Double payment? Does payment for application of PR expires?

[dianaluna]

Hello,
I am applying for the PR sponsored by my common law partner. We applied in 2010 (Sent application plus payment), but we got the application back for come mistakes in it. We never sent it back that year (it was never processed) as we went to live abroad for 2 years. In October, 2014 I reapplied, and sent the receipt of payment of 2010. Today I got an email saying they require new fees because the payment was made on 2010, and I have to pay again the $550 and send the receipt in the following 3 days or else my application will be refused. Can this happen? Is this legitimate or could it be a scam? I'm calling the call center but it's too busy and no one will answer the call.
I also called to the fax number they give to send the info to but there is no answer. Everything in the email looks real, but I'm wondering...

 

[Aquakitty]

Hello,
I am applying for the PR sponsored by my common law partner. We applied in 2010 (Sent application plus payment), but we got the application back for come mistakes in it. We never sent it back that year (it was never processed) as we went to live abroad for 2 years. In October, 2014 I reapplied, and sent the receipt of payment of 2010. Today I got an email saying they require new fees because the payment was made on 2010, and I have to pay again the $550 and send the receipt in the following 3 days or else my application will be refused. Can this happen? Is this legitimate or could it be a scam? I'm calling the call center but it's too busy and no one will answer the call.
I also called to the fax number they give to send the info to but there is no answer. Everything in the email looks real, but I'm wondering...

They should have sent you a refund with the returned application. Honestly at this point you should just pay it and sort it out after. You can eventually get through to the call center if you keep trying. The best times are usually in the morning when they open, and in the afternoon around 2-3pm.


You can also try sending an email or fax to the Mississauga VO.

 

[dianaluna]

Thank you very much.

 

[canadianwoman]

They probably expect you to apply to get your 2010 fees refunded (note that not all of the fees will be). And that you have to pay separately for the new application. I think this is standard. I agree with the above poster - just pay now, and afterwards you can apply to get the refund from 2010.