Applied via London UK. Who else? Processing time?

[itstime]

I sent in my application last week online and in my case, it goes via London UK and I don't need TRV or meds done.

I provided proof of funds, receipt of paying first semester (starting september 2013), and proof that I was awarded a small non-renewable scholarship from the college which applies towards my first year tuition fees, acceptance letter, copy of passport (new and valid for the full period of studies) etc. Basically everything is there. Now all I need to do is wait for the result.

So, yes, I know it is late applying for the study permit and just my luck that there is also a strike going. But seriously London, 7 days processing a TRV but 8-10 weeks for a study permit??? And how do I actually know my online application went via London? I sent in the application using the online tool on CIC website. The timestamp on the receipt says 2pm ET but where I was it was 8PM when I sent it in. To me, that indicates it has gone to an office in Canada. And checking the status on the London website there is no record of it there but myCIC has it in their system.

So, basically, any guess where my application is and how long it will take to process?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Doda]

Hi itstime,

I've applied for a student permit at London CHC as well on the 25th of April, and still now response. It will take more than 8 - 10 weeks due to the strike and peak times of student permits application. If you have indicated that you current country of residence is UK, it will directly go to London CHC. Other members we giving advice about obtaining your study permit from Canada if you're from a TRV exempted country, but I don't know much about that. Hope this helps.

 

[itstime]

I'm from a TRV exempt country and London handles all applications. I know from other students that even when applying late, they have received their visas in 2-3 weeks.

What do you mean by obtaining the study permit from Canada? I asked the international student service office at my college if there was any way to speed up the process.

According to the London office twitter, they are operating as normal and the strike is not having an effect on processing times.

Have you trie to contact them to find out about your application? applying in April and still not hearing anything, i'd go nuts if I were you.

 

[Doda]

Well I did contact them, and they said it's still in final review, other people on the forum have applied early May and still waiting as well. from what I've read, people with TRV exempted countries citizens could go to Canada as a tourist, until you get approved for a student permit, then go to the nearest border point and obtain the student permit from there. But anyhow you'll have to get an introduction letter, form the London CHC, that you're approved for study in Canada.

 

[itstime]

Yeah, well going as a tourist won't help much. School won't let me start without the visa, and shipping my stuff over is not going to be easy without the visa either. I will only have to sit this one out.

 

[Doda]

Then, good luck for all of us. Maybe they will approve you in 2 - 3 weeks as you don't need a TRV.