CIC Citizenship timelines
May 13th 2011, 6:52 pm
#271
don't fail to research
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 291
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
re: Being of UK origin we do not need visa's to re-enter Canada because of the Visa Waiver program I take it the possibility of my PR card expiring before completing the Citizenship process should not be too critical.
If you have the visa in your passport you will not be allowed to fly into Canada without a PR card - I got stopped in London flying to Halifax and was asked for my cards, which thankfully I had taken with me as I didn't know this. You do not need your PR cards if travelling by land or sea but by air you do - I am sure I am right on this but as always welcome the guidance of others.
If you have the visa in your passport you will not be allowed to fly into Canada without a PR card - I got stopped in London flying to Halifax and was asked for my cards, which thankfully I had taken with me as I didn't know this. You do not need your PR cards if travelling by land or sea but by air you do - I am sure I am right on this but as always welcome the guidance of others.
May 13th 2011, 6:56 pm
#272
Grumpy Know-it-all
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 8,928
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
My app went to "in process" i.e. they've sent the file to the local CIC office here on May 2nd, and they received it in NS on May 2nd 2010, which sounds suspiciously coincidental. Looks like they're routinely waiting a year.
Legally if you're an LPR, you need the card to board the aircraft because of the transport regulations. If you show up at an airport in the UK they're supposed to ask you before you board what your status is in Canada, if you're an LPR you have to show the card. (In reality it doesn't always work out that way but those are the regs). If your LPR card expires and you're abroard, you have to apply for a re-entry visa from the High Commission. (Also PR card renewal isn't exactly quick either.) At least for air travel you do, if you drive up from the US with an expired card it doesn't matter, CBSA can check your status at the POE, although bus/train companies are supposed to check your status as well before letting you on the bus/train.
I remember reading on a forum somewhere someone saying they took the oath at a consulate in the US, not sure if you can still take the oath abroad.
You don't need a PR card to live in Canada. Once you're here you're a permanent resident. Mainly you need it if you travel or to access certain Govt. services.
Being of UK origin we do not need visa's to re-enter Canada because of the Visa Waiver program
I remember reading on a forum somewhere someone saying they took the oath at a consulate in the US, not sure if you can still take the oath abroad.
You don't need a PR card to live in Canada. Once you're here you're a permanent resident. Mainly you need it if you travel or to access certain Govt. services.
May 13th 2011, 7:15 pm
#273
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 57
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
My app went to "in process" i.e. they've sent the file to the local CIC office here on May 2nd, and they received it in NS on May 2nd 2010, which sounds suspiciously coincidental. Looks like they're routinely waiting a year.
I remember reading on a forum somewhere someone saying they took the oath at a consulate in the US, not sure if you can still take the oath abroad.
I remember reading on a forum somewhere someone saying they took the oath at a consulate in the US, not sure if you can still take the oath abroad.
Funny you should also mention about taking the oath abroad, someone also told me that their friend did the oath ceremony in Dubai but it is difficult to substantiate this? I might have to get in touch with CIC in London UK to ask them if they provide this service. Not sure whether they will reply back??
No1_mom
If you have the visa in your passport you will not be allowed to fly into Canada without a PR card - I got stopped in London flying to Halifax and was asked for my cards, which thankfully I had taken with me as I didn't know this. You do not need your PR cards if traveling by land or sea but by air you do - I am sure I am right on this but as always welcome the guidance of others.
Surely this should not pose a problem to re-enter Canada but hey! who knows?
May 13th 2011, 7:52 pm
#274
don't fail to research
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: London, Ontario
Posts: 291
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
It is that long since I got my visa I forget what was written in the original letter.
I thought though once you got the letter confirming you were being granted PR you had to send you passport down to London get the visa which you needed to land in Canada and do the immigration process with the office at the airport.
I know people can apply for the PR card whilst in Canada but I have no idea if they get the stamp in their passport, I asume the do - it was the first thing the guy checked when I booked in for my flight at London.
As I say it is 4 years since I arrived to i can't remember the process.
From the http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/about-pr.asp
The Permanent Resident Card
If you intend to travel, the Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.
This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).
If you leave the country, you will need this card to return to Canada. If you do not plan to leave the country, you do not need the card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I thought though once you got the letter confirming you were being granted PR you had to send you passport down to London get the visa which you needed to land in Canada and do the immigration process with the office at the airport.
I know people can apply for the PR card whilst in Canada but I have no idea if they get the stamp in their passport, I asume the do - it was the first thing the guy checked when I booked in for my flight at London.
As I say it is 4 years since I arrived to i can't remember the process.
