+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

>>>>>>>NOVEMBER 2019 AOR<<<<<<< Join here

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
Starting a new thread for all those who intend receiving or have received their AoR in November 2019, or anticipate filing their application (post-ITA) in November 2019.

Sharing some useful info here:

Visa Office


There has been an obsession of finding which visa office the application is at. Many threads on this forum start with explaining how to find your visa office. Let's get to the crux of it. Finding the visa office was very relevant pre- express entry. Even after the introduction of express entry in 2015, the same practice was followed which usually was for the paper based application, but that is no longer the case. Earlier all application followed the following trajectory:

Central Intake Office - Case Processing Centre - Local Visa Office

However, this has radically changed and for all express entry, all application follow the following:

1. Central Intake Office -
The R10 (completeness check) is done at the Central Intake Office for all classes (FSW / PNP / CEC). Now even the criminality and medicals are done at CIO.

2. Case Processing Centre - These are 4 CPCs in Canada

CPC in Edmonton


The case processing centre in Edmonton processes:

extensions for temporary resident status and temporary resident permits
work and study permits
applications for permanent residence from protected persons and convention refugees in Canada
applications for permanent residence for live-in caregivers
applications for permanent residence under Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pathways
applications for permenent residence under the temporary resident permit holder class
loans for the right of permanent residence fee


CPC in Mississauga

The case processing centre in Mississauga processes applications to sponsor family members living in Canada and abroad.

CPC and CIO in Sydney

The CPC in Sydney processes:

applications for permanent resident cards (new and renewals)
citizenship applications (new, renouncing, revoking and resuming)
The centralized intake office in Sydney (CIO-S) receives all applications in the following categories:

Federal Skilled Worker
Federal Skilled Trades
Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Program
Start-Up Visa
Quebec Investors or Entrepreneurs
Quebec Skilled Workers
Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Class
Federal Self-Employed Persons and Quebec Selected Self-Employed Persons


CPC in Ottawa

The case processing centre office in Ottawa (CPC-O) processes:

visitor visa (temporary resident visa) applications from within Canada for applicants with valid status (students or temporary foreign workers only).
permanent resident visa applications from the United States and Canada, after they have been received and deemed complete by CPC-M or CIO-S.


OSC in Ottawa

The Operations Support Centre (OSC) processes the following applications:

International Experience Canada work permits
In-Canada temporary resident applications submitted online
Verification of Status (VOS)
Replacement of valid temporary resident documents
Amendment of immigration documents and of valid temporary resident documents


Local Visa Office - This is the office where you will be asked to submit your passport after your application has been approved. Usually the consulate in your home country.

These days all application after starting at CIO (where R10 is met), either start the processing of eligibility at CIO itself, or move to CPC (wither Ottawa, Sydney, or Vegreville), or are straight sent to the LVO. The trend has been to complete most of the processing between CIO and CPC. Since the applications are electronically stored, there is no movement of physical files.

SUGGESTION - There is no point sending emails to ask which VO your application is at, as that process is moot since the eligibility can even start at CIO. So save yourself some time and efforts and also save the human resources of IRCC and stop sending emails. Even if you know which VO your application is at, it means nothing. Most applications which are processed within weeks and get PPR, are processed at CIO, and this is a much faster way.

A few applications will see eligibility passed, and then go to not started when the application is sent to the LVO. This is because the final review is done at the LVO, and the local agent may decide to conduct additional review, or identification before the eligibility is finally set to PASSED.



Tracking your application

Unfortunately the only thing that you see is your MyCIC account. There has been a growing trend of speculation where change of status on MyCIC has been attributed to eligibility being passed, etc. The whole NA, IP IP2 is speculation and has no bearing on determining which stage your application is at. While any change of status is a good sign, but merely relying on NA and IP is not the correct way.

Most applicants will find it irrelevant, as their applications will be processed and approved within the first 3-4 months. It is those who wait for more than 4 months, where things go crazy as they keep relying on NA, IP etc, and see no movement or progress. Many other are stuck on so called IP2, and the PPR never seems to come.

So put these speculative theories to rest. As per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, regulations and the ministeral instructions every application goes through the following stages:

R10 (Completeness check)
Medicals
Criminality
A11.2 Eligibility (The most important stage)
Security


To read more on each stage click here. While most applicants will not need to go this deep, but for those who have concerns about the application or it is taking too long should see which stage they are at. Also, the only way to determine the stage is by GCMS notes. To read more on GCMS notes, see the thread here.

