First Time TRV Visitor Visa app >>>Approved!

[Trini2deBone]

Hi All,
I thought I would share my TRV timeline & experience with y'all to help others who may be considering applying for the first time or those who are still awaiting the final decision from IRCC to not lose hope...

Brief Summary
I am from the Caribbean and I met my boyfriend (Canadian born citizen) last year January while he was visiting my island. We soon started a relationship and since then he has visited me back home and we have taken trips together to Miami & New York. We decided I should visit him this summer so I had to apply for my first TRV ( I've never visited Canada before).
I did the necessary research and found out that I would be eligible for the CAN+ program since I have a valid 10 year US Visa. Under this program as stated on the website the process was supposed to take 5 days....

Application Timeline:
19/07/19 - Submitted online application
- Documents submitted ...All requested Application forms, my employment letter (outlining approved leave), my bank statements, cover letter done by me disclosing my purpose of visit, intended dates of travel, address of stay, detailed itinerary listing activities to be undertaken,copy of my valid US Visa and all copies of extensive travel stamps, as well as expired visas.
My boyfriend's employment letter, copy of his passport, including pages with travel stamps (to show his visits to my country), his bank statement, notarized invitation letter done by my boyfriend that disclosed our relationship, where I would be staying, how my expenses would be paid for, dates of travel as well as a stamped affidavit confirming our relationship.

21/07/19 - Acknowledgement of receipt for application submission

21/07/19 - Request for Biometrics Letter received

25/07/19 - Completed Biometrics ( was the only next available date)

26/07/19 - Biometrics information updated on portal

05/08/19 - Biometrics correspondence letter received

06/08/19 - Original Passport Request received

19/08/19 - Submitted passport at VAC office.

20/08/19 - Application status updated in portal (Final decision :Application approved disclosing counterfoil documentation)

21/08/19 - Collected passport from VAC which has Canadian visa with a validity 10 years!

Just a few highlights:

• The last time I checked the online portal was 27/07 which showed application in process after that I didn't bother to check again because my dates of travel passed. On 19/08 saw the email to check portal for messages and then checked and saw the PPR letter & correspondence dated 06/08.
• by indication of my timeline the visa was still granted even though my travel dates mention had elapsed As stated in invitation letter & cover letter my intended travel dates were last week of July to first week in August = 2 weeks stay
• Even though many people would say it was a risk disclosing our relationship status (because statistically the rate of refusal based on intimate/long distance relationship status are high) we decided to tell the truth anyway because our intentions are genuine and we are still in the early stages of our relationship (am not seeking PR citizenship via marriage I live a very comfortable life in my country with freedom to explore the world and travel back & forth as I please)
• Under the CAN+ program financial records are not required to be submitted however I submitted mine anyway (just as proof should my relationship hit a rough patch during my visit I would be more than financial able to afford a hotel and my flight back home!)
• I applied on 19/07/19 because I estimated based on the information provided on the website I would've gotten approval and visa within 5 days under Can+ program (didn't know time taken to provide biometrics would not be counted as part of the processing time)
• Majority of my family are based in the US (legally) and I currently hold a valid ten year US visa. I visit the US at most three times a year every year as well as other countries for leisure. ( I travelled a lot from early childhood so I’ve held multiple visas that I continue to renew.)
• My work history is consistent - in other words for the past 8 years+ I've been steadily employed with good remuneration .
• I am female over the age of 25, never been married and I don't have kids (just a small furry terrier pup I treat like a baby) I also don't own any property of any kind I live with my mom who I provide financial support for (utility bills, groceries, miscellaneous expenses etc)
• I don't have any family in Canada, the only person I know from Canada is literally my bf.

My advice to first time applicants be honest, don't omit information even if you think it may hurt your application, each case is unique thus every outcome will be different. I've read so many stories on this forum and I understand the delay in determination of final decision can give a person anxiety BUT remember to think and speak positively!!!
Now that summer is over and my approved vacation leave has expired my bf and I are planning our Christmas vacation......not looking forward to bitter cold freezing temperatures but at least I would be able to visit and share a cup of hot chocolate with him ....<3

Best of Luck to everyone

 

[Alpha Sarr]

Hello Sir.
Hello Mr / Mrs

I come to you to inquire about the CAN + Canada program, if the Republic of Guinea is concerned about the countries eligible to apply for a visitor visa.

By being Guinean and US visa holder of US valid and have trips.
I would like to submit my application to CAN + Canada.

Good reception.

Best regards.

 

[kat3onah]

Hello Sir.
Hello Mr / Mrs

I come to you to inquire about the CAN + Canada program, if the Republic of Guinea is concerned about the countries eligible to apply for a visitor visa.

By being Guinean and US visa holder of US valid and have trips.
I would like to submit my application to CAN + Canada.

Good reception.

Best regards.

CAN+ are available to applications that travelled to Canada in the last 10 years or holds a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa. Visa application centres will screen all applications for CAN+ eligibility.