PAL Wait Time

Ontario resident here. Just wanted to share my timeline:

Note: Answered yes to question 16. d). I have been diagnosed with depression a long time ago.

Application received: August 18, 2022
Credit card charged: October 17, 2022
Called CFO on December 15, 2022: in the queue to be picked up by the next available officer, might take up to 9 months, might send me a medical form in the mail that needs to be signed by my doctor.
Called CFO again on February 2, 2022: it can take up to 9 months, be patient and do not call back before May 18, 2023

From what I read here it might take over a year. I just wish they sent me the medical form sooner because getting free time from my doctor would take a while.
 
My timeline in Ontario by regular mail just non Restricted also no references called

Feb 21st did the CFSC
about March 19 got my papers from the course ( can't remember that date exactly but somewhere around there )
filled out my paperwork mailed it on April 4th , they received it on the 6th
got a call on on May 5th for a payment issue ( got that cleared up ) and they finished the initial review
and today May 10th : Your application has been processed and your license has been issued
 
I've only had refrences called when I first got my licence never for renewals.

I'm talking about online application. There seems to be less chance of reference calling.

If they ever ask for references for RPAL renewal, tell them your first application references all died and you have no friends & family.
 
That's good to know, since I applied online. I have a clean criminal record, not even tickets, unless you count that one time I had to file a police report for being victim of theft.

I also put "no" to all those 6 questions, even to the question "Have you ever threatened or attempted suicide..." because I knew medical records were confidential and I never got the police involved with it.

Then I made sure I used my passport so that they could verify me faster, because PAL and passport office are handled by the same federal government. My references also signed in using their banking credentials instead of creating a GCKey. The RCMP should be able to verify the validity of the reference info more easily but this is all speculation.
 
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Here’s my current timing (in Ontario):

CFSC completed - March 25
Certified test results received from FSESO - April 24
PAL application submitted online - April 25
Reference checks and photo guarantor check completed, initial review completed and credit card charged - April 26
PAL issued - some distant point in the future….

Minor update - apparently, my digital photo wasn't acceptable for my online application (too dark), even though I followed all of the instructions. Received a letter this week requesting a hardcopy photo, which I've sent back. That is probably going to add at least another two weeks to the review and approval of my PAL...
 
Alberta applied online April 17, just checked my status 2 minutes ago, license has been processed and issued, and should receive my card in 2 weeks.

Does anyone know the number I can try to call to get my PAL number before the plastic arrives?
 
Minor update - apparently, my digital photo wasn't acceptable for my online application (too dark), even though I followed all of the instructions. Received a letter this week requesting a hardcopy photo, which I've sent back. That is probably going to add at least another two weeks to the review and approval of my PAL...

Which address is it asking to send it back? The Ontario CFO office or the Miramichi address?
 
So, my PAL was approved and issued on May 5. I had emailed the Chief Firearms Office of Ontario asking if I could get my number and the expiry while I wait for the card. Someone named Kam responded and told me there was a delay in printing the cards due to the strike and he never answered my question about getting the number and expiry in the meantime. I just left it at that. It has been 12 days since I was approved so if nothing shows up by end of week I will call them for an update.
 
I haven't got my card yet it was issued in April I'm exactly 4 weeks today since it was issued I called last week and apparently they had printer issues and installed a new one
 
Hey everyone! Ontario resident here.
My timeline, sent online PAL only:

Completed the course sometime February 2023
Application received by March 12 2023
Application “completed initial processing” close to the end of March
Still no approval


I had clicked yes to having depression a long while back and seeing a psychologist literally once just for some peace of mind and was sent on my way. Gave them a little description as to why aswell. Also Did the course with a friend(submitted 2 days before me) that had an assault charge in his past and he got his liscence issued in 30 days exactly. I’m sitting at about 66 days now. Never been charged or arrested. But I also have a freind that submitted his RPAL and PAL Jan 30 2023 and he’s also still at the “initial Processing complete”. I know we’re not the only ones in this boat but damn. Haha
 
I haven't got my card yet it was issued in April I'm exactly 4 weeks today since it was issued I called last week and apparently they had printer issues and installed a new one

Seems like their printers go down all the time. For something that we actually pay for, we get abysmal service.
 
Just saw on RCMP site my licence has been issued and in the mail. Sent it January. I emailed my chief firearms officer last week and got it this week. Not sure if they helped or just coincidence.

How long exactly did you wait? I’m at about 67 days in Ontario. Submitted mine March 12
 
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