twinmum

We are about to start our application process as skilled workers and just wondered what the average length of time is between starting things moving and actually moving. The CIC website says it takes 3 years!! Surely they are just giving worst case scenario?

Also, did you fill our forms and manage the process yourself or go through a lawyer. What would be a reasonable fee for them to ask and where do you find a good one? So many questions...

Almost Canadian

We applied in June 2004 and were given an 18 month "waiting time". This will expire shortly and we think we are still some 2-3 months off receiving medical requests. If medicals go OK we would expect to be in country shortly after the 2nd anniversary of our application.

3 years is definately not worst case scenario and things will only get worse unless system is changed !!

You will need to look at past postings to obtain a reply about using a lawyer etc. Lots of views on to use/not to use.

Good luck !!

snoopster

We've recently got a processing time of 36months having submitted our application in early November. The rumours ARE true, CHC seem to be pretty accurate with their timings. It's 3 years for skilled workers visas so get your application in quick.....the queue is lengthening all the time. In the time it took us to put our application together (about 6 months) the waiting time went up by over a year! :scared:

We did our application ourselves rather than use a consultant. It's not that hard to do if your application is fairly straightforward. If it looks as though it might be more complicated then a lawyer might be your safer bet. We did it ourselves to save money....lots of people do. I know lots of happy new immigrants to Canada who successfully did it alone.

If you want to get in quicker, try securing a job offer, then your processing time will speed up considerably. Because of our professions, unfortunately we can't do this, so we are forced to take the longer alternative.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Tiaribbon

We applied in June 2003 and received our PR Visa in May 2005, however I know that the time offered these days is about 36 months.

We filed our application ourselves - it was a Business one and was a bit complex, but appeared to be fine as we did end up with PRV.

Good luck.

Souvenir

three months

Bleech

We applied Jan 04, AOR March 04, Med requests August 05, PPR December 05, should get our visas (maybe) End of Dec 05.
Unfortunatly CHC were near enough spot on with their estimates, but the PPR seemed to take for ages even though I know some peops of the same AOR as me are still waiting for PPR

Rich_007

Hi,

See timeline below, & we DIY'd our application.

Rich.

R2D2

We used a consultant and for what they actually did, with hindsight, they were not worth it. It was nothing that we couldn't have done ourselves. Our circumstances at the time made us make the decision to go with a consultant. It was at the time when the pass mark was 75 and we only had 73 points, plus hectic lives, tiny wee kiddies, blah, blah, blah.!
When they lowered the points, our application was all complete so instantly submitted, with a waiting time of 18 months, which it was. True that they are quoting 36 months now, so base your timeline on that, it'll be fairly accurate I would have thought, on a fully completed application. Anything you miss out sending will slow you down, so look over it thouroughly before submitting and if you are not sure wether they need something, I would enclose it anyway. Dot all the I's and cross all the T's

Good luck

Helen Parnell

Also, did you fill our forms and manage the process yourself or go through a lawyer. What would be a reasonable fee for them to ask and where do you find a good one? So many questions...[/QUOTE]

We were refused by immigration lawyers because we did not have enough points!!! So we did it all by ourselves, but we were a simple case, first marrage, two kids, and were able to convince them that we were nice people. We went to an immigration trade show and spoke to the immigration people and within 10 weeks of mailing application, interview not requested, medicals requested, and moved here 1 year after inital idea to move. Our friends were even quicker and they were post 9/11 and all the changes!!

frankieforehead

We were refused by immigration lawyers because we did not have enough points!!! So we did it all by ourselves, but we were a simple case, first marrage, two kids, and were able to convince them that we were nice people. We went to an immigration trade show and spoke to the immigration people and within 10 weeks of mailing application, interview not requested, medicals requested, and moved here 1 year after inital idea to move. Our friends were even quicker and they were post 9/11 and all the changes!![/QUOTE]

An Awful lot changes in a couple of years...waiting times are criminal, and no matter if you are nice, have no problems, you just sit and wait, that is if you are Joe norm.

We also did all our paperwork ourselves, and our application was in the time frames that they quoted at CHC London...If I had to wait 36 months, I would because it is worth it....You hear all the horror stories of the wages are poor etc... and they are if you want to accept those types of jobs, but if you can secure a good job then everything will be hunkey dorey.

If you are prepared to wait and put your life on hold, start planning for your future now....come across, fact find, and definately buy a home, otherwise pay the premium in three years time.

Anyway grubs up...take care and good luck with your application.

Interested

7 months

Nickola

Its taken us just 6 months from start to finish. Im amazed too.

I would suggest that you get all the necessary documentation before you send it off. lay it out as neatly and presentable as possible and theres nothing wrong with adding a letter telling them what a nice family you are.
Spend a bit of time putting it together even if it means waiting for some certificates, it all helps . Get as many work related references and certificates as possible, try not to leave anything out.

We didnt use a lawyer and glad of it now they seem very expensive.

Good luck

pennyhp

Hi

Can I just clarify something? Have you actually got a PR visa or are you going on a work permit and waiting for full PR while you are in Canada.

I noticed you are going to Ottawa so it obviously isn't a PNP as Ontario doesn't have one at present.

Bye the way congrats, and Enjoy Canada.


Pennyhp

UKBungy

Hiya
We have just had our medicals, were told to wait 18 months before hearing from CHC and did actually wait just about 18 months. We're hoping for our visas around Easter time, which will be 2 years from posting our paperwork to CHC to hopefully flying over to start our new life.
We completed the paperwork ourselves as in all honesty, it may be time consuming but why pay an agent the cost of a small car when you can do it yourself? Plus, you'll need every penny you can lay your hands on once over there, and don't forget your UK sterling is worth twice that much in Canadian $. We investigated an agent when we first started and the quote was around £4k,................ridiculous!!
My advice without knowing you, if you're organised - you can complete the forms no problem! Download them from the CHC website & take a look for yourselves.
Hope we can help, Merry Christmas.
Steve & Pauline W.

celine_uk

18 MONTHS