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Manila Tread for English Speakers - join here!

JGM613

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2013
345
2
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-04-2013
AOR Received.
03-05-2013
File Transfer...
15-05-2013
Passport Req..
30-10-2013 ... In Process 12-03-2014...Decision Made 14-03-2014 as per ECAS
VISA ISSUED...
14-03-2014
LANDED..........
02-04=2014
mr.peace said:
Thanks! Now here's another one. Under the APPLICATION SECTION part, there's an info that shows:

Group Name: FC - PRI 3A - STRAIGHTFORWARD - For Officer Review/Waiver Confirmation

I don't understand what does it mean.

Anyway, I don't see any red flags (as far as the gcms notes are concern) with my application, but wondering why it's taking too long.
The very last entry on our notes are comments about NBI appearing" clean" andsupporting documents sufficient to establish our declared marital status..and blag blah blah...the last statement says passed to VO for review...says to me that the preliminary review and PPR comes from a subordinate and a VO hasn't even seen the file yet..
 

mr.peace

Hero Member
Apr 15, 2011
273
8
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila, Phils.
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
April 2, 2013
Doc's Request.
October 24, 2013
AOR Received.
April 17, 2013
File Transfer...
April 23, 2013
Med's Done....
March 20, 2013
Passport Req..
Sep 27, 2013 F.Beronia Recv'd PP: Oct 15, 2013 V.O. returned PP: Nov 1, 2013 Resent PP....: Dec 27, 2013
VISA ISSUED...
March 26, 2014 received but dated March 20.
LANDED..........
April xx, 2014
JGM613 said:
The very last entry on our notes are comments about NBI appearing" clean" andsupporting documents sufficient to establish our declared marital status..and blag blah blah...the last statement says passed to VO for review...says to me that the preliminary review and PPR comes from a subordinate and a VO hasn't even seen the file yet..
Thanks a lot! I have already instructed my wife to go to their MP and inform them that the process might take longer as "security" and "criminality" have not started yet. I've been cool as I thought each application is unique, but c'mon, my application is not that complicated as per gcms notes, so why drag it. Can't do anything but wait.
 

GabbieLovesAya

Star Member
Feb 17, 2014
59
2
GTA, Ontario, Canada
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
Doc's Request.
10-04-2014
File Transfer...
15-08-2013
Med's Done....
02-04-2013
Interview........
they better not ask any more at this point
Passport Req..
10-04-2014
Step said:
Holy s#*t 18+months would'nt blame you if you did go postal. Yours is the longest processing time I've seen on this thread.I really hope they get yours done soon.
I've noticed that CEM is run like a prison( don't bother us we will get to it when we can) but that being said how can they expect anything different with no word coming from CEM. Naturally people are going to inquire when it takes forever.
Best Wishes, hoping COPR will arrive soon.
I live in Chris Alexander's riding. I spoke to him in person last fall. My application was received in June 2013. I told him, that the processing time in Manila used to be 8 months, but with the strike last year it changed to 14 months. He said "just watch me" as there are many changes coming, he will eliminate backlog, etc. I pointed it out to him, that at the end, the Conservative Government's actions prolonged the strike, as they would not accept the union's offer to go to arbitration. BTW the union also offered to immediately return to work, should the Government accept the arbitration offer. But no, Tony Clement was really pigheaded about having it his way and refused the offer. At the end, the Government was ruled wrong by a tribunal and then they quickly settled with the union. So my question is, why can't the Government take all the money they saved while the union was on strike and spend it on eliminating the delay, get it back down to 8 months or even better, 6 months. IMHO, it is inhumane to keep newlyweds apart and put them through all kinds of hoops, mind games and information blackout. I personally think, that cases where children and/or spouses are involved, should be resolved within a very reasonable time, not 14 months, not 8 months, not even 6 months, but rather like 3. I feel sorry for the guy who's been waiting for 18.5 months and then given a misleading promise by his MP, which made him book tickets that he now has to re-book? One is scared to take further action or go to the media as they may just bury your file into the bottom of the pile. But sure as hell, what our Govt. is doing to us cannot be called service. It is rather a disgrace to be treated like this by our own Govt.
 