From the http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/about-pr.asp
The Permanent Resident Card
If you intend to travel, the Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.
This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).
If you leave the country, you will need this card to return to Canada. If you do not plan to leave the country, you do not need the card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 13th 2011, 8:07 pm
#275
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
It is also unfair how provinces operate it in different ways. We did ours in London the other day (6th)- I thought it funny that we did it in pencil - hopefully they will correct the two questions I know that I stupidly answered wrongly - oh I could kick myself for it.
But they told us we won't hear anything for at least 4 weeks - my hubby had to take a letter in for me confirming my employment and on speaking to the guy they explained that the staff actually mark it but they then have to get a judge to double check it and that is what causes the delay. Why can't they do the same as some other provinces and get the judge on the same day as the exam - in this case there was only about 14 - 20 max, and then perform the oath ceremony in the afternoon. It is gut wrenching to now have to wait another 4 weeks or so and we can only hope it went okay and they hold the oath ceremony on the 1st of July.
I just want equality which is something Canada is famous for championing for everyone.
Dates
Submitted in April 2010
Receipt October 2010
Exam confirmation Mark 2011
Exam date May 6, 2011
But they told us we won't hear anything for at least 4 weeks - my hubby had to take a letter in for me confirming my employment and on speaking to the guy they explained that the staff actually mark it but they then have to get a judge to double check it and that is what causes the delay. Why can't they do the same as some other provinces and get the judge on the same day as the exam - in this case there was only about 14 - 20 max, and then perform the oath ceremony in the afternoon. It is gut wrenching to now have to wait another 4 weeks or so and we can only hope it went okay and they hold the oath ceremony on the 1st of July.
I just want equality which is something Canada is famous for championing for everyone.
Dates
Submitted in April 2010
Receipt October 2010
Exam confirmation Mark 2011
Exam date May 6, 2011
May 13th 2011, 8:20 pm
#276
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 57
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
It is that long since I got my visa I forget what was written in the original letter.
I thought though once you got the letter confirming you were being granted PR you had to send you passport down to London get the visa which you needed to land in Canada and do the immigration process with the office at the airport.
I know people can apply for the PR card whilst in Canada but I have no idea if they get the stamp in their passport, I asume the do - it was the first thing the guy checked when I booked in for my flight at London.
As I say it is 4 years since I arrived to i can't remember the process.
From the http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/about-pr.asp
The Permanent Resident Card
If you intend to travel, the Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.
This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).
If you leave the country, you will need this card to return to Canada. If you do not plan to leave the country, you do not need the card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I thought though once you got the letter confirming you were being granted PR you had to send you passport down to London get the visa which you needed to land in Canada and do the immigration process with the office at the airport.
I know people can apply for the PR card whilst in Canada but I have no idea if they get the stamp in their passport, I asume the do - it was the first thing the guy checked when I booked in for my flight at London.
As I say it is 4 years since I arrived to i can't remember the process.
From the http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/about-pr.asp
The Permanent Resident Card
If you intend to travel, the Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.
This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).
If you leave the country, you will need this card to return to Canada. If you do not plan to leave the country, you do not need the card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I suspect the above rules are the same everyone with the exception of passport holders from Visa Waiver countries i.e UK and several others.
I believe the above rules are generally enforced more strictly for PR's who have passport issued by countries which do not have a visa waiver program.
I have a friend who came over from the UK on a skilled program just like myself and couldn't see himself being able to sustain his family with the smaller jobs markets and decided to decamp and moved back home in UK. They have their PR cards etc and off course the shiny visa stamp on their passports and they have been back again on holiday and didn't have any problems at either end.
As per what what Steve has mentioned legally the above rules apply but for some of us I believe we should not be denied from being able to embark on an airplane nor entering Canada. Because under the Visa Waiver program we are allowed legally to enter Canada on a visitor basis for a period of 6 months.
I have found out that Citizenship Oaths can only be taken abroad for minors, for adults it can only be done in Canada.
Last edited by capillano; May 13th 2011 at 8:23 pm.
May 13th 2011, 9:26 pm
#277
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 9,708
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
Hi
1. If you have a one way ticket and no proof of residency status in Canada, there is a good chance that you will be refused boarding by the airline. They don't want the fine and the cost of removing you, if you are refused admission to Canada.
Yes, what you have said is correct and yes everyone applying for a PR program from abroad will get a shiny visa stamped on the Passports.
I suspect the above rules are the same everyone with the exception of passport holders from Visa Waiver countries i.e UK and several others.
I believe the above rules are generally enforced more strictly for PR's who have passport issued by countries which do not have a visa waiver program.
