|
The interview notice, medical examination, waiver, etc. My next correspondence from the Consulate was on March 25, 1998. That came about three months after I received my confirmation letter along with a receipt for my Application Fee. I didn't pay the ROLF up front, so my example reflects payment of my Application Fee, but not the ROLF. This letter informed me that an initial assessment of my application was completed and an interview was required to make a final decision. In other words, my application PASSED!  In addition to the letter and receipt, I also received my immigration medical forms and a list of designated medical practitioners in my area. The letter stated that the results of my medical would be valid for one year from the date of the examination, and I was advised to NOT schedule my medical examination until I receive my interview appointment letter. This step indicated the
initial success of my H&C application. Although I was
still required to attend an interview, my application passed
the initial assessment which meant either the Visa Officer
waived the point assessment or used his discretion to add
points to my application (if they can do that). I was a little worried about going
to the interview, but not about the interview itself. I was
entirely truthful in my application and letter, and was
prepared for whatever questions they had. I was more
concerned about the costs associated with flying to Los
Angeles from Ottawa (airfare, hotel, land transportation,
food) and what to wear to the interview (I hate wearing a
suit and tie.) I chose L.A. for the interview. The InterviewFrom the way I interpreted my letter, I expected my interview to be in Los Angeles sometime around March 1999. Even though I wasn't too nervous about the interview, I checked the Internet to see if I could find any kind of information about the interview just so I could get an idea of what to expect. I came across two posts in the Canada Immigration newsgroup from people sharing their own interview experience: In addition, here are maps of the interview locations (Maps from Yahoo! Maps)
Since I am an American citizen, there would be no problem for me to travel to Los Angeles for an interview. People with other citizenships who apply through Buffalo, NY, need to ensure that they will be able to travel to the United States for an interview in the U.S. especially if they are from a country whose citizens are required to posses a valid U.S. visa to enter the U.S. The Interview WaiverSince I was expecting a long wait until my interview I made a point to put it out of my mind except for those times when I tried my luck searching for any information on Canadian Immigration interviews on the Internet. I was confident about the interview -- worried, but confident. I figured I'd just put off worrying about the interview until I received my interview notice. I received a very nice surprise from the Consulate on September 11. I got the much desired and sought after INTERVIEW WAIVER! All in all, it's not really an interview "waiver." Here's how it is worded: "We previously advised you that you would require a selection interview. A recent review of your file has indicated, however, that we may now be in a position to process your application to conclusion without a selection interview... What wonderful news! They requested that I submit additional documents and my Right of Landing Fee within 90 days of the date of the letter. The additional documents they wanted were my complete medical forms and Police Clearance from the RCMP Canadian Criminal Records Information Services. Interview Waivers and H&C ApplicationsFrom what I've gathered, interviews are usually required for H&C applications. Since I did not need an interview it is likely that my application was not processed under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. I am reasonably certain that I did not qualify on my own merits as a regular applicant. Even with a full 10 points from the interview would have been about five points short of the required 70 points. Sometime in the future I might request to see the notes and forms pertaining to my application so I can see how my application was processed. For now, though, I can see three scenarios that are possible in my application process:
The Medical Examination
I called different doctors listed in the Designated Medical Practitioners list and asked about their fees and when I could make an appointment. I made an appointment with a "Designated Medical Practitioner" nearest the University of Ottawa since that was the most convenient for me. I mentioned I needed a physical examination for Canadian Immigration, the receptionist told me to bring my medical forms and four passport photographs. As I usually do, I asked if they accepted Interact (Canada's debit payment method) or credit cards for payment. Good thing I asked because they require payment in cash. When making an appointment, I usually ask the doctor or receptionist what I need to do or bring with me to the exam. Here's how I prepared for the medical:
My appointment was for 2:00 p.m. I was back in my car at 2:50 p.m. The examination was in no way invasive. It was a very low level physical examination which included standard questions about personal and family medical history. When I was done the doctor even told me to feel free to consider him when I'm ready to chose my personal physician. :-) The doctor, not the patient, sends the medical results to the consulate (or Health Service Canada in Ottawa.) However, it's the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the medical results are sent. I don't know when my medical results were sent, but they were--after all, I did receive my landing papers eight weeks later. Since the Consulate said I had 90 days to submit my remaining documents, if it were getting very close to that deadline and I still didn't hear from the Consulate, I would have called the doctor first to verify if the results were sent, and then Health Services Canada to check if my forms were received. I think this only applies to medicals that are sent to Ottawa. Their number is (613) 941-5046 and they need the applicant's file number. So I got my interview waiver, I did my medical, submitted my fingerprints to the RCMP, and sent out my Right of Landing Fee. There's no charge for an RCMP Police Clearance for a Permanent Resident application when they forward the results directly to the Buffalo Consulate, but there may be a charge for the fingerprinting depending on who does the fingerprinting. Now I just had to sit back and wait for either a request for more information or my landing papers.
|
There
was nothing spooky about the medical examination. The
medical form mentioned nothing about sexual orientation, my
same-sex relationship, or that I submitted an H&C
application. My medical went extremely well.
