Question:
I'm just about to submit an application to the high commission in
london
U.K Can anyone tell me of thier experience of immigrating To canada
from the U.K and how long it will actually take. The web site say's
around 36 months does it really take that long?. If applying as a
skilled worker with arranged employment would the employer in Canada be
expected to wait that long to keep the job open. If you have any
suggestions or advice ?
Answer:
Officially reported average timelines (averages are not minimums nor
maximums - they are just statistical averages) for cases completed in CHC
London in past year or so are from 19 to 37 months. The real timelines
ranged in same period from about 12 months to well over 4 years. Nobody, not
even visa post can tell you how long it will take - a lot depends from the
backlog in particular visa post, but the biggest impact on processing time
has quality of application package, how well all your claims are proven, how
conclusive evidence is and how well and conclusively all possible case and
circumstances specific questions and doubts processing officer will have are
addressed and documented (what application kits refer to as "other evidence
that will support your case").
If you are applying now then be prepared for anything between 20 months and
5 or so years - so, it is worth spending more time on preparation than
rushing with poorly prepared and inconclusive case.
When you (or others) mention "processing time" is it the "total" processing
time, is it?
I mean, the time from the application was filed until the stamp in the
passport - or denial.
But how much time until the first "sign of life" from London - just
approximately.
Or is it just as uncertain as the total processing time?
Yes, when we talk about processing time it means total time - from start to
finish.
As for different stages in London - they vary greatly in Skilled Workers
category:
1. from application to AOR letter with file number - anywhere from few weeks
to over 8 months in average, majority at present between 3 and 8 weeks
2. from application to IA (initial assessment) with decision about
interview - anywhere between 7 months to 2 - 3 years
3. from application to passport request - anywhere from just under 12 months
to about 4+ years
As you see there is anything in above timelines what can allow you to
predict timeline in your case with any level of approximation.
Good on you, I can tell you that it's worth it. :-)
As others have advised you, there is no cut and dry "processing time".
So
much depends on your personal application and what it curtails, so
don't
take anything as gospel.
If you just want an idea, here is my timeline. I am now landed in
Canada,
and have been here a month.
Congratulations on landing in canada. How are you finding it?. Could I
contact you if I need any advice while my application is in process?.
