PAL Wait Time

My application was received September 15. PAL/RPAL, Alberta.
Judging from other posts I have best case scenario a month before approval, but upwards of 6 months compared to the worst cases. Nothing shows up online yet or cc charge, so who knows.

My status changed to under review and cc was charged yesterday, Nov. 3.
Took me by surprise. I see a lot of wildly different things can happen at this stage so my fingers are crossed.
 
My status changed to under review and cc was charged yesterday, Nov. 3.
Took me by surprise. I see a lot of wildly different things can happen at this stage so my fingers are crossed.

So the only way you found out your application was actually received (as evidenced by the IWS status change) was yesterday when your credit card was charged? So previous to that, when you said your application was received September 12, that was based on your own tracking number, not IWS indicating it was received? And that status only changed yesterday?
 
Finally got thru to the Ontario CFO today asked them why some applications are approved in less then two weeks while others are taking months and they have no answer. I don't mind waiting my turn but the applications should be processed in the order received. Was told approval could take up to 9 months and to check back with them in 4-5 months if I haven't heard anything. The system in broken and the government seems fine with it that way.
Update got InTouch with Ontario CFO office by email today to check status. Received a response within 15 minutes that I've been approved. So keep trying it seems to make alot of difference in who you get ahold of.
 
Update got InTouch with Ontario CFO office by email today to check status. Received a response within 15 minutes that I've been approved. So keep trying it seems to make alot of difference in who you get ahold of.

What was your status before contacting Ontario CFO by email, and when did RCMP receive the application?
 
So the only way you found out your application was actually received (as evidenced by the IWS status change) was yesterday when your credit card was charged? So previous to that, when you said your application was received September 12, that was based on your own tracking number, not IWS indicating it was received? And that status only changed yesterday?

The application was sent Xpress post and was marked received by them Sept 15, and nothing showed online until Nov 3 on iws, I noticed the cc charge first, went to iws and saw initial review complete, application received Sept 15. So they do mark the day they actually get it.
 
What was your status before contacting Ontario CFO by email, and when did RCMP receive the application?

It was intial review complete since August 26 it was received by RCMP June 2 according to Canada Post. Now just looking for a range accepting new members in Hamilton Niagara area.
 
The application was sent Xpress post and was marked received by them Sept 15, and nothing showed online until Nov 3 on iws, I noticed the cc charge first, went to iws and saw initial review complete, application received Sept 15. So they do mark the day they actually get it.

That's strange that they don't just mark the receipt date when they actually receive it, even if they are not working on it yet. That way people at least know it didn't get lost or something like that.
 
It was intial review complete since August 26 it was received by RCMP June 2 according to Canada Post. Now just looking for a range accepting new members in Hamilton Niagara area.

Wentworth I believe is accepting new members. Too far from me or I would join.
 
Ontario R-PAL (fresh application) update:

Assigned an online Application Number (November 1, 2022) on the RCMP Individual Web Services Site (IWS).

Application received on September 9, 2022 on IWS. Incidentally, the application was delivered by Canada Post on September 9, 2022, so they appear to have some sort of tracking system when the applications are received.

Status (IWS November 1, 2022): "We have completed the initial review of your firearms licence application. If additional information is required, you will be contacted. Please check the status again at a later date."

Credit card charged November 1, 2022: RCMP-CFP GRC-PCAF

Current status (IWS November 6, 2022, Sunday evening): "Your application has been processed and your licence has been issued. If you have not received your licence within 2 weeks please contact the Canadian Firearms Program Toll Free number (1-800-731-4000)."

Strangely, I checked IWS on November 4, 2022 after the close of business on Friday evening. It still showed the IWS status from November 1, 2022. Somehow it changed status to "issued" over the weekend.
 
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Ontario R-PAL (fresh application) update:

Assigned an online Application Number (November 1, 2022) on the RCMP Individual Web Services Site (IWS).

Application received on September 9, 2022 on IWS. Incidentally, the application was delivered by Canada Post on September 9, 2022, so they appear to have some sort of tracking system when the applications are received.

Status (IWS November 1, 2022): "We have completed the initial review of your firearms licence application. If additional information is required, you will be contacted. Please check the status again at a later date."

Credit card charged November 1, 2022: RCMP-CFP GRC-PCAF

Current status (IWS November 6, 2022, Sunday evening): "Your application has been processed and your licence has been issued. If you have not received your licence within 2 weeks please contact the Canadian Firearms Program Toll Free number (1-800-731-4000)."