ECAS (Electronic Client Application Status) -

This was the most important tool pre EE to track an application and provided much more in-depth status than what MyCIC does. However, after the IRCC moved to the Global Case Management System (AKA GCMS) applications are no longer linked to ECAS.

So there is no point going there and checking.

Letter of Explanation -
As the name suggests, the LoE is exact what it sounds like. It is not an idea for the documents and you do not have to explain each document you are submitting in your application.

The simple rules to follow for LoE -

  • Should be 1-2 pages in length. If you cannot explain it in 1-2 pages, it is probably not worth it.
  • Only use LoE to explain an issue. Eg. you could not obtain a reference letter on letterhead, could not meet PoF 6 months avg balance, seeking exemption or extension from PCC, or to explain something in your application which is not clear.
  • IRCC Agents do read LoE, but if its too long and not to the point, it loses its importance.
  • You DO NOT need an index for your documents. There are placeholders for the documents just put each document there and when it is stored on the IRCC system it is names and stored in an organized way.


SOME USEFUL LINKS:

**Guide to Landing and Setteling** - https://goo.gl/8vQzcd
**Proof of Funds** - https://goo.gl/mPejMN
**Medicals** - https://goo.gl/Xpmj5e
**Age and EE** - https://goo.gl/u8bqAU
**Stages of EE Application ** - https://goo.gl/AmdtgR
**GCMS Notes** - https://goo.gl/Jhk1Un
**Keep GCMS Notes Safe** - https://goo.gl/97J7AT
**Add Spouse to app** - https://goo.gl/ZgRP6C
**PNP and its obligations** - https://goo.gl/XUva1e

All the best!!


THESE ARE MY VIEWS AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THESE. IF YOU HAVE CONTRARY VIEWS, JUST IGNORE IT AND DO WHAT YOUR CONSULTANT ASKED YOU, OR WHAT YOU DEEM FIT.
 

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
What is an Application Number?

An application number, as the name suggests is assigned to each application an applicant files with IRCC. Every application, even when filed by the same applicant, will have a different number and will be categorized by the type of application filed by the applicant. An application number starts with an alphabet followed by digits eg: E12345678. The alphabet signifies the type of application.

Permanent Residency – E12345678

Student Visa – S12345678

Work Permit – W12345678

Visitor’s visa – V12345678

What is a UCI Number?

UCI – “Unique Client Identifier” is a numeric reference which is unique to a client. It is assigned by Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) an applicant whose case is being processed. Each client is given a different UCI. The UCI number remains the same, even when you file multiple applications with IRCC. If you have previously applied for a tourist visa, you have already been issued a UCI number. Similarly, if you applied for a student visa, you were assigned a UCI, and when you subsequently apply for a Permanent Residency, the UCI will remain the same.

UCI consists of digits only, usually there are eight digits which may or may not be separated by a hyphen, eg: 1234-5678 or 12345678.

The UCI number has two formats:

1. 8 digits: 1234-5678; or
2. 10 digits: 11-1234-5678

The UCI differs from an application number in the context that an applicant can have multiple applications, each having a different application number, UCI number. Thus, UCI is client specific and not application specific.

If you have never filed an application before, you will have a temp. UCI number starting with CAN after you submit your application, which will change to the above format in a few weeks.
 
Last edited:

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
What is Case Specific Enquiry (webform)?

During the processing of your application, if you want to send any additional documents, or update your application, since you cannot do so from your MyCIC account after submitting the application, you can use the Case Specific Enquiry (webform), available <https://secure.cic.gc.ca/enquiries-renseignements/canada-case-cas-eng.aspx>

