To the experts: Security screening question

[gongdi]

I just got my GCMS(ATIP) notes this morning. I was approved to sponsor my Chinese wife in Febuary and the office in Beijing received the wife's application in March. Later, they requested her passport ALONG with a detailed resume that follows her work history since 1993.

According to the ATIP notes, our relationship appears genuine and and it has been suggested twice that an interview be waived! She has passed her medical and criminality checks on July 16th. Only thing that seems left is a required SECURITY CHECK/SCREENING. I'm not sure what this means exactly, as her criminality check has been passed through already. ???

Everything seems to be going well with our case but it appears this doggone security check is what is slowing us down! Is this the reason why her resume was requested? Nobody else on this forum seems to have received such a request from VO. :'( Does anyone know how long these security checks go on for? My wife reads other security screening nightmare stories on Chinese Canadian sponsorship threads and says this could go on for many months. To the experts: Around how long do these things go on for ???

Should I basically give up hope on my family meeting their new daughter-in-law and granddaughter before the new year?

 

[gongdi]

BUMP! I'm desperate for an answer to this. If this is going to seriously take another 6-12 months, I need to plan accordingly. Does anyone know how long the average randomly selected "security check" takes?

 

[keesio]

Sorry, I'm not an expert but from what I've read, CIC will do their own security checks (on top of the police clearance letters submitted). And the how long it takes depends on how many countries the applicant has lived in and how long it takes for the country to respond and act to CIC's request. Some countries are pretty slow to respond. I've heard some people from Russia or Ukraine slowed down because of the check. Not sure about China.

 

[MilesAway]

If they requested her work history, they may suspect that she's had a government job, or some other position that could put national secrets in jeopardy (or something like that).

In cases like this, I think they contact CSIS and try to determine if the person poses a threat, however absurd that may sound. I read about a lot of folks in the Balkans being called in for security interviews due to the mandatory military service and the conflicts in that area. Another man going through Moscow had his case delayed for quite a while because he had worked with the military (or government, can't remember) for 6 months when he was 18. Sigh, CIC.

 

[gongdi]

If they requested her work history, they may suspect that she's had a government job, or some other position that could put national secrets in jeopardy (or something like that).

In cases like this, I think they contact CSIS and try to determine if the person poses a threat, however absurd that may sound. I read about a lot of folks in the Balkans being called in for security interviews due to the mandatory military service and the conflicts in that area. Another man going through Moscow had his case delayed for quite a while because he had worked with the military (or government, can't remember) for 6 months when he was 18. Sigh, CIC.

Thanks for the response. Yes, I think that is what is going on. This is absolutely ridiculous and likely will set us back at least 6 months, especially as our relationship has been deemed 'genuine'. Isn't it strange how so many corrupt communist Chinese govt officers waltz into Canada if they put up an 'investment' while people like my wife are accused of spying?
Do you think a lawyer can help in a situation like this?

 

[MilesAway]

You won't get any argument from me about this being ridiculous. We can't even apply until February, although we've lived together since July of last year. (Long story)
I'm pretty sure there are some folks who will land as PRs in other classes, race home, find a wife, meet her for a week, get married, and they'll get PR before I even have a chance to apply. Our office takes 18 months! Sigh. Couples who have never lived together and have only visited each other once will be approved faster than us, and I'm stuck living in a country where I face deportation if I'm reported, and where my fiancee was nearly killed last year.

 

[gongdi]

Couples who have never lived together and have only visited each other once will be approved faster than us, and I'm stuck living in a country where I face deportation if I'm reported, and where my fiancee was nearly killed last year.

Wow, doesn't sound like a great place for families. Although I'm REALLY looking forward to leaving after 4 years, at least I can say Beijing is generally very safe.

I've tried contacting my MP for advice. He has been no help at all.
My wife is getting a great first impression of Canada as they are already accusing her of spying!
My father may be long dead and never get to see his granddaughter before CIC is done fondling our application.
GO CIC!!
All I can say is that thankfully, beer is cheaper than water here in China.