July 04, 2012

Still no PR Card



So, on 18th April, I used the CIC address notification service. The current processing time for first time PR cards is 46 days, which means I should have received it a couple of weeks ago!

The CIC website says “If you live inside Canada and if it has been longer than the time shown above since you applied, please contact the Call Centre”. However, wven though I’m not currently in Canada, I was able to use a VOIP service to call the number :)

After a LONG phone menu and a nice “our current wait time is 8 minutes” announcement (British call centres take note!), I got to speak to an agent. She looked up my file and said that the PR Card was “held as undelivered” back in January, but they did have my new address, so she wasn’t sure why it hadn’t been sent out yet. After putting me on hold, she confirmed that she’s put in a request for the card to be sent out again and I should get it in 2-3 weeks (i.e. when we’re in Vancouver for our summer holiday!).

The agent also mentioned that my deadline for applying for this first card was 11th July and, after that, I’d have had to reapply. This wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it would cost another $50 and I’d need more passport photos and documents certified.

Keep your fingers crossed!

3 comments:

  1. ugh! fingers and toes crossed.

    reminds me of my early days here, where everything took at least three telephone calls to get some action
    good luck! and enjoy your holiday (the sun came out today - maybe summer has finally arrived in Lower Mainland)

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  2. Hi,

    May I please have the phone number you have used to contact CIC? I am also outside of Canada right now and I could not find from CIC's website the number I can use to contact them. Thank you in advance for your help.

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    Replies
    1. Hi there,

      If you phone the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade on +1-613-944-4000 and select the immigration option, it transfers you to the CIC call centre.

      The main CIC number is +1-888-242-2100, but you'd have to use a VOIP system or other method, as it only accepts calls from inside Canada.

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