When does processing time actually start?

[Rachfree]

I am a US citizen with two children being sponsored by my Candian spouse. His portion was approved in March 19,2013. We received a letter saying my application would be sent to a visa office abroad for processing. I did find out it was sent to Ottawa.
When I check my status online it reads: application and medical results received Feb, 19,2013 ( when we sent in the application package) it hasn't changed since. My question is: when an application is received is it now part of the processing time? Or do I wait to estimate time once the status changes to 'in process'? Can it sit for months and months before they even start the processing? Would sending in my right to residence fee speed things up? Could they be processing the application but not updated?
Waiting sucks!
Anyone with experience in this?

 

[amikety]

First off, you should've paid the RPRF upfront. Not doing so delays your application. You can send it in now, but there's a good chance they will still stop your application and request proof of payment for the fee whether or not you pay it now and send it in. You may get lucky, so you can try.

Second, I've already gotten PPR and still haven't gone "In Process." Ecas isn't a very useful tool other than to confirm receipt. Your application may never go "In Process." It might go straight to "Decision Made."

 

[Line.a]

So the best way to check it is just keep checking the mailbox? How bad is this strike affecting our inland apps I'm 5 months in and I'm super curious to find out when I'm roughly able to work!

 

[Zouk Princesse]

I am a US citizen with two children being sponsored by my Candian spouse. His portion was approved in March 19,2013. We received a letter saying my application would be sent to a visa office abroad for processing. I did find out it was sent to Ottawa.
When I check my status online it reads: application and medical results received Feb, 19,2013 ( when we sent in the application package) it hasn't changed since. My question is: when an application is received is it now part of the processing time? Or do I wait to estimate time once the status changes to 'in process'? Can it sit for months and months before they even start the processing? Would sending in my right to residence fee speed things up? Could they be processing the application but not updated?
Waiting sucks!
Anyone with experience in this?

For the purposes of estimating processing times, it begins when the VO receives your application. Ecas updates depend completely on your VO and while some are great, others are notoriously behind. Some VO's won't change your status to "in process" until they're pretty much ready to finalize your file. Others will do it soon after your file has been received. Your best bet is to join the thread for your VO and see what others have experienced there. Good luck!

 

[Rachfree]

Thank you, that helps. I've just paid the few and scanned and emailed to Ottawa as well as mailed the original receipt. Hope it helps.

 

[amikety]

Hopefully! Good luck!