You may use this form if:
  • You have submitted an application or profile.
  • Your application has exceeded normal processing times. We will not respond to your enquiry if the application is within normal processing times.
  • You wish to report important changes, such as a change in contact information, births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, changes in employment, withdrawal of application, refund request, or urgent requests. If you are reporting a change in contact information, it will take 5 business days for it to be updated. During this time you should continue to monitor your old contact information.
  • You wish to add, change or cancel a representative and you are ready to upload your Use of Representative Form (IMM5476) or you authorize IRCC to release information from your case file and you are ready to upload your Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM5475).
  • You require urgent processing of your renewal/replacement Permanent Resident card. To be eligible for urgent processing, you must provide:
    • proof of travel (itinerary or ticket) that shows your full name, destination and travel dates;
    • proof of payment for the travel that shows the date you paid, the full amount you paid, and how you paid;
    • a letter explaining the reason for the urgency; and
    • proof of the urgency (e.g. a doctor’s note, death certificate, or letter from your employer).
  • You wish to report a technical issue with IRCC online services. Please select 'Technical Difficulty' as your application/enquiry type and ensure you provide:
    • type of application (work permit, study permit or visitor record, etc) in the 'Your enquiry' field;
    • approximate date that the application was submitted, if applicable, in the 'Your enquiry' field.
    • complete address (including the postal code) in the 'Your enquiry' field. If the residential address is different from the mailing address, please provide both addresses;
    • Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number / Client ID number, if you have one;
    • online application reference number, if you have one;
    • telephone number. If you have more than one contact number, please provide them all;
    • screenshot(s), if possible.
 

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
Internet, email and telephone scams


Don’t be the victim of a scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. These scams can result in:

  • identity theft
  • fraud
  • theft from your bank account or credit card and
  • computer viruses
Remember:
  • No one can guarantee you a job or a visa to Canada.
  • Only immigration officers in Canada, at Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates can decide to issue a visa.
  • Processing fees are the same for all of our services in Canada and around the world.
    • Fees in local currencies are based on official exchange rates.
    • They’re the same amount as fees in Canadian dollars.
  • We’ll ask you to pay fees for Canadian government services to the “Receiver General for Canada,” unless we state something different on a visa office website.
  • Our employees will never:
    • ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account
    • ask you to transfer money through private money transfer service
    • threaten you
    • offer special deals to people who want to immigrate or
    • use free email services, such as Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo Mail to contact you
  • You’ll find free application forms and guides for all our services on our website.
  • Be careful if the salary of a job you are applying for seems too high to be real.
Email scams
You may get an email that looks like it’s from a real company or the Government of Canada. It may ask you for private information, such as your date of birth, passwords or credit card details. Sometimes the email will tell you to visit a fake website.

Some people get emails that look like they are from IRCC. They offer special immigration deals if you give them personal information. We will never send you an email asking for your private information.

If you get this kind of email, don’t click on any links or give any information about yourself. If you have any doubts about where the email came from, make sure to check the identity of the sender.

These things may mean an email is a scam:

  • The email is sent from a private address or a free Web mail address (e.g., Yahoo Mail, Hotmail or Gmail) and not from the Government of Canada “gc.ca” or “Canada.ca” email account.
  • The email uses a standard greeting such as “Dear customer” instead of your real name. (Note: we address some automated emails as “Dear client.” If you get an email like this, check and make sure it’s from a Government of Canada email account.)
  • The sender asks for personal information, such as your date of birth, password, credit card or bank details.
  • You didn’t expect the email.
  • The message is an image instead of text.
Telephone scams
We won’t telephone you to collect money or payments. We may sometimes contact you by telephone to get more information to continue processing an application, or to ask for more documents.

We will never ask you for any sort of payment by telephone.

People can use telephone scams to steal your money or identity, which is why we take strict measures to keep your information confidential.

You should be very careful of scams asking for details like your credit card, bank account numbers, or any other payment information.

If you get a suspicious call, hang up right away and contact your local police to report it. You may also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

For more information about what to do if you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam, go to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website.

Find more on how to protect yourself from fraud.

Stay informed and stay protected!
 
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Reactions: Iam_cracker

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
  • Like
Reactions: Trine

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
Anyone else contemplating filing their application in November 2019, please post here and join the thread!
 

legalfalcon

VIP Member
Sep 21, 2015
19,030
9,888
Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
4112
App. Filed.......
03-09-2015
Doc's Request.
01-10-2015
AOR Received.
03-09-2015
Med's Done....
17-08-2015
Passport Req..
05-04-2016
VISA ISSUED...
12-04-2016
LANDED..........
05-05-2016
STAGES OF AN APPLICATION

The EE application is processed in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The stages an application goes through are:

1. Completeness Check (Regulation 10)
2. Criminality
3. Medicals
4. Eligibility (A 11.2)
5. Security

To read more on these see https://goo.gl/8vQzcd
 
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Reactions: patiencewearingthin