03-17-2010, 02:20 AM
Well Landed today :) at my local office. it was just the CIC Officer, my Girlfriend and myself.
I have to say it was a great experience, the CIC officer had a great sense of humor, especially when I suggested that he should waive the Residence Fee because I had run out of money.
After the formalities we talked about immigration procedures and that I expected and interview in my case due to large age difference between us (34 vs 51) not the 'Normal way around', multiple previous marriages on both sides. He said this is very rare, approvals are very high his words were 'if you have a good reason to be in Canada and have no criminal issues we want you to immigrate' He explained in great detail how they process application and 'Red Flags' etc. He especially mentioned affidavits carry a lot of weight in an application, I explained I have heard so many horror stories and he said 99% of these are started by incorrect filling of the application 'People just don't send what we ask for'. I can honestly say that all contact I have had with the CIC (not the call center) the actual officers one at CPC-V and the Local Office they have been friendly, helpful, kind and even funny. So my advice to all in application is 'Get all your docs in order the 1st time' Get affidavits from friends and be 100% truthful and you will have no problems.
Easy for me to say now, I was sweating for months. but it is over I am now a PR and it feels like a tonne of bricks has been taken of my back.
I thank you all for your support here and wish luck and strength to everybody who are in process. I am going to stick around here as many people held my hand, I will be there for the next batch of PR's
I have to say it was a great experience, the CIC officer had a great sense of humor, especially when I suggested that he should waive the Residence Fee because I had run out of money.
After the formalities we talked about immigration procedures and that I expected and interview in my case due to large age difference between us (34 vs 51) not the 'Normal way around', multiple previous marriages on both sides. He said this is very rare, approvals are very high his words were 'if you have a good reason to be in Canada and have no criminal issues we want you to immigrate' He explained in great detail how they process application and 'Red Flags' etc. He especially mentioned affidavits carry a lot of weight in an application, I explained I have heard so many horror stories and he said 99% of these are started by incorrect filling of the application 'People just don't send what we ask for'. I can honestly say that all contact I have had with the CIC (not the call center) the actual officers one at CPC-V and the Local Office they have been friendly, helpful, kind and even funny. So my advice to all in application is 'Get all your docs in order the 1st time' Get affidavits from friends and be 100% truthful and you will have no problems.
Easy for me to say now, I was sweating for months. but it is over I am now a PR and it feels like a tonne of bricks has been taken of my back.
I thank you all for your support here and wish luck and strength to everybody who are in process. I am going to stick around here as many people held my hand, I will be there for the next batch of PR's