what can I do when the estimated proessing time has passed

[laomiao]

I just received my second GCMS notes and it still shows nothing started. so despairing.
My case was received by Beijing visa office on Aug 30/2012, and the estimated processing time in that office is 8 months, so by the end of this month my case will be over 8 months.
what else can I do now?
CIC website explains 80% of cases will be finished in estimated time, so what normally happens to the unfortunate 20%? background check? how can I find out what's going on?
I really couldn't figure out why my case is so difficult for them. The only problem is that I spent two years out of country before I came back and apply for sponsorship, but I've met the PR obligations. And I've provided all proofs of my current job, residency, tax return. I thought this thing should have been cleared when they approved my sponsorship.
My son was just starting to toddle when I left my family, and now he runs like a big boy and we're still separated. It's so tough to be watiing for any update from CIC yet nothing everyday...

 

[sakamath]

After the regular processing time is over, wait for another month and then make a "case-specific" inquiry using the link below:
https://dmp-portal.cic.gc.ca/cicemail/intro-eng.aspx?mission=beijing

You may not get a reply, but its worth a try.

 

[MadeInCanada]

Don't forget to take into account that the stage 2 processing time doesn't start until after the SA. So perhaps your 8 months isn't as close as you think. Just a thought as well, should you reach a date past the posted processing time, contact your local MP.


Take Care
MadeInCanada

 

[laomiao]

After the regular processing time is over, wait for another month and then make a "case-specific" inquiry using the link below:
https://dmp-portal.cic.gc.ca/cicemail/intro-eng.aspx?mission=beijing

You may not get a reply, but its worth a try.

many thanks, I didn't know this option before.

 

[laomiao]

Don't forget to take into account that the stage 2 processing time doesn't start until after the SA. So perhaps your 8 months isn't as close as you think. Just a thought as well, should you reach a date past the posted processing time, contact your local MP.


Take Care
MadeInCanada

Thanks for your suggestion. but what does "SA" mean?
acutally I've already written to the MP (Montreal) and his secretary was kind enough to respond and will try to get some update from Beijing. that's last week and I'm still waiting for further response.

 

[gsize]

i think 'SA" = sponsorship approval

 

[laomiao]

i think 'SA" = sponsorship approval

thanks. actually I'm counting the time from the date that Beijing visa office received my case (which is on their letter of Acknowledgement), and that's after the Sponsorship Approval.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

thanks. actually I'm counting the time from the date that Beijing visa office received my case (which is on their letter of Acknowledgement), and that's after the Sponsorship Approval.

Even though you are still within Beijing's processing time, you can send a Case Specific Enquiry now asking for an update on the status of your application. A polite msg like "Hello. My application has been in Beijing for almost 8 months now and my GCMS notes are showing no movement. Could you please tell me the current status of my application? Is there anything in particular holding it up? Thanks". I don't know about Beijing but I sent several CSEs to the London office before the processing time was finished and always received a response. The response might be a generic "Your app is waiting to be processed" but it could give them the push to start looking at it.

If it comes to the end of April and the 8 months is up, call your MP and get them to keep pushing CIC.

 

[laomiao]

canuk, thanks for the suggestion. I'll try to do that. I sent Faxes before and those didn't push them a bit, and they asked me to "keep enquires at minimum". I guess all the enquiries are handled by some secretary and won't go through to the VOs.