Question on Buffalo processing times

[FWChelle]

Hi there,

We've received some conflicting information and was hoping someone might have some insight.

I'm Canadian, my fiance is American. We're going through Family Class sponsorship, and we've used an Immigration service to file the paperwork for us. I have already been approved as a sponsor, and my fiance got a letter from the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo at the end of January to say that he's been placed in the queue for processing. His medical exam, FBI clearance and all other required documents were sent in with the application (we didn't wait for them to ask us for them).

We *thought* our agency rep told us that processing times in Buffalo were around 3-4 months for Family Class... so, being nearly the end of May, we figured we were close enough to the 4 month marker to be expecting a response any day now.

We found the online tracking service where you can check the status of your application, and it tells us it's "In Process".

Upon further snooping, we found the "published" CIC processing times and nearly fainted.. according to that, 70-80% of cases are being finalized in 15-20 months?!?!

Before we call our representative and go off on them for misleading us, could anyone tell us which time-frame is closer to the truth? We're REALLY hoping the published data is inflated...

Thanks in advance,
Michelle

 

[manoo]

advice

hey,
Im sorry I dont know much, but I can guide you.
post ur question on the british expats website, I have used it alot, and always got first hand advice and information.
peace

 

[PMM]

Hi

Hi there,

We've received some conflicting information and was hoping someone might have some insight.

I'm Canadian, my fiance is American. We're going through Family Class sponsorship, and we've used an Immigration service to file the paperwork for us. I have already been approved as a sponsor, and my fiance got a letter from the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo at the end of January to say that he's been placed in the queue for processing. His medical exam, FBI clearance and all other required documents were sent in with the application (we didn't wait for them to ask us for them).

We *thought* our agency rep told us that processing times in Buffalo were around 3-4 months for Family Class... so, being nearly the end of May, we figured we were close enough to the 4 month marker to be expecting a response any day now.

We found the online tracking service where you can check the status of your application, and it tells us it's "In Process".

Upon further snooping, we found the "published" CIC processing times and nearly fainted.. according to that, 70-80% of cases are being finalized in 15-20 months?!?!

Before we call our representative and go off on them for misleading us, could anyone tell us which time-frame is closer to the truth? We're REALLY hoping the published data is inflated...

Thanks in advance,
Michelle

The published data : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/times-int/05-fc-spouses.html as of 27/02/05 and yes although it is "average" processing times, it is accurate for past processing but remember it could be longer or shorter for future processing.

I assume that the you are applying as c/law, since there is no longer a Fiancee class?

PMM

 

[FWChelle]

I assume that the you are applying as c/law, since there is no longer a Fiancee class?

"Conjugal Partner" actually. We were under the impression that by sending his medical and FBI clearance in with the application it would "fast track" it. I think it had to be done that way regardless, as he was applying from outside of Canada.

I still don't know what to think. My fiance called our agency today as we're positive they told us Buffalo was processing in 4-5 months. They still maintain that's the norm, but looked up their last US client which included an interview in LA and that was 9 months. They also told him NOT to look at the published times on the CIC website, that they were totally unrealistic.

I'm beginning to think there really is no set timeline. It can be anywhere from 4 months to 15 months, and depends entirely on what kind of mood the bureaucrat who's processing it is in

 

[PMM]

Hi

"Congugal Partner" actually. We were under the impression that by sending his medical and FBI clearance in with the application it would "fast track" it. I think it had to be done that way regardless, as he was applying from outside of Canada.

I still don't know what to think. My fiance called our agency today as we're positive they told us Buffalo was processing in 4-5 months. They still maintain that's the norm, but looked up their last US client which included an interview in LA and that was 9 months. They also told him NOT to look at the published times on the CIC website, that they were totally unrealistic.

I'm beginning to think there really is no set timeline. It can be anywhere from 4 months to 15 months, and depends entirely on what kind of mood the bureaucrat who's processing it is in

The processing times that CIC publishes on their website are accurate for applications processed since they are taken directly of the CAIPS system where all overseas applications are processed. The long end of the queue is where an interview is required which will add at minimum an additional 4/5 months to the processing time.

I hope that your "agency" explained to you that conjugal applications are not a slam dunk. Unless there is an very good reason why you can not marry, then be prepared for an interview and in a good number of conjugal cases a refusal if there is not an impediment to marriage. I suggest that you read:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/sponsor/familymembers.html#conjugal

PMM

 

[FWChelle]

Yes, they told us conjugal partner status was a little more complicated, but didn't feel there would be a problem and that an interview in our case would be unlikely. We couldn't get married before now because my ex-husband was holding up the divorce.

However, since we've filed our application, I have became legally divorced, we've bought a house together.... a lot has changed. Just waiting on that darned PR card. I suppose we could be proactive and go ahead and get married in anticipation of an interview.. but would a change in our status throw a wrench into things at this point? And can we even GET married here in Ontario with him still being a resident of the US? Does anyone know what's involved in doing that?