JGM613

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2013
345
2
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-04-2013
AOR Received.
03-05-2013
File Transfer...
15-05-2013
Passport Req..
30-10-2013 ... In Process 12-03-2014...Decision Made 14-03-2014 as per ECAS
VISA ISSUED...
14-03-2014
LANDED..........
02-04=2014
mr.peace said:
Thanks a lot! I have already instructed my wife to go to their MP and inform them that the process might take longer as "security" and "criminality" have not started yet. I've been cool as I thought each application is unique, but c'mon, my application is not that complicated as per gcms notes, so why drag it. Can't do anything but wait.
I'd use the premise of expiring meds and the cost involved re- doing them..
The fact that CEM ignored our request for information was what pissed me off enough to start writing letters!
*Good luck Mr Peace!! Lean on them! I've seen your posts in the past questioning life in Canada..and I'll tell you..it's worth the effort to get there..I hope you settle into a happy healthy life when you get past this nonsense!!
 

JGM613

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2013
345
2
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-04-2013
AOR Received.
03-05-2013
File Transfer...
15-05-2013
Passport Req..
30-10-2013 ... In Process 12-03-2014...Decision Made 14-03-2014 as per ECAS
VISA ISSUED...
14-03-2014
LANDED..........
02-04=2014
Decision Made today!! :) :) :) :) :)

Waiting for COPR and I know what's for dessert at Easter!!!
 

JGM613

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2013
345
2
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-04-2013
AOR Received.
03-05-2013
File Transfer...
15-05-2013
Passport Req..
30-10-2013 ... In Process 12-03-2014...Decision Made 14-03-2014 as per ECAS
VISA ISSUED...
14-03-2014
LANDED..........
02-04=2014
GabbieLovesAya said:
I live in Chris Alexander's riding. I spoke to him in person last fall. My application was received in June 2013. I told him, that the processing time in Manila used to be 8 months, but with the strike last year it changed to 14 months. He said "just watch me" as there are many changes coming, he will eliminate backlog, etc. I pointed it out to him, that at the end, the Conservative Government's actions prolonged the strike, as they would not accept the union's offer to go to arbitration. BTW the union also offered to immediately return to work, should the Government accept the arbitration offer. But no, Tony Clement was really pigheaded about having it his way and refused the offer. At the end, the Government was ruled wrong by a tribunal and then they quickly settled with the union. So my question is, why can't the Government take all the money they saved while the union was on strike and spend it on eliminating the delay, get it back down to 8 months or even better, 6 months. IMHO, it is inhumane to keep newlyweds apart and put them through all kinds of hoops, mind games and information blackout. I personally think, that cases where children and/or spouses are involved, should be resolved within a very reasonable time, not 14 months, not 8 months, not even 6 months, but rather like 3. I feel sorry for the guy who's been waiting for 18.5 months and then given a misleading promise by his MP, which made him book tickets that he now has to re-book? One is scared to take further action or go to the media as they may just bury your file into the bottom of the pile. But sure as hell, what our Govt. is doing to us cannot be called service. It is rather a disgrace to be treated like this by our own Govt.
They're all the same no matter what political stripe they wear..
It's a pathetic introduction to life in Canada for our new arrivals!
I know I'm not finished with this process by any means but I know for starters the Conservatives will NEVER receive any vote from me for the rest of my life!!
 