Strangely, I checked IWS on November 4, 2022 after the close of business on Friday evening. It still showed the IWS status from November 1, 2022. It changed status to "issued" over the weekend.


Just curious, did you already have your non-restricted PAL?

Here's my timeline:
Received Aug 30 2022
IWS and CC Charge: Oct 26 2022
Current status Nov 7: "We have completed the initial review ...."

I called last Thursday just to confirm there was no additional info required or any corrections to be made and they told me CFP approved it and it was in the Ontario CFO's hands for final approval which apparently has a backlog of 5 months. They told me not to call back before March 2023.

Wild timeline differences with some applications versus others. Bizarre.
 
Just curious, did you already have your non-restricted PAL?

Here's my timeline:
Received Aug 30 2022
IWS and CC Charge: Oct 26 2022
Current status Nov 7: "We have completed the initial review ...."

I called last Thursday just to confirm there was no additional info required or any corrections to be made and they told me CFP approved it and it was in the Ontario CFO's hands for final approval which apparently has a backlog of 5 months. They told me not to call back before March 2023.

Wild timeline differences with some applications versus others. Bizarre.

No it is a fresh application. That is, no prior PAL.
 
Quote Originally Posted by G Lee View Post
Ontario R-PAL (fresh application) update:

Assigned an online Application Number (November 1, 2022) on the RCMP Individual Web Services Site (IWS).

Application received on September 9, 2022 on IWS. Incidentally, the application was delivered by Canada Post on September 9, 2022, so they appear to have some sort of tracking system when the applications are received.

Status (IWS November 1, 2022): "We have completed the initial review of your firearms licence application. If additional information is required, you will be contacted. Please check the status again at a later date."

Credit card charged November 1, 2022: RCMP-CFP GRC-PCAF

Current status (IWS November 6, 2022, Sunday evening): "Your application has been processed and your licence has been issued. If you have not received your licence within 2 weeks please contact the Canadian Firearms Program Toll Free number (1-800-731-4000)."

Strangely, I checked IWS on November 4, 2022 after the close of business on Friday evening. It still showed the IWS status from November 1, 2022. It changed status to "issued" over the weekend.


Im happy for you man. I’m in Ontario as well. My application was received an August 15th and CC was charged October 14th. I’m still on the “we have completed the initial review”. These Ontario timelines make zero sense
 
Hi all,

my application was recieved on June 2, i've called multiple times and they told me it has been sent to the CFO ontario. Does anyone know how long it will take? my friend whose application was recieved in September was approved and issued last week. Im so mad right now lol...

if anyone has any insight please respond.
 
Hi all,

my application was recieved on June 2, i've called multiple times and they told me it has been sent to the CFO ontario. Does anyone know how long it will take? my friend whose application was recieved in September was approved and issued last week. Im so mad right now lol...

if anyone has any insight please respond.

I can imagine the frustration. Absolutely no consistency in how things are being handled. Seems like Ontario is grossly inconsistent.

IWS is down this afternoon due to application error. You will get this after you enter all your info and try to submit to see what current status of your applications
 
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really frusturating i dont know what to do..i emailed the CFO today asking if there is any additional info they are looking for. tried calling the X7503 no answer.
 
BC Applicant

Application Received Sep 20, 2022

CC Charge Nov 07,2022

IWS Current status: We have completed the initial review of your firearms licence application. If additional information is required, you will be contacted. Please check the status again at a later date.

Fingers Crossed
 
Hi all,

my application was recieved on June 2, i've called multiple times and they told me it has been sent to the CFO ontario. Does anyone know how long it will take? my friend whose application was recieved in September was approved and issued last week. Im so mad right now lol...

if anyone has any insight please respond.

my application was received July and now still keep complete initial review.
 
Well, good news to report...I guess it doesn't hurt to check 7-8 times a day on the IWS website...

I was on my 5th check of IWS this morning, and finally...a change in status!!!

PROVINCE: ONTARIO
APPLICATION TYPE: Restricted endorsement upgrade (original PAL issued almost 20 years ago)
APPLICATION RECEIVED VIA FEDEX TRACKING NUMBER: September 21, 2022
DATE OF CHANGE IN IWS STATUS: November 8, 2022
DATE IWS SHOWS AS APPLICATION RECEIVED: September 21, 2022 (so they do backdate it to when they actually received it)
CURRENT STATUS: Initial Review Completed (on November 8, 2022)
CREDIT CARD CHARGED (RCMP-CFP GRC-PCAF): November 8, 2022
 
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