I have a friend who came over from the UK on a skilled program just like myself and couldn't see himself being able to sustain his family with the smaller jobs markets and decided to decamp and moved back home in UK. They have their PR cards etc and off course the shiny visa stamp on their passports and they have been back again on holiday and didn't have any problems at either end.
As per what what Steve has mentioned legally the above rules apply but for some of us I believe we should not be denied from being able to embark on an airplane nor entering Canada. Because under the Visa Waiver program we are allowed legally to enter Canada on a visitor basis for a period of 6 months.
I have found out that Citizenship Oaths can only be taken abroad for minors, for adults it can only be done in Canada.
I suspect the above rules are the same everyone with the exception of passport holders from Visa Waiver countries i.e UK and several others.
I believe the above rules are generally enforced more strictly for PR's who have passport issued by countries which do not have a visa waiver program.
I have a friend who came over from the UK on a skilled program just like myself and couldn't see himself being able to sustain his family with the smaller jobs markets and decided to decamp and moved back home in UK. They have their PR cards etc and off course the shiny visa stamp on their passports and they have been back again on holiday and didn't have any problems at either end.
As per what what Steve has mentioned legally the above rules apply but for some of us I believe we should not be denied from being able to embark on an airplane nor entering Canada. Because under the Visa Waiver program we are allowed legally to enter Canada on a visitor basis for a period of 6 months.
I have found out that Citizenship Oaths can only be taken abroad for minors, for adults it can only be done in Canada.
May 14th 2011, 3:52 am
#278
Worth the wait...
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Sunny Okotoks, Alberta
Posts: 268
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
In case anyone is waiting in Calgary, we applied in April 2010 and the screen print from the online checker is:
We received your application for Canadian citizenship (grant of citizenship) on July 5, 2010.
We sent you a letter acknowledging receipt of your application(s), and a study book called A Look at Canada on July 5, 2010. Please consider delays in mail delivery before contacting us.
We started processing your application on March 4, 2011.
Your file was transferred to the Calgary CIC office on April 11, 2011. The Calgary CIC office will contact you if additional information is required. The Calgary CIC office will contact you regarding your citizenship test once all the necessary checks on your file are complete.
We sent you a notice on April 20, 2011 to XXXX, Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, T1S XXX to appear and write the citizenship test on May 5, 2011 at 10:30 AM. The notice you will receive by mail will be your official confirmation of your appointment. If you have not received this notice prior to the date of your scheduled appointment, please contact us. If we have sent the letter to the wrong address, please contact us.
_____________
When we sat the test last week they told us it would approx 4 weeks until the ceremony. Calgary used to do test & ceremony on the same day, but alas no more...
We received your application for Canadian citizenship (grant of citizenship) on July 5, 2010.
We sent you a letter acknowledging receipt of your application(s), and a study book called A Look at Canada on July 5, 2010. Please consider delays in mail delivery before contacting us.
We started processing your application on March 4, 2011.
Your file was transferred to the Calgary CIC office on April 11, 2011. The Calgary CIC office will contact you if additional information is required. The Calgary CIC office will contact you regarding your citizenship test once all the necessary checks on your file are complete.
We sent you a notice on April 20, 2011 to XXXX, Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, T1S XXX to appear and write the citizenship test on May 5, 2011 at 10:30 AM. The notice you will receive by mail will be your official confirmation of your appointment. If you have not received this notice prior to the date of your scheduled appointment, please contact us. If we have sent the letter to the wrong address, please contact us.
_____________
When we sat the test last week they told us it would approx 4 weeks until the ceremony. Calgary used to do test & ceremony on the same day, but alas no more...
May 15th 2011, 3:59 am
#279
Canadian Wet Coaster
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 758
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
application received by cic: december 1st, 2009
acknowledgement including "discover canada" book received: may 7th, 2010
transfer to victoria office: nov 2, 2010
notice to appear sent by victoria office: apr 15, 2011
notice to appear received: apr 20, 2011
citizenship test: may 10, 2011
citizenship ceremony: may 11, 2011
so just a bit short of 17,5 months.
note: it seems that they have a maximum of two citizenship ceremonies a year here in the comox valley. the cic staff and the judge traveled up-island from victoria.
acknowledgement including "discover canada" book received: may 7th, 2010
transfer to victoria office: nov 2, 2010
notice to appear sent by victoria office: apr 15, 2011
notice to appear received: apr 20, 2011
citizenship test: may 10, 2011
citizenship ceremony: may 11, 2011
so just a bit short of 17,5 months.
note: it seems that they have a maximum of two citizenship ceremonies a year here in the comox valley. the cic staff and the judge traveled up-island from victoria.
