For anyone whose AOR is from October 2019 or even before that, if there has been no GU on your app and it is stuck in "reviewing whether you meet the eligibility requirements", please read below:
Since 10-Feb-2020 since my app was stuck in this status, I have gone through so many forums on this website. What I have observed from all the discussions is that how CIC work is that most of the apps are approved within 4-4.5 months.
If your application is progressing even after 5 months, like they ask for ADR or some security check is progressing, then you should not worry too much, just wait.
However, those poor souls with no progress at all even after 5 months, no GU, then you are in bad luck. Your case has gone into a cold storage forever. The blame is on you! You probably missed something in your application or added something that triggered additional checks.
Therefore, a senior officer must review the case of yours. This can take more time anywhere between 3-8 months (or more in worst cases).
To get out of this deadlock there is a very simple solution. Apply for free GCMS notes only once at 5+ months period. Read those notes and find what point(s) triggered additional review. Then send additional docs/LOE for those points.
Hopefully, next time when your file is picked by senior officer he would see your new docs/LOE and approve your case. Your file will be picked after you send the new details in about 90-120 further days (if you are lucky, trust me I have read cases where it was picked after 200+ days even).
Then Even after 4-5 more months you see no progress, then call CIC check status and also ask location of your VO.
If you are desperate by then then: write a physical letter (better option)/email to that VO and plead them to process your file.
Read cases where this worked instantly.
NO MATTER WHAT PLEASE TRY TO AVOID MULTIPLE GCMS NOTES. Unless both requests are like 4-6 months apart. Don't show them you are an impatient donkey. Similarly don't call every 2 weeks.
After more than 12 months of AOR, local MP is an option.
These points are not my own but I have learnt after spending several hours a day, checking each old frustrated soul's postings on this website. What they tried and their last few postings..
Please feel free to correct me at any point that you feel I am wrong.
The following youtube video also explains the same pretty well. I am not the owner of this youtube video:
Review Required
Thanks,
Thomas
