Hi, We applied late Sept. and have not yet recieved even the basic ack. how much more do we have to wait? Does calling them really help?

I talked to the attendant only about initial acknowledgment. I understand that all that the NS office does is review the papers/processing fee and send acknowledgments.
They then forward the file to local processing office who "PROCESS" it.

From my conversation, The attendant said that they are currently sending acknowlegements for applications received in July.

BTW, They received my registered applicatoin on Aug 20, 2004.

Peoples,

I know some of my friends have called and they have been told that there is a backlog and the first notice will be sent out approx. 6 months after the application. It appears everyone is applying.. since the time limits on the PR card(renewal every 5 years)

Does calling them really help?

Its just to :
a) Have some POM (peace of mind)
b) Let urself know that ur not sitting on top of something without doing anything...

Bottomline : Looks to me like they really have a backlog....and we have to call them if we dont hear from them for 6 months...

Perhaps, its because of the strike they talk about on their homepage
viz. "Some Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) employees are currently in a legal strike position. Therefore, service in certain offices across the country may be disrupted."

Bison