May 15th 2011, 5:22 pm
#280
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
In case anyone is waiting in Calgary, we applied in April 2010 and the screen print from the online checker is:
We received your application for Canadian citizenship (grant of citizenship) on July 5, 2010.
We sent you a letter acknowledging receipt of your application(s), and a study book called A Look at Canada on July 5, 2010. Please consider delays in mail delivery before contacting us.
We started processing your application on March 4, 2011.
Your file was transferred to the Calgary CIC office on April 11, 2011. The Calgary CIC office will contact you if additional information is required. The Calgary CIC office will contact you regarding your citizenship test once all the necessary checks on your file are complete.
We sent you a notice on April 20, 2011 to XXXX, Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, T1S XXX to appear and write the citizenship test on May 5, 2011 at 10:30 AM. The notice you will receive by mail will be your official confirmation of your appointment. If you have not received this notice prior to the date of your scheduled appointment, please contact us. If we have sent the letter to the wrong address, please contact us.
_____________
When we sat the test last week they told us it would approx 4 weeks until the ceremony. Calgary used to do test & ceremony on the same day, but alas no more...
We received your application for Canadian citizenship (grant of citizenship) on July 5, 2010.
We sent you a letter acknowledging receipt of your application(s), and a study book called A Look at Canada on July 5, 2010. Please consider delays in mail delivery before contacting us.
We started processing your application on March 4, 2011.
Your file was transferred to the Calgary CIC office on April 11, 2011. The Calgary CIC office will contact you if additional information is required. The Calgary CIC office will contact you regarding your citizenship test once all the necessary checks on your file are complete.
We sent you a notice on April 20, 2011 to XXXX, Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, T1S XXX to appear and write the citizenship test on May 5, 2011 at 10:30 AM. The notice you will receive by mail will be your official confirmation of your appointment. If you have not received this notice prior to the date of your scheduled appointment, please contact us. If we have sent the letter to the wrong address, please contact us.
_____________
When we sat the test last week they told us it would approx 4 weeks until the ceremony. Calgary used to do test & ceremony on the same day, but alas no more...
Mine says received application blah blah April 15th 2010. ( I sent it end march).
Vancouver office received my application in January 2011.
They'll call me if they need anything
So it apears Van office is very slow.
Jul 3rd 2011, 7:08 pm
#282
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 57
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
Has anyone renewed their PR card from abroad? I am just preempting the situation of my PR card expiring in early 2013 before my citizenship test/oath date might arrive. I am submitting my application next week (July 2011) and returning back to UK to care for my parents and I am not sure for how long I might need to remain there before I can get back.
Jul 4th 2011, 12:43 am
#283
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 57
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
Has anyone renewed their PR card from abroad? I am just preempting the situation of my PR card expiring in early 2013 before my citizenship test/oath date might arrive. I am submitting my application next week (July 2011) and returning back to UK to care for my parents and I am not sure for how long I might need to remain there before I can get back.
1. Fees: Copy 2 of the receipt form showing the amount paid - I paid for the fees online and printed the Official Receipt which has a Rxxxx number and the page has a section for filling in the Name, DOB, Client ID, Address, Post Code, Telephone etc. Do I put my correspondence address or current? What is the Client ID? Is this my PR card ID No?
I am filling in a family application so firstly what is Copy 2 and do I have to print the same copy for each family member and fill in the individual name, dob etc details?
2. The method of posting the application packs. Is it okay to send it using Canada Post Priority Mail or Courier is advised?
Finally, how does one track the application online after posting off the application do I need to wait for the acknowledgment letter.
Thanks
Jul 19th 2011, 9:01 pm
#284
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 253
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
Application sent on April 10th, 2011 from Vancouver
Application received by CIC on April 14th, 2011
Acknowledgment Letter with Study Guide received on July 8th, 2011
Application received by CIC on April 14th, 2011
Acknowledgment Letter with Study Guide received on July 8th, 2011
Last edited by Yasmina2005; Jul 19th 2011 at 9:58 pm.
Jul 19th 2011, 9:47 pm
#285
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: CIC Citizenship timelines
Cit'ship test letter received early June.
Sat cit'ship test and had interview July 7, 2011.
The officer said it could be another 3-4 months before I receive notice of my citizenship ceremony. Don't know if I passed the citizenship test or not but according to the CIC website I will find out sooner if I didn't. So far heard nothing...no news good news?
Sat cit'ship test and had interview July 7, 2011.
The officer said it could be another 3-4 months before I receive notice of my citizenship ceremony. Don't know if I passed the citizenship test or not but according to the CIC website I will find out sooner if I didn't. So far heard nothing...no news good news?