Hi all!
To those in a similar situation as I am, here's information you might be interested to know:
1. I'm a foreigner (non-American). Currently in the US on an F1 visa.
2. Filed my application for PR (Skilled Worker) in the Buffalo, US office by virtue of the provision allowing persons who have been granted the right to reside in the States for at least a year (e.g., Holder of an F1 visa) to file in the Buffalo office.
3. Graduated last June 2005 from masters program from US university and currently on OPT (F1 extension) until next year.
4. Sent my application papers to Canadian Consulate: June 30
I did not include my FBI Police Clearance because still awaiting this at time of filing. However, I received my FBI Rap Sheet in first week of August.
5. Receipt by Canadian Consulate of my application: First week of July (this is date stamped on my application form official use only box. So I think this will be considered my receipt date)
6. Review by Canadian Consulate of completeness of my application: 2 days after receipt of my application
7. Return by Canadian Consulate of my documents for lack of I-20 documentation: 3rd week of July (requested me to include I-20 forms and to re-submit my application) THIS IS WHERE MY DELAY STARTED. OTHERWISE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SMOOTHER SAILING. Also, because my documents were returned, I saw that they checked my documents for completeness within 2 days from their receipt of the documents.
Note that although the Canadian website indicated that you must submit a photocopy of your F1, they meant a photocopy of your F1 AND ALL YOUR I-20's (of the original and all extensions)
8. Receipt by Storage2005 of returned documents: 3rd week of July. The consulate requested me to include my I-20's and to just resubmit my documents.
9. Resubmission by Storage2005 of his application: 1 day after receipt of returned documents
10. Receipt by Canadian Consulate of my resubmitted application: 1 day after my resubmission
11. Issuance by Canadian Consulate of my official file no. and official receipt: First week of August
12. Mailing by Canadian Consulate of my official file no.: Second week of August
13. Receipt by Storageone2005 of his official file no.: Second week of August
As you can all see, it looks like the process has been swift and orderly. According to the letter I received from the consulate, it is currently processing files received 36 weeks ago (or around 8.14 months ago). That's around December 2004/January 2005. So let’s see what happens.