GoonerClank

Hero Member
Apr 14, 2013
787
18
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
15-03-2013
File Transfer...
11-04-2013
Med's Done....
24-01-2013 (Expires 24-02-2014)
Interview........
N/A
Passport Req..
04-09-2013<br />DM: 23-01-2014<br />COPR expires: 20-02-2014
VISA ISSUED...
Visa Issued: 24-01-2014
LANDED..........
15-02-2014
JGM613 said:
Gooner...do you recall how many days your ECAS was IN PROCESS before you got your DM? Or did it ever show up?
Wasn't to long... a week or so
 

GoonerClank

Hero Member
Apr 14, 2013
787
18
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
15-03-2013
File Transfer...
11-04-2013
Med's Done....
24-01-2013 (Expires 24-02-2014)
Interview........
N/A
Passport Req..
04-09-2013<br />DM: 23-01-2014<br />COPR expires: 20-02-2014
VISA ISSUED...
Visa Issued: 24-01-2014
LANDED..........
15-02-2014
mr.peace said:
Thanks JGM613.. The requested date of our GCMS notes is Feb 18, 2014.

I had my medicals on March 2013, just a few days after I submitted my application, so the validity of my medical results as reflected in the gcms notes is April 25. My first NBI had expired even before they sent a passport request so I already got a new one on Oct 2013 and sent together with the Appendix A. My wife already contacted her MP and was able to talk to the secretary who called CIC on January 30 as shown in the notes. Here's the latest info in the PAPER FILE HISTORY in the notes:

PAPER TRANSFER FILE HISTORY:
Created: Jan 16, 2014
Location: FC-PA's Area

What does that mean?

I'm just thankful that there are no negative comments in the notes. It mentioned that "ID and marital relationship established," and it was re-echoed in another note, "ID and marital relationship already established in previous notes," which I guess is positive. But what is ID?

Actually, the MP's secretary told my wife to go back on the anniversary of my application which is on the 2nd of April should I still did not get the visa. But I guess I will just ask her to go back next week and not to wait until the 2nd.

Jokingly but seriously ( ;D), I have suggested in another thread that somebody should ask a TV station in the Philippines to do an investigative report on CEM's sponsorship process. In that way perhaps, CEM will be keeping on their toes after. :)

Mr. Peace.. I would not wait for the 1 year anniversary. The MP secretary is feeding you crap. Start knocking heads! Tell them your medical is expiring soon and you are furious that you should have to get another one, when others after you that have applied have the VISAs.. Even request a face to face meeting.

Talk to you MP or other MPs... Like JGM613 did, even use the other parties if need be. Remember the MP is there to serve you. E
 

GoonerClank

Hero Member
Apr 14, 2013
787
18
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
15-03-2013
File Transfer...
11-04-2013
Med's Done....
24-01-2013 (Expires 24-02-2014)
Interview........
N/A
Passport Req..
04-09-2013<br />DM: 23-01-2014<br />COPR expires: 20-02-2014
VISA ISSUED...
Visa Issued: 24-01-2014
LANDED..........
15-02-2014
JGM613 said:
Decision Made today!! :) :) :) :) :)

Waiting for COPR and I know what's for dessert at Easter!!!
CONGRATS!!!!!

Only a matter of days before you get it in hand. Make sure you check it for any spelling errors etc. And check the expiry date on it. She has to land before that date.

Also don't forget the CFO seminar and sticker for your wife.
 

