Havana, Cuba

[Mapleson]

Good Morning Galano, how you requested and update on the file from Havana? It will be 8 months July 19th. since our file was received, and about 5 months since the file has been in Habana, If could please tell me on how you requested an update, thanks.

Hi luigui, you're application is at 4.5 months in Havana, and only 20% of applications are finished in less than 5 months, so still lots more waiting unfortunately.

I just sent an email to the email address havana-im-enquiry @ international.gc.ca

Have you ever received replies from that email? I thought generally they don't reply until your application is beyond the standard 80% mark, so that'd be 10 months after it was received in Havana.

As an alternative, but slow way, you can make a Access To Information Request for $5 and a wait of 30 days.

Do it here - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/atip/requests-atip.asp
How to video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_E_dq_uLVo

 

[Galano1213]

I have only used this email to Havana and received a reply I do not have a signed copy of he permission form from my husband or a way to send it for info .

 

[cassidyxo]

That is not necessarily correct -- I've come into contact with a few different cases, all who were requested interviews becauseof family they may have in the USA.

It does not mean that entry will be denied but it does mean that the Embassy will investigate and try to find intent to want to go to the USA.

Understandably all Cubans can just cross over when they want and seek asylum BUT when they have family already there the embassy looks at it like a RED FLAG...

It is not always the case, but the few people I know that have family in the USA def. had interviews and some were asked for 2nd and 3rd interviews.

Anyways Cass - I WOULDN'T WORRY FROM WHAT I SEE YOUR FILE IS SOLID!!

Thank youuuu soooo much!!!!

 

[Galano1213]

Just watched the news and 4 members of the Cuban boating team have defected to the USA border. Does this put future applications on a hold ?

 

[Mapleson]

Just watched the news and 4 members of the Cuban boating team have defected to the USA border. Does this put future applications on a hold ?

Nope, they never completely stop the flow, but they restrict a torrent into a stream.

I have only used this email to Havana and received a reply I do not have a signed copy of he permission form from my husband or a way to send it for info.

Does your husband not have email on his phone? It costs 1 or 1.50cuc to set-up and then just costs 1cuc/MB from the same Nauta pre-paid account. I just sent the form to my wife, she took it to the local print shop, printed it, signed it, scanned it, and emailed it back to me.

 

[Galano1213]

No he does not have email yet Working g on upgrading his phone or getting a tablet.

 

[Mrs.DoryBaby]

Just watched the news and 4 members of the Cuban boating team have defected to the USA border. Does this put future applications on a hold ?

Galano! Don't worry- those visa's were all processed and done with... the office is back on track I'm sure of it!

Plus it was 4 boaters, 2 soccer players and I believe 3 baseball players thus far that have deflected...

God only knows how many more will go before the end of the games, but hey can you blame them? If I were them.. I'd probably do the same no?

 

[Galano1213]

Wondering what information those you sent with application to prove your marriage was genuine that have been approved. What question your spouse was asked at an interview? The reason I am asking is that if the person looking at the application decides they think the marriage is not genuine the application is no longer a priority.

 

[mslolita]

Just checking in to see if anyone has heard from Havana? Anything positive to share? Our application has been in for 4.5 months, I'm starting to get restless.

 

[Galano1213]

Contacted my MP office last week and when they got back to me after hearing from Havana I was told that my husband was in line for an interview and because of that the application was not considered a priority. Our application has been in Havana since Jan 6,2015. It will be 7 months Aug 6th.

 

[Er84]

Contacted my MP office last week and when they got back to me after hearing from Havana I was told that my husband was in line for an interview and because of that the application was not considered a priority. Our application has been in Havana since Jan 6,2015. It will be 7 months Aug 6th.

Hi Galano.

Just wondering what it is that your MP can do? Do they really ha e any influence on your application or just get info that Havana doesn't/won't share with you?

Thanks

 

[Galano1213]

They usually get info the call center does not such as telling me we will have an Interview. If you want more you should order notes I think it is $5 dollars and takes 30 days

 

[Krys]

The MP usually will only help when your file goes beyond the processing time. If you request for your notes you will be able to see if your spouse is having an interview if it has been decided at the time of requesting the notes. I saw my MP on friday and she advised that any look in to your file (ex. Ordering notes) can delay the processing time as they have to go in to your file and pull out what is being requested/ remove what they don't want you to see. Although, it looks like that doesn't really affect the processing time at this moment as there are a few applicants waiting 8-10 months now. It seems to me that something is going on in the embassy right now.. My file will be at 10 months (in the Havana embassy) in 1 week, my MP has sent an inquiry to them but i also sent an email on Friday to ask when this mysterious interview will be scheduled and they replied with " an interview will be scheduled for September but no date has been set yet" September will be 11 months for my file in Havana and still nothing from the embassy.. So hopefully my MP can get things moving and see what the problem is. Other applicants are saying there's a change in the embassy with how they are processing, they are short staffed due to summer holidays and very busy with Pan Am visas.. Who knows! Good luck to all those who are waiting

 

[mslolita]

I've been told by two people that requesting your file notes will only delay the process and potentially aggrevate the person working on the case (perhaps this is due to causing more work)..not sure if this is true or not....I am trying my best to allow the process to run it's course and be patient.

 

[Er84]

I've been told by two people that requesting your file notes will only delay the process and potentially aggrevate the person working on the case (perhaps this is due to causing more work)..not sure if this is true or not....I am trying my best to allow the process to run it's course and be patient.

I agree. I have been informed as well that ordering your GCMS notes does nothing but delay the application review process and if anything irritates the immigration officer responsible for the file as he/she will now have more work to do and also bring their opinion into question regarding doing their job. Probably not a good idea to pisss off the immigration worker your spouse and you so desperately need. Just saying!!!!! Think border guards power hungry attitude. Not for me thanks. The time suckks and is what it is without anyone one of us or our spouses or our MP's having any control over it. So let it be and pray for the best (ie quickest lol) timeframe.....maybe a "friendly" immigration officer too

Best of luck everyone.