Hi,

We've been waiting since November 2007 under the old points system and I know others who have been waiting longer. Since then we've seen a new system created and people post their success stores.

When we applied, I still have the letter stating "It's a first come, first served basis", it was also and still is, on their london website and yet with the creation of a new system it feels like for every 10 applications they accept, I'm 10 more back in the old system.

With no transparency on numbers from each system, its hard to feel we've not been let down an unfair processing scheme.

I don't know what the waiting times for Canadian to UK are but I'd wager they can't be half as bad and if so, I'm sure people traveling the otherway would be just as upset if the UK had a similar scheme.

It's not the wait that bothers me alone, just the fact that we've put our lives on hold and are just simply waiting for a result which still could end up as no, sorry you're not comming in. If they said that up front, or within a year I'd be less bothered.

dc

I understand how you feel, but on the plus side, it's unlikely you'd even be accepted under the new system. So at least you got in before it all changed, unlike lots of poor people who are no longer eligible to apply! Even if it does take longer than those who've applied under the new system, that's something at least.

I do understand your frustration though, and am intrigued by the letter you have as I've not heard of that before. I thought that applications under the new system were always going to be quicker and CIC were quite open about that.

christmasoompa,

Thanks for your kind words and the sympathy. I know the CIC have a new fast track system but what they don't say is what affect it has on the old system. I can't see how it couldn't affect people on the old system and you are right, we probably wouldn't get in under the new system but we could possibly through the specific state nominee programs as my job for example is presently on BC's requirement list.

dc

It's actually knocking time off the old system. Most people are seeing their wait time reduced by around a year as the backlog is so much less now. So you should actually get there quicker because less are applying via the new system.

And yes, you may well get in via PNP, but you'd still need a job offer first which is v tricky in the current economic climate so at least with your current application you didn't have that hassle. Just trying to look on the bright side for you!

Hi There

Know exactly how you're feeling, we applied March 2007 and for a while tried to put it out of my mind but it is so hard and it gets harder. We submitted updated documents in June and must say now can not stop thinking about it at all,its crazy, still waiting for medical requests....! It is frustrating that people seemingly jumped the queue but it had to be done the system had to change.
So you are not alone in your frustration, but, hey ho a trial in patience i think!

Justie

Suck it up man. We applied almost a year before you, and have only recently been asked for the full application.

I know that pedantry is the last thing you need right now, but in Canada they are provinces (or possibly territories), not states.

I know its hard but hang in there! we initally applied August 2006 and got our visas at the end of June....

Who cares if a province is referred to as a state?

Times have actually spead up because they hired alot of people to help clear the old system. When you applied you will have been quoted around 45 months for processing but if you check Trackitt applications are now being completed in around 30 months under the old system.

If you really want to aggravate a canadian, call them "providences"...

Canadians.

I've said this one before, but it was funny enough to repeat :-

If you want to annoy a Canadian, then ask what my father in law asked my landlord - "Canada, that's a bit like America, innit?" and "Would you like to be an American?" Comedy gold

Not wanting to hijack the "Canadians" or "Canadian" or even "Territories" but ...

Thanks, I've read that it can be 30months now. But if they processed them in order like they claim to, then having new people adding to the end of the old system, shouldn't have increased time processing for our application?

I'd bet Canada has a quota and so anyone from the new system would have an affect on those people waiting in the old system.

Still I do feel sorry for those who can't now apply like we did back then.

dc

That's life, there is nothing you can do about it.

Don't put your life on hold - you may never qualify anyway. All the decisions we have taken over the last two years we have been waiting have been made with the view to staying here, but with the option of emigration.