Folks,
My sponsorship application is in process at Buffalo since Sep 14. My spouse is here with me in Canada and I am looking at a possible move to Edmonton, AB from Niagara Falls ON. It would help me greatly if I can find out how far are we away from a decision. Do you think it would help me if I go to the Consulate?
Would they entertain? I am a Canadian Citizen btw(if that matters at all)
Thoughts please?
ecs.
Unless you have a specific reason to be there, such as an interview scheduled, or are there to get your PR visa affixed in your passport, you are unlikely to be allowed up to the consulate. The way it works is that you line up in the lobby of the building, then at certain intervals through the day, someone looks at your paperwork, determines what you're there for (and whether you were invited), gives you a visitor badge, then takes a group upstairs in the elevator. They only take groups up between certain hours (I don't remember offhand what they are). When we were there to get my husband's visa, there was a girl in line who was basically there to try to get information on the status of her application, and the lady said the only reason she was letting her up was because it wasn't all that busy. It was quiet enough she even let me go up with my husband, which isn't typical.
Since you're not very far away, it wouldn't be a waste of a huge trip, so it might be worthwhile, but then you also have to weigh the risk (however small it is -- we did it successfully many times) of potentially not being allowed back into Canada after crossing.
You may be able to get some information by ordering your CAIPS notes. Do a search here to get details on how to proceed with that.
Anitsirk, thanks for responding to my post.
Anyways, here is an update. I actually went to Buffalo Consulate and talked to an Immigration Officer. Glad I did this and wondering why I waited for so long long to do.
We got the medicals for my spouse and the child back in April and seems like they are waiting for the medical results of my spouse. Apparently they have the results of my son and not my spouse. SUPRISING!! The tests were done the same time and infact doctor's office confirmed that they have mailed the results to Ottawa in May. Whatever happened, god knows.
Anyway, the lady on the counter was really nice and gave me her direct contact number. She said she will follow up with the Medical team today and asked me to call her on Monday in afternoon. According to her, she said once the medicals is received, all it takes is one final review before a PPT request email is sent. Once I get the email, she said, I can walk in any Tuesday or Thursday with a Passport and walk out with an Immigrant Visa stamped in about an hour!
Guys, sometimes it works going to the consulate for a status check. For those of you who are fortunately closer to the Consulate, may be a manual step would be far better off than the schematic process (atleast in my case.)
A learning experience for many people.
Regards