Thread: Shorten PAL Approval Times

  1. #11231
    Newbie
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Posts
    2
    Final timeline,

    received october 25th
    processed november 22th
    license issued december 17th

    In Quebec.


    Just a tips: find any possible way to get in touch with the CFO, be polite and some magick could happen.

  2. #11232
    Newbie ssbuckle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Posts
    0
    Just for information...

    I sent my application by regular mail on November 5th, the RCMP website says it was received November 9th, December 8th they charged the fee to my credit card, I checked the website again on December 17th and the website said my application has been processed and a license has been issued and if I don't receive it within two weeks to call the 1-800 number, knowone called me or my references... all seems to be going smooth out here in BC.

  3. #11233
    Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Posts
    36
    Wow, that's about a month less time than I've been currently waiting in BC. They have had my application since October 3rd and I have yet to hear anything back.

  4. #11234
    Newbie Devolve's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Binbrook, ON
    Posts
    17
    Jealous of you guys with the same received date as me (Nov. 9th) and license issued! I was hoping to have mine for an expensive Cabela's trip on the way to the cottage this new years. Still stuck at initial processing.

  5. #11235
    Newbie ssbuckle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Posts
    0
    Just as expected my restricted PAL arrived in the mail on December 21st, wow that was way faster then I ever expected...

  6. #11236
    Newbie
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Posts
    1
    I finally got my PAL in my hands today, so I thought I would tell my story getting my licence

    First of, it should be said that when your application gets approved is dependent on when the application that is sent is received (If its during a busy time like hunting season, the wait might be a bit longer), how much info or lack of info is on your application as well as your Provence (Ontario seems to be faster that Quebec or Alberta). Secondly you should know that when an application gets approved is at times completely random.

    There are some people that have gotten there application approved on the 28th day, there are some people that have gotten there approval in a couple of months, like I did, and there are the unfortunate people who have to wait 9 months plus for approval and that's if you have a perfect record and no boxes checked. So what i'm saying is that you must prepare to call the RCMP/CFO if you want things to keep on moving, remember, you are dealing with the Federal government after all.

    To speed up the process a bit, there are some things that should be done in order to get approved in a timely manner:

    1. Make sure that you application is filled up properly and be sure that everything on the application is legible. If there is a messed up signature or improperly written credit card number it could delay your application until it's rectified and trust me, it can take weeks before you even know about the info that is missing on your application.

    2. Send your application with tracking on it so you have a reference date to tell the RCMP when you call them

    3. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO CALL THE RCMP OR CFO TO GET INFO OR TO SEE HOW YOUR APPLICATION IS GOING!!! The reason why I say that is because you might feel bullied when you encounter a rude phone agent or an agent that doesn't seem to want to give you the information you seek. Remember, its YOUR APPLICATION! You are responsible to get info and to see if there is anything that is need on your application, if you are not proactive you risk having your application being delayed due to stupid things like not having a payment method.

    4. Be polite and patient (Even if they drive you up a wall). Like the bible says "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.", your applications won't get processed any faster if you behave like an A-hole on the phone, even if the person on the phone is rude first. It's better just to be as polite as you can while also having a back bone.

    Now here are some quick notes:

    - In provinces where your CFSC Report has to get stamped by the CFO to be valid (i.e. Ontario) its probably a good idea to send in your application without it with a note saying that it will come as soon as you get the report simply because it can be between 3-6 weeks till you get the report mailed to you. By sending your application without the CFSC Report it will begin the mandatory 28 day waiting period and by the time you get your report back, the majority of the time would have elapsed (Just keep in mind, info faxed to the CFP can take up to 16 days for them to add your info to your file, and even when they receive it, it would be prudent of you to call in and follow up to see if everything is on the up-and-up.)

    - Remember, you can directly call the CFO of your Provence, just ask the RCMP to transfer you, or get the extension number

    In my case, my application was received by the RCMP by Oct 29th, got approved on Dec 18th, 2018 and received my card on the 27th of December, and I got approved only because I was proactive and called my CFO in Ontario. I was able to give them the info which I was told was received by them (They didn't have my CFSC Report, so I emailed them it)

    I know this was long winding, but I thought I would give back a bit by being as detailed as I can regarding the process, I hope this information helps.


    Happy Holidays and Safe Shooting

  7. #11237
    Newbie
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
    Location
    Salmon Arm
    Posts
    3
    Just got my PAL today took over 2 months form the time I sent to the time of return ,thats a long time as my instructor said 45days tops.

  8. #11238
    Newbie
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Posts
    1
    Called both my provincial CFO and regional CFO, nobody picked up. ARE they still in vacation?

  9. #11239
    Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Posts
    36
    First time RPAL applicant here, checked all no, and no previous criminal record.

    2018-09-28 - Application is mailed at the post office.

    Tracking number: ####################

    2018-10-03 - Application received by RCMP in NB. day 0
    2018-10-31 - Application shows up online. day 28
    - Credit Card charged
    - Application #: ############

    2018-11-15 Day 43
    - Called to check status and ask about references and missing info
    - Updated the mailing address
    - Told that application was with the BC CFO
    - Told that references didn't need to be contacted
    - Man on the other end was very polite and very helpful

    2018-11-23 Day 51
    - Called to check status again
    - Very helpful woman picked up the phone
    - told them I needed it for biathlon and target shooting
    - Put me on hold after saying that she would go ask about the status of my application

    - Got transfered to somebody (Not the CFO) put on hold again
    - Told that due to high volume and more extensive background checks to wait up to 90 days from today
    to call again.


    2018-12-28 Day 86
    - Called to ask about status
    - CFO put note on my file and said to call back in 30 days if nothing had moved.
    - Good experience overall on the phone.

    2019-01-04 Day 93
    - Checked my status online, and RPAL was issued. Seems that none of my references, nor myself were contacted during the process.
    - Overall, I am very satisfied with the process and how things were handled. BC here btw.

  10. #11240
    Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    80
    Just called them at t+20 days that they can’t do anything when it’s in the mailroom? (Website says they still haven’t entered my info in)
    Do I just wait

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