Approval in Principle Timeline

[MP]

Hi All
I applied for Sponsorship visa with my Canadian boyfriend in Canada.
My application was recieved in Vegreville on Nov 16 2012.
My current work permit has just expired (May 2nd) so I am on implied status.
I need to make it back to ireland for my brother's wedding July 19th...
Dillema!


I have included an application for an Open Work Permit with my sponsorship application.. but my understanding is that it will
be approved only when the first step is complete. My sponsor is approved.
The current wait time on CIC.GC is 6 months for this.. It has been 6 months and nothing..

Does anyone have an idea of recent processing times for the first step?

 

[Sweden]

6 months is the timeline for 1st stage.

However, regardless of the OWP etc, with an Inland application, you're supposed to stay in Canada for the duration of the application ( not only stage 1 and getting an OWP). If you go out, and are refused entry for whatever reason, your application will be deemed abandonned and you will have to start all over again.

The dilemma is more there in my opinion. If you knew that you had to travel outside of Canada, you should have applied outland, not Inland.
Sweden

 

[QuebecOkie]

My app was received on October 23, and still no word for me on AIP either. But like Sweden said, AIP has nothing to do with any plans to travel. For the duration of your application, until you have your PR card in hand, any time you leave Canada, you're putting your PR application in jeopardy. If you are denied entry to Canada for any reason, you'll have to start all over again. And you'll have to answer yes to the question of whether or not you've ever been denied entry.

I know how discouraging it is. Stage 1 is estimated at 6 months, and I'm over seven at this point. And Stage 2 is estimated at 8 months. Hell, I'm starting to feel like I'll be VERY lucky to get PR before the end of the year, when I'll need to ask for a second extension to my visitor status.