singh244 & snpr,
Thanks for your replies. I sent a fax to the Canadian Consulate in NY yesterday evening with the same questions and to my surprise, someone from the consulate called me today and informed me the following:
(1)
Although my medical was done on July 8, 2003, due to some new security issues, my PR visa will be valid only upto June 25, 2004(my passport expires on June 26th). I have to enter Canada by June 25. Meanwhile, even if I get a new passport with 10 more years of validity, my visa will still be valid only upto June 25, 2004.
She said that if I do not enter Canada by June 25, I have to go through the entire process again. She also said that if I am not ready to leave USA soon, I can come back from Canada immediately giving reasons such as Children's school/on going projects etc.
(2)
I can go to the consulate at NewYork (I am in Connecticut - 2 hours drive for me) personally on any Monday within the next 60 days to get the passport stamped. All they need is the passports for the entire family and the letter. They already have my file with them.
snpr,
My and my children's medical was done on July 8th but my wife's medical was done much later in July. The doctor sent all the completed reports himself to the Canadian authorities.
Hope the above helps
Thanks
TRISAM