US outland applicants' thread :)

[rhcohen2014]

The FBI background check really didn't take as much time as they predict. It was about 5 weeks. My FBI check actually expired before I got around to sending in my application. I sent in the application with my expired background check with a letter stating I was currently obtaining a current check. You can send in the application without it, just write a letter stating you are currently in the process of obtaining one and will send it in asap.

did you order your FBI record prior to the new system install in September? right now, people are reporting a large backlog with reports becasue of the new system...

 

[NJ2Canada2013]

did you order your FBI record prior to the new system install in September? right now, there is a large backlog, and it's taking a lot longer than before...

I did my FBI background check back in June or July, so yes it was before the new system. I didn't know they put in a new system. That stinks because it was so easy before!!

 

[rhcohen2014]

I did my FBI background check back in June or July, so yes it was before the new system. I didn't know they put in a new system. That stinks because it was so easy before!!

yes, it was 30 days before the upgrade, made it very easy. in september they installed a new system. the website has a warning in red text about it. they estimate 12 weeks, though most people are experiencing longer.

 

[NJ2Canada2013]

Wow! My recommendation would then to be to send in the application without the FBI check since they have to look at the sponsor first anyway and then it gets transferred. Once they get the FBI check and you know where your application has been sent, you need to send your FBI check in!

 

[VAtoBC]

Finally got an email acknowledging receipt of our application today, after 71 days. When I go to Check application status, enter UCI or Application number, and either my details or my spouse's, I'm still getting "no record." The form shows DOB should be entered Year/Month/Day, but boxes provided show Month/Day/Year format. SOOOO frustrated. Any advice?

 

[rhcohen2014]

Finally got an email acknowledging receipt of our application today, after 71 days. When I go to Check application status, enter UCI or Application number, and either my details or my spouse's, I'm still getting "no record." The form shows DOB should be entered Year/Month/Day, but boxes provided show Month/Day/Year format. SOOOO frustrated. Any advice?

you won't be able to sign into ecas until AFTER sponsor approval. if a uci was listed in the AOR, it is for the sponsor, not the applicant. the applicant won't receive their UCI until the visa office contacts them about more info, a passport request, fee payment or possibly not until the get their COPR.

 

[mrpotatohead]

Given the horrendous wait times for FBI clearance to come through, is it possible/advisable to send in an application for sponsorship without the certificate, but with a letter noting that we are waiting on the FBI check and will forward it immediately upon receipt? If so, would we need to wait for SA and then send the certificate to Ottawa along with all of our relevant identifying information?

 

[blueangel371115]

you won't be able to sign into ecas until AFTER sponsor approval. if a uci was listed in the AOR, it is for the sponsor, not the applicant. the applicant won't receive their UCI until the visa office contacts them about more info, a passport request, fee payment or possibly not until the get their COPR.

Unless they have a VR, you are issued a UCI which you can use to access the info online and I know this because I've done it myself.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Unless they have a VR, you are issued a UCI which you can use to access the info online and I know this because I've done it myself.

right, those with previous dealings with CIC who have UCI can access ecas before sponsorship approval. for a majority, it doesn't prove useful to know what's going on with the file. ecas generally doesn't tell info until after it happens.

 

[blueangel371115]

True very true but at least they can 'find' themselves that way. I called the call center when I couldn't and I'm glad I did.

 

[xg0812]

yes, the export process is the first step. the export and import are 2 different things. regardless of if she finds someone to do it for her, she will need to get a tax id #. they most likely won't be able to put the information in her name without one. it is because the export agency (forget what it's called) doesn't use SS# anymore. the broker most likely won't be able to use their own, because the exporter (your wife) needs to be the one listed and present at each step of the process, and it is what the agency uses to identify her(instead of ss#). it is very easy to get a tax id #, she can do it easily online or by calling the IRS. I HAD to get one in order to initiate the export. when exporting at the us side, they are also just going to verify the car you say you are exporting you are exporting. she needs to have the original title and the ITN# that is created in the AES export system. they will not care about your plates. exporting doesn't change the registration of the car and has nothing to do with plates.

so here's what happened...
my wife used her SSN to get an EIN (employment insurance number), done online and received it immediately
then filled out a form by the broker with EIN and other vehicle info, and of course, payment info
then broker emailed me back the ITN#
emailed buffalo office the ITN#, date, and vehicle info
waiting for Wed to land now

 

[rhcohen2014]

so here's what happened...
my wife used her SSN to get an EIN (employment insurance number), done online and received it immediately
then filled out a form by the broker with EIN and other vehicle info, and of course, payment info
then broker emailed me back the ITN#
emailed buffalo office the ITN#, date, and vehicle info
waiting for Wed to land now

awesome! thanks for confirming an EIN IS required, even with a broker, which is super easy to get. after you import it, i recommend sending the form 1 to RIV yourself (they even excepted phone pics via email). I learned, just because CBSA sends it, it doesn't mean it ends up in the system. the RIV is very quick to get things done. i just finished my import and am on to insurance and registration. good luck!

 

[JayPinNC]

Question about change of address from USA to Canada.

Preamble: Why does it feel like nothing about moving across the border is 'clear cut'? Anyway...

Sent our packet to Mississauga (I'm sponsoring my U.S. wife) in early December. She's with my parents "visiting" Canada right now with our son (has Canadian passport) - whom I registered for school up there (he started Jan6). All of the paperwork we sent in has our U.S. address but I'm quickly realizing that we won't have this address much longer as we're selling the house, and I'm moving to Canada while my wife is still "visiting" there for her .

Is there an issue with changing my address from a U.S. one to a Canadian one? It's just a correspondence address as far as I can see, and I don't see why CIC would see it differently than that.

Is that change something I sent to CPC Ottawa? The USPS will forward my mail to Canada for a period of time so I have some leeway, but I want to be sure I'm doing it right, and in my best interest. Chime in if you have input, please...

(Side note: I don't have an application number or any confirmation from CIC about anything, and my wife does not have a TRV.)

 

[jamsham12]

is the timeframe for us outland applicants still around 6 months even though AOR/SA will take 81 days?!

 

[saria1]

is the timeframe for us outland applicants still around 6 months even though AOR/SA will take 81 days?!

I doubt it will be. I'm sure with an increase of a month and a half, there will be an increase on the overall time. I'm wondering if the slow up in Mississauga is also going to flow over to the VO's office, if it's due to an increase in applications. Only time is really going to tell. I'm crossing my fingers that ours will be done by the end of June or mid July.