Applicant from PhD program after 5 Nov, 2011 connect here to get status

[TyrusX]

Well based on Jason Kenney's twitter, it seems like they have been refocusing some of their resources to catch fraudulent PRs, sigh!!! (see below

Jason Kenney ‏ @ kenneyjason
We have also identified some 7500 permanent residents who we believe are involved in residency fraud to illicitly obtain citizenship

Jason Kenney ‏ @ kenneyjason
We intend to revoke citizenship from 3140 people who we believe obtained it fraudulently. Canadian citizenship is not for sale.

Jason Kenney ‏ @ kenneyjason
We have now identified nearly 11,000 cases of suspected residency fraud. We're protecting the value of Cdn citizenship: http://is.gd/30CI3u

I believe that this is a different sector withing CIC, probably the ones responsible for PR renovations and citizenship. As a wannabe Canadian, I support their efforts to decrease fraud.

 

[MASOUD2011]

Anyone knows a telephone number to get information about our application? I have been trying to call them using 888-242-2100 but it is keep saying that they are busy and we need to try again later!

I am going to US and wonder if I will need Canadian Visa to enter Canada again.

Thanks.

 

[TyrusX]

Anyone knows a telephone number to get information about our application? I have been trying to call them using 888-242-2100 but it is keep saying that they are busy and we need to try again later!

I am going to US and wonder if I will need Canadian Visa to enter Canada again.

Thanks.

Yes. You need a valid Canadian student visa and a study permit to enter Canada. If your expired, you should renew it ASAP.

 

[kaziahmmed]

Anyone knows a telephone number to get information about our application? I have been trying to call them using 888-242-2100 but it is keep saying that they are busy and we need to try again later!

I am going to US and wonder if I will need Canadian Visa to enter Canada again.

Thanks.

As long as your study permit is valid then you do not need to to renew Canadian Visa if you r coming back from US, I have experienced the similar situation and confirmed this from CIC. However, if you still want to confirm you can call but its true, these days its really difficult to reach them over the phone.

 

[MASOUD2011]

As long as your study permit is valid then you do not need to to renew Canadian Visa if you r coming back from US, I have experienced the similar situation and confirmed this from CIC. However, if you still want to confirm you can call but its true, these days its really difficult to reach them over the phone.

Many thanks!

BTW, do you know any other number to reach CIC?

 

[kaziahmmed]

Many thanks!

BTW, do you know any other number to reach CIC?

Sorry I do not have any other number other than this.

 

[ppb12]

Anyone knows a telephone number to get information about our application? I have been trying to call them using 888-242-2100 but it is keep saying that they are busy and we need to try again later!

I am going to US and wonder if I will need Canadian Visa to enter Canada again.

Thanks.

You do not need Canadian visa as soon as you have valid study permit. I personally experienced that. One of my friend also visited USA whom Canadian visa expired. So do not worry about your Canadian visa expire

 

[MASOUD2011]

You do not need Canadian visa as soon as you have valid study permit. I personally experienced that. One of my friend also visited USA whom Canadian visa expired. So do not worry about your Canadian visa expire

Awesome! Thanks for reply.

 

[TyrusX]

Awesome! Thanks for reply.
[/quote

Nonetheless, you should still renew your visa as well. Mine will expire soon and I will do it as well. It is not worthy risking!

 

[specialmary]

Does anyone know why CIO is so slow in processing cases now?

 

[Stuck In Quebec]

You don't need a canadian visa to enter Canada (if it has expired) provided you have not left continental north america. If you go to Hawaii for instance, you will need a valid visa though it is USA. My friends have done this and it is clearly stated in our univ travel advisory. I tried it myself as I had a renewed visa but they flipped to the old page and asked me you know the visa is expired but you can still enter. Then I flipped to the renewed page. They made a face though as they consider it as laziness. IN ANY CASE THE WORK PERMIT/ STUDY PERMIT SHOULD NOT HAVE EXPIRED. Till then you are ok. If you travel from Europe as transit and enter Canada with expired visa, you will be refused entry as you left continental North America. I will check the most recent rules with the International Student Section of the Univ though. Nonetheless always have a valid visa for simplicity sake and avoiding refusal to enter if new guidelines came when you were in USA. Caution: don't believe the processing times stated on VO website. Priority is walk-ins. NYC webpage said 7 days for mail in but took 21 days and when I raised objection,they updated website overnight. When I drove to NYC to get my passport and enter on an expired visa ( I was in a rush to get back), I was told the walk-ins are issued the next day and ready for pick up. They open the mail ins at their ease depending upon workload. Plan ahead plan smart.

