyone in regards this.  When we questioned our lawyers prior to Christmas they explained it can take up to 2 months for the CIC in London to respond to inquiries. 

Does anyone have any idea what's going on in London, why no one is responding to us and why we are getting silent static from everyone?   

[Canadianlady]

I am still wondering if anyone else is having a simliar issue as we are.  If there is anyone who might shed some light on this matter, it would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[RobsLuv]

Any past criminal conviction will delay processing - and that can be frustrating/confusing if the applicant believes they've proven rehabilitated status.  Some people think that if they provide certification from local law enforcement agencies or lawyers that they're "rehabilitated", they're clear . . . but the IO assessing the file is looking for an Immigration Canada assessment.  I'm not saying that's not what you provided - it's just that your thread doesn't make clear whether the "rehabilitation form" you included was something from CIC, or something from someone else.  If it was from someone else, the IO processing the file will be evaluating the offences as though they happened in Canada . . . to assess the equivalent Canadian sentencing so they can determine whether the applicant is eligible (per 5 yr or 10 yr statutes applicable to the type of offence and sentences that would have been imposed in Canada) to be deemed rehabilitated.  That could explain the delay - and the "silent static" you refer to.  That's what happened to us . . . my non-accompanying son had an arrest, and our application was delayed for months on end.  Inquiries were met with stone-cold silence . . . even the MP's office was stonewalled in their attempts to get information. 

[Canadianlady]

Thanks Rob,

We have sent in the correct rehab form from the CIC and he's past the 5+1 year penalty so one would think this would not be the issue but I have been concerned about it just the same. We are working with a credited law firm in Toronto. 

What's most frustrating is not hearing anything from anybody and ofcourse "the not knowing".  I have also written to my MP back home (where I own my home and lived prior to meeting my husband)  and have yet to hear back from her either.

You really begin to think you're living like a mushroom and no one is listening.

Thanks for your response, it's much appreciated.