Dear forum members,
I have been reading this thread for a few months now and I have learnt a lot from people who have shared their experience and offered advice based on what they went through. It helped me take important decisions to make our immigration process more efficient. So thank you!
We are getting really close to the end of this process in our case and it feels really good. Looking back and reflecting on our immigration journey I would recommend the following to anyone getting started:
- Submit a perfect file upfront. Get help from a consultant or someone who has gone through the process and knows about the do's and don't. Have them go through your application before you send the final draft. It's well worth the $100 you will pay for a consultant to spend an hour with you to review your documents and proof.
- Pay all fees upfront. This will save you time at the end.
- Set the right expectations for yourself. Take a look at the spreadsheets. Know how long it takes on average and be prepared to be patient. One year ago the process took 12-15 months on average, my application submitted in September 2014 will take about 9 months, and the applications submitted towards the end of 2014 are taking even less time.
- Be positive. It is not an easy process and this forum should be a place to encourage everyone in this long and challenging journey.
- Limit your communications with CIC.
- Use FedEx to courier your stuff for peace of mind.
- Respond to CIC promptly when they correspond or need something from you.
- Don't loose it with the CIC people. They have the power to speed up or slow things down on you.
- Be proactive. If your PC or Meds are expiring, don't wait for CIC to ask you for the documents, send them proactively, They will have all that they need when they get to your file.
- Have faith!
Wishing you all the very best!