Shorten PAL Approval Times
- Thread starter calalta
- Start date
I called the CFC and punched in the BC CFO extension a few times during my process, once to get my license number over the phone (with no luck), then to check on my LTATT and a transfer. Not once was I actually connected to the BC CFO office. One time it was the New Brunswick CFO, another time it was the Alberta CFO and the other it was the CFC office that picked up the extension, they were all helping out with the BC CFO's backlog....
Each and every time they were sympathetic and helpful.
- Location
- New Brunswick
Don't give up. Twice I've gotten lucky and spoke to what I'd refer as "senior" agents who got me through the next step.
They're probably swamped but you'll eventually find someone who'll go the "extra mile" for you.
Good luck. Many of us know the fustration your going through...
Gotchya. I guess if it works then go for it. I have a hard time believing it would matter though. We still have privacy laws in this country and I can't see them even discussing an application with anyone other than the applicant. Regardless if they are references or military/LEO's.
bang_click_oops
New member
- Location
- Northern BC
None, but if it makes you feel any better you are not alone, there is no rhyme nor reason to the way they operate, being that they make a living off our hobby it is ^&^%ing disgusting. lf i operated like this i would be bankrupt. l would write to my local political type, but there patronizing fawning make me retch as well
Rant over
swampdonkyy
New member
I'm 40 days and counting nothing showing up online.. I'm second guessing myself cause I sent the whole completed package with test results and check in regular mail. (should have sent registered doh! ) So far the check isn't even showing cashed yet .. so I pretty much resolved to stop checking for the next few weeks and hope to F*** I can start shooting by the fall...lol
Based on what I've read here it's definitely worth your while to call them. Just ask politely that you want to make sure your app didn't get lost in the mail. Once they dig it out and have it in their hands they may drop it on the top of the pile. Couldn't hurt.
More of a lurker here, but I thought I'd post my timeline and what I did just in case it helps anyone out because I was in a different situation than a majority of people. I'm in Ontario, so your mileage may vary if you're in another province. This was an application for an RPAL. As a bit of additional info, because I see some misinformation around on occasion, I had to answer yes to one of the questions relating to anti-depressants. Because I knew this would warrant additional work on their end, I got a note from my family doctor stating that I was of sound mental health and that she did not believe I was a danger to myself or others, and sent that off with my initial application. This without a doubt saved a TON of time, as during both interviews it was mentioned that I would normally need something from my doctor and possibly an interview with them, but since I included it already, they didn't need anything additional and everything was good to go.
Mid December I did my pal course, received the paperwork back 2 weeks later. Beginning of February, I took the RPAL course and received the paperwork roughly 2 weeks later as well.
28/2/2013 - Documentation Mailed at post office (registered)
4/3/2013 - Received in Miramichi
21/3/2013 - Application appeared online
21/3/2013 - Application completed initial processing, appeared as in progress
28/3/2013 - Called in for interview, had both references call as well, the lady I did my interview with gave me her direct extension for my references to call in. I was given no fuss about calling in myself to do the interview as I've heard some people have gotten, but I'm also very friendly on the phone
29/3/2013 - application sent to ontario CFO
22/4/2013 - Police called for final interview, extended background checks were already done, verbal confirmation of approved application at the end of the interview
22/4/2013 - Application appeared online as issued
Mid December I did my pal course, received the paperwork back 2 weeks later. Beginning of February, I took the RPAL course and received the paperwork roughly 2 weeks later as well.
28/2/2013 - Documentation Mailed at post office (registered)
4/3/2013 - Received in Miramichi
21/3/2013 - Application appeared online
21/3/2013 - Application completed initial processing, appeared as in progress
28/3/2013 - Called in for interview, had both references call as well, the lady I did my interview with gave me her direct extension for my references to call in. I was given no fuss about calling in myself to do the interview as I've heard some people have gotten, but I'm also very friendly on the phone
29/3/2013 - application sent to ontario CFO
22/4/2013 - Police called for final interview, extended background checks were already done, verbal confirmation of approved application at the end of the interview
22/4/2013 - Application appeared online as issued
My timeline thus far.
Feb 20th - They got my completed application, with test results included.
Apr 10th - My interview (although the lady on the phone said my application had not been 'scanned' she did my interview regardless due to (According to her) it had been a long time already.
Apr 11th - my app is scanned! FINALLY (took them over 2 weeks)
Apr 11th- interviewed 1st reference
Apr 12th- Second interview done
Apr 12th- my application has been sent to CFO for final approval
Today (Apr 22nd) the lady on the phone said it will be (at least) 2 more weeks due to a high volume of applicants/applications. (CFO ONTARIO). For a total of approx 4-5 weeks for the final approval.
Total time so far, since the beginning of the process has been: 63 days.
The funny thing is. I DO HAVE A LICENSE already! a non restricted one! If own guns already! give me a break!!! How many people do they have doing this paper work? It shouldn't take longer than 2 weeks for someone who has a license already. TOPS!
Terrible. Just terrible and total ineffective bureaucracy.
Feb 20th - They got my completed application, with test results included.
Apr 10th - My interview (although the lady on the phone said my application had not been 'scanned' she did my interview regardless due to (According to her) it had been a long time already.
Apr 11th - my app is scanned! FINALLY (took them over 2 weeks)
Apr 11th- interviewed 1st reference
Apr 12th- Second interview done
Apr 12th- my application has been sent to CFO for final approval
Today (Apr 22nd) the lady on the phone said it will be (at least) 2 more weeks due to a high volume of applicants/applications. (CFO ONTARIO). For a total of approx 4-5 weeks for the final approval.
Total time so far, since the beginning of the process has been: 63 days.
The funny thing is. I DO HAVE A LICENSE already! a non restricted one! If own guns already! give me a break!!! How many people do they have doing this paper work? It shouldn't take longer than 2 weeks for someone who has a license already. TOPS!
Terrible. Just terrible and total ineffective bureaucracy.
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Your application is missing some information. They usually send a letter when they get around to it asking for whatever is missing. Save yourself some time and give them a call.
My timeline,
Application received March 7.
Appeared online around March 22.
Yesterday got a call from Surete Quebec for an interview. They called my references as well. Same day, appeared online that my license is issued.
Now waiting for it in the mail !
Application received March 7.
Appeared online around March 22.
Yesterday got a call from Surete Quebec for an interview. They called my references as well. Same day, appeared online that my license is issued.
Now waiting for it in the mail !