GoonerClank

Hero Member
Apr 14, 2013
787
18
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
15-03-2013
File Transfer...
11-04-2013
Med's Done....
24-01-2013 (Expires 24-02-2014)
Interview........
N/A
Passport Req..
04-09-2013<br />DM: 23-01-2014<br />COPR expires: 20-02-2014
VISA ISSUED...
Visa Issued: 24-01-2014
LANDED..........
15-02-2014
GabbieLovesAya said:
I live in Chris Alexander's riding. I spoke to him in person last fall. My application was received in June 2013. I told him, that the processing time in Manila used to be 8 months, but with the strike last year it changed to 14 months. He said "just watch me" as there are many changes coming, he will eliminate backlog, etc. I pointed it out to him, that at the end, the Conservative Government's actions prolonged the strike, as they would not accept the union's offer to go to arbitration. BTW the union also offered to immediately return to work, should the Government accept the arbitration offer. But no, Tony Clement was really pigheaded about having it his way and refused the offer. At the end, the Government was ruled wrong by a tribunal and then they quickly settled with the union. So my question is, why can't the Government take all the money they saved while the union was on strike and spend it on eliminating the delay, get it back down to 8 months or even better, 6 months. IMHO, it is inhumane to keep newlyweds apart and put them through all kinds of hoops, mind games and information blackout. I personally think, that cases where children and/or spouses are involved, should be resolved within a very reasonable time, not 14 months, not 8 months, not even 6 months, but rather like 3. I feel sorry for the guy who's been waiting for 18.5 months and then given a misleading promise by his MP, which made him book tickets that he now has to re-book? One is scared to take further action or go to the media as they may just bury your file into the bottom of the pile. But sure as hell, what our Govt. is doing to us cannot be called service. It is rather a disgrace to be treated like this by our own Govt.
Actually the strike did not cause the jump from 8 months to 14 months... it was steadily increasing before that. Mr Alexander is full of crap. Just giving the usually lip service.. blah blah blah.. he have been hearing all about family unification was a priority, etc... but still people are waiting eons.
 

Step

Hero Member
Jan 4, 2014
435
4
124
Alberta
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
August 21,2013
AOR Received.
August 26,2013
File Transfer...
September 13,2013
Med's Done....
Upfront. July 13,2013
Interview........
Waived
Passport Req..
May 29,2014
VISA ISSUED...
June 4,2014.
LANDED..........
June 24, 2014. 6:00 pm
JGM613 said:
Decision Made today!! :) :) :) :) :)

Waiting for COPR and I know what's for dessert at Easter!!!
Finally, Great News.
Congrats
 

JGM613

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2013
345
2
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-04-2013
AOR Received.
03-05-2013
File Transfer...
15-05-2013
Passport Req..
30-10-2013 ... In Process 12-03-2014...Decision Made 14-03-2014 as per ECAS
VISA ISSUED...
14-03-2014
LANDED..........
02-04=2014
GoonerClank said:
CONGRATS!!!!!

Only a matter of days before you get it in hand. Make sure you check it for any spelling errors etc. And check the expiry date on it. She has to land before that date.

Also don't forget the CFO seminar and sticker for your wife.
Right..thanks..she just needs the sticker..she did the seminar last Spring..she can get it at Terminal One on her way out..it's on the list of things to do!

Thanks well review the COPR and check with Cathay ..they have a fare for first time immigrants..

It's all pretty fresh..but we'll get organized..we're both seasoned travelers ..

Pheww.. it's a lot to process after seeing only "Application Received" since last May..when I saw that it was in process Friday I thought it might be a fast ending!!
 

auditt

Star Member
May 9, 2013
77
2
Well I got a DM last night and a request for 4 passport pics of my wife. I had her courier them last night so they will be waiting on the desk of our officer! Finally!!

Hope I get them soon!!
 

JGM613

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2013
345
2
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-04-2013
AOR Received.
03-05-2013
File Transfer...
15-05-2013
Passport Req..
30-10-2013 ... In Process 12-03-2014...Decision Made 14-03-2014 as per ECAS
VISA ISSUED...
14-03-2014
LANDED..........
02-04=2014
Step said:
Finally, Great News.
Congrats
Thanks Step!! It is great news..And kind of shocked at how itall came together..
I'm still using a phone..I'll share soon the story of the MPs..
 

JGM613

Hero Member
Apr 13, 2013
345
2
Category........
Visa Office......
Manila
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
19-04-2013
AOR Received.
03-05-2013
File Transfer...
15-05-2013
Passport Req..
30-10-2013 ... In Process 12-03-2014...Decision Made 14-03-2014 as per ECAS
VISA ISSUED...
14-03-2014
LANDED..........
02-04=2014
auditt said:
Well I got a DM last night and a request for 4 passport pics of my wife. I had her courier them last night so they will be waiting on the desk of our officer! Finally!!

Hope I get them soon!!
Woo hooo!!! That's great news!! Congrats!!