2023 Citizenship Applications
- Thread starter GFLiam
- Start date
Even assuming seeking mandamus will make a difference, there is not much point in pursing mandamus without the assistance of a lawyer.
I was told by a lawyer clerking for a judge, for example, that the technicalities are so daunting that even among mandamus applications made by lawyers many fail for technical reasons, and that was about lawyers stumbling in proceedings to seek mandamus generally, many in regards to less complicated subjects. And, more significantly, that includes many matters in which the government has less latitude, situations in which it is easier to make the case the government has failed to do what the law mandates be done.
In regards to technicalities in particular, note for example that if your "Next step" is to file an application for mandamus you would be leaving out a requisite step in the process and the application for mandamus would be summarily denied.
Moreover, it is prudent to get a lawyer's help even in deciding if or when to pursue mandamus. Contrary to the TLDR willfully wallowing in ignorance crowd rhetoric, there is a lot most applicants could research to better ascertain more about their case and, for example, whether for them in particular there is much chance of success making the prerequisite demand, or following through with filing the lawsuit for mandamus if the demand is not successful. Not all causes for delay in processing are created equal.
Then there is the when to seek mandamus question. Again, not all causes for delay in processing are created equal. When to make the demand, let alone file an application for the Writ, is a lot more complicated than just counting how long it has been.
Some may see it as irony that the more likely mandamus will succeed the more likely the applicant will be scheduled for oath relatively soon anyway.
Finally, for those who feel that IRCC is exceedingly slow, how it goes before the courts is not likely to cheer them up.
I have recently received a third fingerprint request from IRCC. According to the letter, I am required to submit my fingerprints within 30 days. My background check was completed on October 27, 2025, just two days before. Based on my understanding, fingerprints are typically required only for the background verification stage, which appears to have already been finalized.
Also, I noticed that the letter now instructs me to send my fingerprints to the Sydney office, whereas my previous two submissions were submitted to the Vancouver office. Could you all please confirm whether I should proceed with 3rd fingerprint submission or if this might be an administrative overlap.
Here is a summary of my application timeline:
Application type: Online
Processing centre: Vancouver (test invite received from Vancouver office)
Application sent: August 10, 2023
AOR received: September 14, 2023
1st Fingerprint requested: October 10, 2023
Test completed: November 1, 2023
1st Fingerprint received: November 2, 2023
2nd Fingerprint requested: October 21, 2024
Language & Prohibitions/Physical Presence updated: October 25, 2024
2nd Fingerprint received: November 18, 2024
Background check completed: October 27, 2025
3rd Fingerprint requested: October 29, 2025
Prohibitions: In progress
Oath: Not started
Also, I noticed that the letter now instructs me to send my fingerprints to the Sydney office, whereas my previous two submissions were submitted to the Vancouver office. Could you all please confirm whether I should proceed with 3rd fingerprint submission or if this might be an administrative overlap.
Here is a summary of my application timeline:
Application type: Online
Processing centre: Vancouver (test invite received from Vancouver office)
Application sent: August 10, 2023
AOR received: September 14, 2023
1st Fingerprint requested: October 10, 2023
Test completed: November 1, 2023
1st Fingerprint received: November 2, 2023
2nd Fingerprint requested: October 21, 2024
Language & Prohibitions/Physical Presence updated: October 25, 2024
2nd Fingerprint received: November 18, 2024
Background check completed: October 27, 2025
3rd Fingerprint requested: October 29, 2025
Prohibitions: In progress
Oath: Not started
That means that your criminality assessment expired after a year. IRCC sometimes only rechecks it after security has been completed, so background can be set to completed and then return to in progress. But it's good news, criminality usually doesn't take time at all, and once the new set of fingerprints is sent, everything but oath should be completed for you
Edit : Also, just checked your timeline. It hasn't been a year yet since the 2nd fingerprint request, but I suppose in this case IRCC just proactively avoids it's expiration by the time oath ceremony is scheduled. No big deal anyway.
As IRCC asked for it, just do it. Even if it was an administrative overlap, still follow the instructions to avoid more complications with IRCC. Good luck!
