Also, let me join in on the conversation! I created my profile a few years back (when I first started my process) I'll let you know how it's going so far. I applied outland and everything has been a nightmare! I'll try to summarize my case to the best of my ability.
*Application sent ---> September 2009
*Application received and started processing in Mexico City ---> November 2009
(I moved to Mexico City in October so I could be next door to the embassy, which brought more problems since they never bothered to update my mailing address despite the numerous letters and emails, they kept sending everything to Tijuana)
*Interview at embassy ---- > March 2010
(The lady was very rude and condescending, to the point where I believe she already was planning to deny me, I requested my interview to be in English and it was in Spanish despite my request)
Letter received (In TIJUANA!! after several months) ----> June 2010 DENIED, No instructions for appeal included.
Requested instructions for appeal through emails and letters. Nothing, no reply.
Sent a very straightforward email telling them I never received the appeal instructions (made it clear I was pissed) ---> Got Appeal Instructions.
Sent appeal Application ----> September 2010
Appeal Hearing ------> January 9, 2012 (APPROVED)
I was visiting my family in Tijuana, They called me and the judge and minister talked to me, they were very nice, the judge was even cracking up jokes, two minutes after I hung up my wife called me to tell me that I had been approved and that I could go back
Now this is where I am so far..... They sent her a letter with the decision and the reasons for allowing the appeal. The date on this letter is February 8th 2012. She got the letter on February 17th (her birthday ironically). I went to the embassy and wrote a letter with the excuse of my new address and told them there that the appeal had been allowed, and if they could advise me what were the next steps.
Now here's my dilemma.... When should I contact them again? I was thinking of sending them an email with a scanned copy of the decision and also going directly to the embassy and give them a copy, I was thinking to wait until the beginning of April, I know I'll have to get that Federal police certificate or whatever it is, and also that I'll need to renew my medical exams.... and possibly an ARC, that's what I hate the most.
Background info on me:
I moved as a minor with my family (dad, stepbrother, stepmom) to Canada and my dad applied for Refugee status, it was denied as well as Humanitarian and compassionate grounds, we didn't apply for the PRRA, we left voluntarily after this and we paid for out own tickets to get back home. Now according to this I would need an ARC, but I've read some conflicting laws saying that only the main applicant (my dad) needs one. Not even the embassy knows, they told me on an email (I still have it) that I didn't need one, but that an error in the system was saying I needed one, they advised me not to travel to Canada while they fixed it, when I asked again about the status, they told me that I did, in fact need one, but that they wouldn't charge me for it. When I had my interview at the embassy the lady told me that they would let me know if I needed one when they send me the decision by mail, they didn't include that. so I'm confused as to whether I need one or not.
I really hope I don't, considering all the terrible stories of people getting the ARC denied, and having to appeal AGAIN for them to give it to you, this is just so confusing, I've been at this for 2 and a half years.
If I can help anyone in anyway, let me know, and if anyone has any input on my case, I will appreciate it.
Edgar
Just be patient (I should be following my own advice ha!) and wait it out. Don't let your hubby travel to Canada if you need an ARC, I tried and got (kindly) sent back the next day. They weren't sure if I needed one of not, but just to be sure they didn't let me in.
