URGENT : Visitor Visa Online Application process clarity

[CaliforniaGuy]

I am confused about the online process. I am applying from the USA (H1B visa holder) for a Canadian Visitor Visa.

- I have submitted a complete application online through the CIC portal on Sep 7th.

Questions:
1) I have received 3 emails so far about update in status. But when I log back to the CIC portal its just the same old, application is submitted message and no status updates. Does this happen to anyone else here?
2) Once my online paperwork is approved, will they send me instructions to send my passport to NY/LA?
3) I see LA times (42 days) and NY times (52 days). Does this time mean from the time I have submitted my application, or from the time they
receive my passport?
4) Can I choose the Ottawa center to send my passport to? It seems to be the fastest option?
5) Can I pick up the stamped passport from LA / NY instead of them mailing it back to me and wasting time in transit?

I am asking these questions as my Travel dates are Oct 8 - 11 2015 and it seems that these guys are very slow at processing.
Ofcourse they have no ways of communicating with them, so your help here is very much appreicated!! Thanks guys

 

[sn_canada]

I am confused about the online process. I am applying from the USA (H1B visa holder) for a Canadian Visitor Visa.

- I have submitted a complete application online through the CIC portal on Sep 7th.

Questions:
1) I have received 3 emails so far about update in status. But when I log back to the CIC portal its just the same old, application is submitted message and no status updates. Does this happen to anyone else here?
2) Once my online paperwork is approved, will they send me instructions to send my passport to NY/LA?
3) I see LA times (42 days) and NY times (52 days). Does this time mean from the time I have submitted my application, or from the time they
receive my passport?
4) Can I choose the Ottawa center to send my passport to? It seems to be the fastest option?
5) Can I pick up the stamped passport from LA / NY instead of them mailing it back to me and wasting time in transit?

I am asking these questions as my Travel dates are Oct 8 - 11 2015 and it seems that these guys are very slow at processing.
Ofcourse they have no ways of communicating with them, so your help here is very much appreicated!! Thanks guys

Hi,

I am sailing in the same boat and I submitted my application online to CIC on Sept 08, 2015. Just received emails like you and there is no update later. Hope we will hear from them soon and when did you submit your application? Please keep posted if you have an updates.

 

[Jalex23]

Just received emails like you and there is no update later.

1) I have received 3 emails so far about update in status. But when I log back to the CIC portal its just the same old, application is submitted message and no status updates. Does this happen to anyone else here?

You could have searched the forum
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/online-application-notificationbut-not-message-no-update-please-help-t222502.0.html

2) Once my online paperwork is approved, will they send me instructions to send my passport to NY/LA?

Yes

3) I see LA times (42 days) and NY times (52 days). Does this time mean from the time I have submitted my application, or from the time they
receive my passport?

When they receive the passport.

Doesn't really matter really. The times posted are for 80% of the applications, that means that 1 out of 5 applications will take longer. Give at least 100% tolerance before raising concerns.

4) Can I choose the Ottawa center to send my passport to? It seems to be the fastest option?

You have to send it where they request it. If they give you Ottawa as an option you can send it there.

5) Can I pick up the stamped passport from LA / NY instead of them mailing it back to me and wasting time in transit?

No. That would be unfair for candidates that can't pick it up in person.

 

[sn_canada]

Hello there,

This morning I received new email from CIC stating my application status is updated. With that same frustration assuming nothing would be updated, I verified my application. Good news!! And this time there is a decision letter in the new message and the letter says please provide your passport.

Thanks.