Dear Mr Brown:

I am being sponsored to join my husband who lives in Toronto. It has been over a year now since I have received correspondence from the Canadian High Commission. When I checked online it just states that it is being processed. They do not respond to my inquiries that are sent via email. What can I do to track the progress of my application or receive some kind of feedback from the Canadian High Commission? Can you help me?

— BBD

Dear BBD:

Checking the status of your application online will give you a short summary of which stage of processing your file has reached, for example, ‘in process’ or ‘decision made’). However, this does not provide much insight.

I would suggest reviewing a copy of your immigration file which provides details about your application status, including the date when your file will be dealt with.

Reviewing the immigration file

The immigration file contains all of the key information relevant to your permanent residence immigration or visa application, including:-

* The current status;

* Notes and comments from all the visa officers who have reviewed your application;

* Background checks consisting of security clearances and criminality checks;

* Medical assessments;

* Details of processing stages passed;

* Points calculations; and

* The likely future processing for your file.

Obtaining and reviewing the immigration file is helpful for applications for Canadian Permanent Residents Visas, study permits, work permits and other visa applications. The file may be obtained during the processing of an application or after a final decision has been made, which helps with appeals or re-submitting applications.

In your situation, obtaining the file is a good route to take as an additional benefit of obtaining the file includes preparation for an interview. In fact, I recommend obtaining the file while permanent resident applications are being processed, and in response to rejections for permits and visitor visas.

Assistance with obtaining the file

All file requests are processed through a CIC department in Ottawa, Canada, rather than through the local visa office. Please be advised that under most circumstances, you will be unable to request your file yourself as the Canadian law that allows access to immigration files restricts who has access to this information.

However, in response to your question as an authorised representative I can definitely assist you in obtaining the file on your behalf and go through it with you to provide guidance and advice. You will be able to obtain some insight regarding the wait time, the interview and any perceived problems.

For further information visit jamaica2canada.com.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC is an immigration counsel, education agent and managing director of Jamaica2canada.com — a Canadian immigration and education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com.