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OCTOBER 2020 OUTLAND Spousal Sponsorship

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
15,224
7,751
Same here. We did our medical on April 16. More than a month and no update yet. We checked with the clinic and they submitted the result on April 24. Moreover we have the status - "Your action is required" on gckey since April 24. We raised a webform and got a reply saying everything looks fine on the application and there is no additional document request made. Not sure why that status and why the delay. Even after covid offices are working remotely. I understand the delay in giving medicals or biometrics but there should not be a problem in updating online the details already sent to ircc.
My understanding is that to finalize (pass) the meds, an IRCC medical officer must sign off. This is normally pretty quick.

But there are only a handful of them and covid obviously puts a lot more demand on them, and even one being on leave for a few weeks will cause short delays.

So nothing to worry about, but no, it's not automatic.
 
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Sharma1010

Newbie
Mar 1, 2019
7
7
My understanding is that to finalize (pass) the meds, an IRCC medical officer must sign off. This is normally pretty quick.

But there are only a handful of them and covid obviously puts a lot more demand on them, and even one being on leave for a few weeks will cause short delays.

So nothing to worry about, but no, it's not automatic.
Correct, I understand its not automatic and an officer needs to sign off. Seeing the google spread sheet for oct outland almost 20 people are still awaiting medical results, so ya guess it will take sometime. As my ecas shows Application received, i believe when it gets picked up for processing at the local VO, will it be updated.
 

jclarke99

Hero Member
May 10, 2020
235
83
Same here. We did our medical on April 16. More than a month and no update yet. We checked with the clinic and they submitted the result on April 24. Moreover we have the status - "Your action is required" on gckey since April 24. We raised a webform and got a reply saying everything looks fine on the application and there is no additional document request made. Not sure why that status and why the delay. Even after covid offices are working remotely. I understand the delay in giving medicals or biometrics but there should not be a problem in updating online the details already sent to ircc.
It's a bit strange that biometrics passing showed up in gckey the day of my biometrics, but no acknowledgement of medical in gckey 1+ months after medical submitted. I guess there's only an update on medical after the info has been officially reviewed by the appropriate expert, and that's where there appears to be a backlog (or change in priorities to other categories of immigration applications).
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
15,224
7,751
It's a bit strange that biometrics passing showed up in gckey the day of my biometrics, but no acknowledgement of medical in gckey 1+ months after medical submitted. I guess there's only an update on medical after the info has been officially reviewed by the appropriate expert, and that's where there appears to be a backlog (or change in priorities to other categories of immigration applications).
The biometrics is fully electronic (at least from most places where you submit them, they send electronically more or less immediately) and there's no 'pass' or equivalent; they either get the reading or they don't.

Medicals: it seems every medical centre submits them differently, some right away, some several days or even more than a week later.

But the bigger issue is the approval - only a handful of officers. And although the family class sponsorship are exempt from a lot of the medical exclusions, the other immigration types are a lot more demanding of them. There are also some TRV and other types where needed.

I also assume that they have to be involved in various covid related stuff (advice to government on outbreaks?) but don't know for sure.
 

jclarke99

Hero Member
May 10, 2020
235
83
The biometrics is fully electronic (at least from most places where you submit them, they send electronically more or less immediately) and there's no 'pass' or equivalent; they either get the reading or they don't.

Medicals: it seems every medical centre submits them differently, some right away, some several days or even more than a week later.

But the bigger issue is the approval - only a handful of officers. And although the family class sponsorship are exempt from a lot of the medical exclusions, the other immigration types are a lot more demanding of them. There are also some TRV and other types where needed.

I also assume that they have to be involved in various covid related stuff (advice to government on outbreaks?) but don't know for sure.
Very helpful. When I look at the spreadsheets, it wasn't too long ago that it was typically taking just a couple of weeks for medical approval after the exam, despite COVID. Lately it seems to be drawn out. That's why I wonder if there's been a shift in priorities (at the expense of spousal PR applicants). Who knows?
 

cjr

Star Member
Oct 5, 2020
112
74
Same here. We did our medical on April 16. More than a month and no update yet.
Just to add another data point, and join the party while I'm at it: we're experiencing the same thing. Medical on April 16th, no acknowledgement in either of the online "communications" channels.

I'm going to go on the assumption that things are chugging along behind the scenes...
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
15,224
7,751
Very helpful. When I look at the spreadsheets, it wasn't too long ago that it was typically taking just a couple of weeks for medical approval after the exam, despite COVID. Lately it seems to be drawn out. That's why I wonder if there's been a shift in priorities (at the expense of spousal PR applicants). Who knows?
I'm guessing that the India Pakistan flight ban and epidemic there has shuffled the cards as you're right, it was relatively normal during much of the pandemic. But it's only a guess...
 

constance23

Star Member
Sep 21, 2018
76
31
Hey guys,

I hope you are all doing well.

I was asked for an ADR the day I received my biometric request and I submitted it a few days ago through webform because I couldn't upload it in my account (they asked for it through my email). Do you guys have any idea of the timeline from when they will possibly receive and submit it to the responsible office? I'm assuming I'll see my "Additional Documents" status change in my account once they receive it and start reviewing the document I sent.


It's a PCC from my home country btw :)
 

Fang_89

Star Member
Sep 22, 2020
105
49
Hey guys,

I hope you are all doing well.

I was asked for an ADR the day I received my biometric request and I submitted it a few days ago through webform because I couldn't upload it in my account (they asked for it through my email). Do you guys have any idea of the timeline from when they will possibly receive and submit it to the responsible office? I'm assuming I'll see my "Additional Documents" status change in my account once they receive it and start reviewing the document I sent.


It's a PCC from my home country btw :)
Usually you get a message from them, something like: "We have received your document" once it has been processed, give it a week or two, it really depends on the VO you're dealing with.
 
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constance23

Star Member
Sep 21, 2018
76
31
Usually you get a message from them, something like: "We have received your document" once it has been processed, give it a week or two, it really depends on the VO you're dealing with.
Thank you Fang_89! :)
I've had replies to my enquiries before so I should really just calm down and give it time but when you've submitted something they have requested and needed to proceed with your application, it's difficult to not keep on checking and be anxious. lol
 
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