PAL Wait Time

I'm an Ontario resident. Thought id share my timeline for getting me PAL. I'd recommend new applicants really go over their application with a fine tooth comb as missing any information can really slow down the approval time.
Timeline:

Nov 09, 2022 - Mailed application
Dec 09, 2022 - RCMP charge my CC
Dec 09, 2022 - Application “completed initial processing”
May 24, 2023 - Mailed the CFO and ask about my status,
May 25, 2023 -They replied and said it’s approved.
May 25, 2023 - Message appears online: “Your application has been processed and your licence has been issued. If you have not received your licence within 2 weeks please contact the Canada Firearms Center Toll Free number. (1-800 731-4000)”
May 30, 2023 - Still waiting
June 05, 2023 - Received the PAL

They said they are currently experiencing a 3 week backlog for printing. I'll edit this post once received in the mail. If other ontario applicants can provide their rough timing of how long it took from being approved to receiving their card in the mail that'd be appreciated.
 
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Anyone know the current wait times in New brunswick

Firearms / hunters safety courses completed = 4/11/2023
Application filled out online / received = 4/19/2023
Credit card charged = 4/19/2023
References confirmed = 4/19/2023
Current status = "We have completed the initial review of your firearms license application. If additional information is required, you will be contacted. Please check the status again at a later date."
Sent email to CFO 5/31/2023
 
f8tesuqs said:
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….
Click to expand...

Updated PAL processing/timing:

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
Letter received claiming digital photo not acceptable (shadows); requested hardcopy passport-style photo to be sent - May 15
Sent back a passport style photo to Miramichi, NB - May 15
Called RCMP CFP to see if photo was received (said it wasn't in the system) - May 29

I was told to call back in 2-4 weeks for an update. Personally, I think my digital photo submitted on April 25 was fine and met all of the criteria in the application, and this is just a delay tactic. No boxes checked in my application.
 
PAL/RPAL wait time

Exciting News - Approval of My PAL/RPAL License Application from Ontario via mail.
Applied on January 2023
Payment on February 2023
Email sent to CFO on May 28
License was approved on June 2nd.
Calls were made 5

Dear friends,

I hope this message finds you all well. I am delighted to share some exciting news with you - my PAL/RPAL license application has been approved! After a wait filled with anticipation and occasional disappointment, I received the long-awaited confirmation today, June 2nd. For the past four months and twelve days, I have eagerly awaited this moment.

Acquiring the PAL/RPAL license was an important step for me to engage in responsible firearm ownership and participate in shooting activities legally and safely. It required dedication, perseverance, and adherence to all the necessary regulations and requirements set by the Canadian Firearms Act.

While the waiting period was longer than anticipated, I am thankful for the improvements being made to streamline the application process. My experience has highlighted the significance of providing feedback to help enhance the system for future applicants.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief Firearms Office for their diligence and professionalism in processing my application. Their approval reflects their commitment to ensuring responsible gun ownership while prioritizing safety and security.

I look forward to sharing my passion for firearms responsibly and participating in shooting activities within the bounds of the law. Should you have any questions or wish to learn more about my experiences, I am more than happy to discuss it further.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and understanding during this journey. I am grateful to have friends like you who have stood by me every step of the way.

Warm regards,
Ghost
 
Since the license is approved I’m looking forward to purchas a good weapon. Right now I’m confused between 3-4 rifles.

I believe you guys are also doing your delicate research on guns.

If you have any suggestions or idea please brief me.

Crusader Arms Temp- 5.56
Lockhart Tactical- Raven 5.56
Black creek labs: Siberian 5.56
Kodiak Defence: Wk180 gen 2 (5.56)

Please let me know what you think about this list.

Regards,
Ghost
 
Quebec Resident
Course passed in - 23 Jan
File submitted and all references and signatures approved - 12 Feb
File in progress since - 13 Feb 23 until now (June 05)
Contacted - bcafe@surete.qc.ca told me delay is because they received by copy of hunters license very late and now the file is with CFO Quebec.

Update
CFO Quebec office contacted my spouse via call for confirmation and some safety related questions (any obligations she have if any) - 06 June 23

Update 14 June
i just got email from bcafe that license is approved and i should receive in 4 - 6 weeks via mail ,but online still shows same status

Update 15 June
Online Status Updated - 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).So finally after 5 months of waiting i got application approved.
 
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My application was received 28 March 2022.
Paid by money order.
Called June last year. nobody had processed money order.
I did get my place of birth update.
Website updated June last year initial assessment completed.
According to lady on phone waiting for payment to be processed.
Now 1 year later I called no update nothing heard.
Apparently payment has been processed as is now with CFO BC for final security check.
I had pretty much given up all hope it will ever be dealt with.
 
ONTARIO RPAL/PAL RECEIVED

- Applied online .. April 21, 2023
- credit card charged immediately
- references and guarantor emails were received and approved .. April 24
- application submitted successfully .. April 25
- no further messages or updates received online
- received plastic card in mail .. June 5, 2023 .. without any further status updates … the online portal still says “application submitted successfully”

- Total time from start to finish .. 6 Weeks
 
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Quebec Resident
Course passed in - 23 Jan
File submitted and all references and signatures approved - 12 Feb
File in progress since - 13 Feb 23 until now (June 05)
Contacted - bcafe@surete.qc.ca told me delay is because they received by copy of hunters license very late and now the file is with CFO Quebec.

Update
CFO Quebec office contacted my spouse via call for confirmation and some safety related questions (any obligations she have if any) - 06 June 23
 
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Never checked yes to any questions , nothing on my background besides traffic tickets , still playing the waiting game , some people ive talked to it takes 6 to 9 months , some i talk to get it within a few days after the 28 day waiting period ,hard to figure out their logics on whos application they process and how long it takes

Firearms / hunters safety courses completed = 4/11/2023
Application filled out online / Received = 4/19/2023
Credit card charged = 4/19/2023
References confirmed = 4/19/2023
emailed cfo 6/12/2023

"cfo reply
Good Afternoon,
Please be advised that your application could be with our office for one of three reasons; if you answered yes to a personal history question, if there are any administrative errors or if there is a background failure that needs to be addressed. I will advise the Firearms Officer looking at your application that you have contacted our office. If they have any questions for you, they will be in contact with you."
 
My final update on PAL processing/timing:

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
Letter received claiming digital photo not acceptable (shadows); requested hardcopy passport-style photo to be sent - May 15
Sent back a passport style photo to Miramichi, NB - May 15
Called RCMP CFP to see if photo was received (said it wasn't in the system) - May 29
Notification of PAL approval via MyCFP wesbite - June 8

License is on the way and expected to arrive the week of June 19. From application submission to approval took 44 calendar days.
 
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