Anyone knows a telephone number to get information about our application? I have been trying to call them using 888-242-2100 but it is keep saying that they are busy and we need to try again later!

I am going to US and wonder if I will need Canadian Visa to enter Canada again.

Thanks.

 

[MASOUD2011]

You don't need a canadian visa to enter Canada (if it has expired) provided you have not left continental north america. If you go to Hawaii for instance, you will need a valid visa though it is USA. My friends have done this and it is clearly stated in our univ travel advisory. I tried it myself as I had a renewed visa but they flipped to the old page and asked me you know the visa is expired but you can still enter. Then I flipped to the renewed page. They made a face though as they consider it as laziness. IN ANY CASE THE WORK PERMIT/ STUDY PERMIT SHOULD NOT HAVE EXPIRED. Till then you are ok. If you travel from Europe as transit and enter Canada with expired visa, you will be refused entry as you left continental North America. I will check the most recent rules with the International Student Section of the Univ though. Nonetheless always have a valid visa for simplicity sake and avoiding refusal to enter if new guidelines came when you were in USA. Caution: don't believe the processing times stated on VO website. Priority is walk-ins. NYC webpage said 7 days for mail in but took 21 days and when I raised objection,they updated website overnight. When I drove to NYC to get my passport and enter on an expired visa ( I was in a rush to get back), I was told the walk-ins are issued the next day and ready for pick up. They open the mail ins at their ease depending upon workload. Plan ahead plan smart.

Nooooo! I will be flying to Honolulu, Hawaii and don't have a valid visa. I didn't know Hawaii has a different story. What would you recommend me to do? The processing time is 51 days and my flight will be in less than a month. Where can I find these information especially about Hawaii exception?

 

[ppb12]

Nooooo! I will be flying to Honolulu, Hawaii and don't have a valid visa. I didn't know Hawaii has a different story. What would you recommend me to do? The processing time is 51 days and my flight will be in less than a month. Where can I find these information especially about Hawaii exception?

It takes less time than the processing time. but I do not think you can get back it within one month. I have no idea about Honolulu trip. Apart from the topic, it seems like you are going for conference, I assume it is ECS, am I right? Because I will be flying to Honolulu at the same time for attending ECS. I might be wrong, you might have another bussiness.

 

[MASOUD2011]

It takes less time than the processing time. but I do not think you can get back it within one month. I have no idea about Honolulu trip. Apart from the topic, it seems like you are going for conference, I assume it is ECS, am I right? Because I will be flying to Honolulu at the same time for attending ECS. I might be wrong, you might have another bussiness.

You are right! It's for PRiME 2012.

I just talked to the immigration department in Pearson Airport and they confirmed I won't need visa to renter Canada from US but were not sure about Hawaii.

I also checked CIC and it says: "Note: This visa may also be used for repeated entries into Canada from the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon provided you do not enter any other country. Such entries must occur within the time validated for your stay in Canada." http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5256ETOC.asp

Also section 3-f in here: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-70.html#docCont

I browsed many websites and didn't find anything about Hawaii, seems it is still counted as US!

BTW, do you hold a valid visa?

 

[ppb12]

You are right! It's for PRiME 2012.

I just talked to the immigration department in Pearson Airport and they confirmed I won't need visa to renter Canada from US but were not sure about Hawaii.

I also checked CIC and it says: "Note: This visa may also be used for repeated entries into Canada from the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon provided you do not enter any other country. Such entries must occur within the time validated for your stay in Canada."
Also section 3-f in here:
I browsed many websites and didn't find anything about Hawaii, seems it is still counted as US!

BTW, do you hold a valid visa?

Yes...I do. Hope you will find a solution or good alternative.