+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

muffy1

Hero Member
Feb 21, 2012
371
9
Hi Everyone,

I had contacted our MP's office seeking assistance. We have had a hickup or two along the way (such as a documents I sent getting "lost" in the mail). In any event, this is the response I have received back. Now, some parts of this reply I was told are false, but would like to post to get your opinion because I do not know what to make of this?

........It is important I clarify something with you in terms of information you have received. XXXXXX office does not make enquiries on applications with processing time because we will get no faster, nor any more detailed a response than the applicant can get by contacting CIC directly. It does not help an individual to have the MP office make such an enquiry, and can in fact delay the processing by adding yet another layer to the file. It is also important to let you know that the Harper Conservatives have changed a number of procedures that greatly reduce an MP's ability to make enquiries. This is true of many government departments including immigration......"

Can an MP's inquiry really delay processing?
 
Hi muffy,

My MP's office was able to get an updated timeline from the Amman Embassy of 15-17 months. There is lots of conflicting information out there, even from MPs, lawyers and immigration consultants.

There are some who have waited a long time whether they have contacted their embassy a lot or not.

Best of luck.
 
First time hearing about this type of response. By the way you got this message from your mp or from the visa office responsible for your app.?am a little confused..I dont believe its gonna delay the process so many people asked help from their mp,and noone ever said having any response like tht.
 
Thanks for the responses!

Shiny- This is part of the direct response to me via email from the admin at the MP's office. Now, I contacted our Mayor who told me to contact "so and so" at the MP's office and this person would be able to help. So, I did and he is willing to help but stated the above. Particularly, the delay it causes to app processing. I, too, have never heard that it can cause a delay and was, in fact, told the opposite. So, given the above, I don't think I was to risk adding further delays to the process for information I would be able to obtain myself. However, per his information where he suggests that I am able to call CIC and get the same info he would be- I thought CIC was not able to give any information once the file has been transferred to a VO outside of Canada? So, I am confused.

Shiny88 said:
First time hearing about this type of response. By the way you got this message from your mp or from the visa office responsible for your app.?am a little confused..I dont believe its gonna delay the process so many people asked help from their mp,and noone ever said having any response like tht.
 
muffy1 said:
Thanks for the responses!

Shiny- This is part of the direct response to me via email from the admin at the MP's office. Now, I contacted our Mayor who told me to contact "so and so" at the MP's office and this person would be able to help. So, I did and he is willing to help but stated the above. Particularly, the delay it causes to app processing. I, too, have never heard that it can cause a delay and was, in fact, told the opposite. So, given the above, I don't think I was to risk adding further delays to the process for information I would be able to obtain myself. However, per his information where he suggests that I am able to call CIC and get the same info he would be- I thought CIC was not able to give any information once the file has been transferred to a VO outside of Canada? So, I am confused.

It shouldn't delay anything. Your MP must be confused as heck since all he's doing is ENQUIRING about it. Not trying to find out what's in it or anything. Sheesh. lol
 
Thanks for the reply, Parker. I thought the same thing as you. I have heard from what *to me* is a credible source ( a friend who worked on Parliament Hill and was involved w/ Immigration Sector) that MP inquiry will not delay anything, they can check on status at very least despite how long it has been in process.

First inquiry to MP's office I was told that they cannot do anything as app is within normal processing times, even if there have been problems. Then, I talked to Minister of Immigration at Provincial level, got good advice, etc, anyway ended up contacting specific admin at MP's office only to hear the above.

We had a "hickup" in the file and after not hearing anything since December, I just wanted to get a status check. That's it. I guess I'm just frustrated that you hear one thing from a government official/employee, and another thing from someone else. So, who's right and who's wrong, ya know? Uggghhhhhhh. Sorry to vent. Thanks for your help!

parker24 said:
It shouldn't delay anything. Your MP must be confused as heck since all he's doing is ENQUIRING about it. Not trying to find out what's in it or anything. Sheesh. lol
 
Hi muffy1,

The OP 1 states that
Paragraph 8(2)(g) of the Privacy Act permits a government institution to disclose personal information "to a Member of Parliament for the purpose of assisting the individual to whom the information relates in resolving a problem,"

and

The standard for reply to MP enquiries is one week (or five working days). Where a substantive reply within one week is not possible, the MP's office should be advised within one week of receipt of the enquiry that a reply will be provided shortly and by a specific date. Such delays should be exceptional and short. Ideally, MPs should receive a response within two (2) working days.

This was from the Aug 2011 version, so unless this has changed they should be able to assist you, keep trying and good luck!
 
Thanks tsjunx!! I really appreciate that! Given that information, I think I will push on and keep trying. I've heard other's MP's have been very helpful and I was optimistic that ours would be the same. Here's hoping......Thanks, again!
 
The response will vary from MP to MP. Note that the response is carefully worded "...XXXX office does not make enquiries..."
Some MP's who have high levels of immigrants in their ridings set limits because otherwise they will just be overwhelmed (not just with PR requests but they are also innudated with people wanting them to vouch for their brother, uncle, cousin, aunt etc. for visitor visas). Others just do not want to do it because they feel there time is better spent elsewhere.

Your MP's office sounds like they do not want to do anything (and are trying to pass blame for their inaction to the Government). I do not think anything the current government has instituted prevents an MP from making a status enquiry. I know, the case specific webform for the embassy in Seoul, allows the enquirer to identifiy themselves as an MP. I would assume other countries webforms are similar. I would keep after your MP.
 
Harju said:
The response will vary from MP to MP. Note that the response is carefully worded "...XXXX office does not make enquiries..."
Some MP's who have high levels of immigrants in their ridings set limits because otherwise they will just be overwhelmed (not just with PR requests but they are also innudated with people wanting them to vouch for their brother, uncle, cousin, aunt etc. for visitor visas). Others just do not want to do it because they feel there time is better spent elsewhere.

Your MP's office sounds like they do not want to do anything (and are trying to pass blame for their inaction to the Government). I do not think anything the current government has instituted prevents an MP from making a status enquiry. I know, the case specific webform for the embassy in Seoul, allows the enquirer to identifiy themselves as an MP. I would assume other countries webforms are similar. I would keep after your MP.

A while back I had contacted my MP to see if they could help us get started, they said they do not deal with anything besides citizenship. *snorts* yeah, wait till I ask for an enquiry. My MP is one of the annoying ones like you say. BUT the MPP is a lot better. HOWEVER they like to pass people back and forth. Ugh. It's annoying. I hope you get your MP to help Muffy!
 
Yes it can.
actually any form of push can delay the processing . its kinda punishment.
kinda inquiries apllicants send dont make any real sense and they are not bound to process files at the wills of the applicants. i have seen CIC always requests to keep the communication at the minimum level possible. different cases are: new born, new marriage/divorce after application is launched, chnge of address
 
i got this reply after i contacted my mp here

This refers to your enquiry mentioned below.

Please be advised that we have received everything on this application and expect to finalise it soon. The decision and the passport will be mailed to the applicant through registered post soon. Till then, she is requested to await our contact.

I trust that this information will be of assistance in responding to your constituent.


but even after three weeks passed its still inprocess :(
 
each person going to Canada as a PR is becoming a burden to Canada at this time of recession; they cant afford burdens anymore.
plain n simple.
 
jnathan said:
each person going to Canada as a PR is becoming a burden to Canada at this time of recession; they cant afford burdens anymore.
plain n simple.

Excuse me? How are they burdens?! They will work, especially ones being sponsored as a spouse or common law.........