help!-travel document from Buffalo

[strangers]

I mailed the application of travel document to Buffalo in Mid May. Till now I havenot received the document. I must enter Canada before July 3rd. I have three questions:

1. How long will it take to get the travel documnet?

2. Will the General Consulate mail the document with registered letter? My original passport should be returned to me.

3. Is there any way that I can quicken the process?

Thanks!

 

[strangers]

Please!!! Anyone can help me?

 

[Alabaman]

I mailed the application of travel document to Buffalo in Mid May. Till now I havenot received the document. I must enter Canada before July 3rd. I have three questions:

1. How long will it take to get the travel documnet?
What date exactly did they receive your application? I have read on this forum that travel docs from Buffalo usually take about 5 weeks if you mail your application in but a couple of days if you apply in person.
See this post: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t36832.0.html

2. Will the General Consulate mail the document with registered letter? My original passport should be returned to me.
I don't think so. I think they use regular post.

3. Is there any way that I can quicken the process?
You should have done that by applying in person. Did you call them? or you might perhaps visit the embassy.

Thanks!

 

[strangers]

Thank you very much! Alabaman.

1. How long will it take to get the travel documnet?
What date exactly did they receive your application? I have read on this forum that travel docs from Buffalo usually take about 5 weeks if you mail your application in but a couple of days if you apply in person.
Through the tracking No. of my letter, they signed and received the letter in May 16th. Before I mailed out my letter, I emailed Buffalo and they said it generally takes 4 weeks to process TD. So my document will be received in these few days?
2. Will the General Consulate mail the document with registered letter? My original passport should be returned to me.
I don't think so. I think they use regular post.

3. Is there any way that I can quicken the process?
You should have done that by applying in person. Did you call them? or you might perhaps visit the embassy.
Buffalo doesn't accept any telephone inquiries any more. Do you think it works if I fly to Buffalo and request to talk with the staff next Monday?
Thank you for your help!

 

[strangers]

IMPORTANT NOTICE: We have recently installed a new computer system in all US offices. As a result, applications are taking longer than usual to process. If you wish to apply for a temporary resident visa, work permit or study permit, we encourage you to submit your application by mail and to ensure that you fill in and validate the forms found on our website . We can only process applications which are submitted with all required forms and all questions answered. Incomplete applications and those which have not been validated online will be returned to you. We recommend that you apply at least 3 months in advance of your planned travel. Thank you for your understanding. "

This is what I find on the Buffalo website. I don't know when they posted it. So it's also possible that my case will need three months to be processed. Shall I fly to Buffalo to talk with the consulate officer?

Thanks.

 

[strangers]

Also, I submitted my application to Buffalo. Is it possible that they transfer my case to other consulate office? If it's the case, even if I fly to Buffalo, it still doesn't work?

 

[Alabaman]

Hmm... I dont really know what to tell you. I doubt if it was transfered to a different office. I think it's too much risk just flying to Buffalo. If it was a driving distance it woulda made sense to drive there.

Someone I know applied for visitor's visa at the New York city consulate on May 11 and got passport back on June 13 (i.e. about 4.6 weeks). I have a feeling you will get your passport within a week from today.

By the way why must you enter Canada before July 3?

 

[strangers]

It's because I will not meet the residency requiremnet, i.e. stay in Canada for 730 days in the past 5 years. So I want to return to Canada before that date and can apply for new PR card ASAP.

 

[Alabaman]

Hmm there seems to be other dimensions to your situation. I dont think it's as bad as you think though. Is your PR card expired? If so when did it expire?

 

[strangers]

It expired in March this year. That's why I must apply for a TD. Too bad. If I fly back after July 3rd, My absence from Canada will exceed 3 years in the past 5 years. P:....

 

[Alabaman]

It expired in March this year. That's why I must apply for a TD. Too bad. If I fly back after July 3rd, My absence from Canada will exceed 3 years in the past 5 years. P:....

I see the fix you are in. A couple of options come to my mind but they aren't quite straight forward:

1. Wait and hope your passport comes back to you with a TD before July 3rd (preferred).

2. Wait until whenever you get your passport with a TD (after July 3rd), enter Canada and then still go ahead and apply for a renewal claiming a couple of extra days of physical presence so to meet 730 days.

3. Enter Canada by road in a private vehicle without your passport before July 3rd and then apply to renew your PR immediately.

4. Prepare your PR renewal application and have someone in Canada send the application on your behalf... and then if TD comes after July 3rd you proceed to Canada. I know there is a requirement to be physically present in Canada in order to renew PR application... but hey!

 

[strangers]

Very organized options. Thank you, Alabaman. I think I will wait until receiving the passport.
So I won't have any problems to get my TD, such as they refuse to grant me a TD?
Also, if I enter into Canada and apply for a new PR card after physically staying in Canada for 730 days, I won't have risk to lose my PR status, right? I lived in Canada from 2003 to 2008, almost 4.5 years.