Shorten PAL Approval Times
- Thread starter calalta
- Start date
- Location
- Lost Somewhere in Time
PAL & RPAL
Jan 03, 2017 Signed Up For PAL Course
Feb 17, 2017 PAL Course
Feb 18, 2017 Pal Exam Passed
Feb 18, 2017 Signed Up For Restricted PAL Course
Mar 06, 2017 CFSC Results Verified by CFO (Ontario)
Mar 21, 2017 Restricted PAL Course
Mar 22, 2017 Restricted PAL Exam Passed
Apr 03, 2017 References Signed Application
Apr 20, 2017 CRFSC Results Verified by CFO (Ontario)
Apr 20, 2017 Application Sent Registered Mail
Apr 28, 2017 Contacted Can Post re Delivery
May 05, 2017 Application Received by RCMP
June 06, 2017 Called in. Told to wait a week.
June 07, 2017 Application Showed up Online
June 07, 2017 Credit Card Charged
June 07, 2017 Called in & was told that photo was being scanned
June 07, 2017 Told to have one reference call in
June 07, 2017 Reference called in. Interview completed .
June 08, 2017 Called in. Told application was with Ont CFO
June 12, 2017 Called in, Issue with the photo
June 19, 2017 Received letter requsting new photo
June 19, 2017 New photo taken @ Shoppers Drug
June 20, 2017 Photo Guarantor signed
June 21, 2017 Sent new photo CanPost expedited @12 PM
June 23, 2017 New photo received @ RCMP @ 14:07
July 07, 2017 Initial processing completed again as per website
UPDATE: It seems that if the application has any problems, it goes
through the same initial process as before. From talking with the call
centre guy it seems that the mail is not opened as it is received, but
in a batch during the first week of the month. Very important there
are no errors on the app and that the photo is up to specs. Bassically
I was delayed a month because of the photo: they could not see my
eyes. I am hoping that the PAL/RPAL gets issued next week
Jan 03, 2017 Signed Up For PAL Course
Feb 17, 2017 PAL Course
Feb 18, 2017 Pal Exam Passed
Feb 18, 2017 Signed Up For Restricted PAL Course
Mar 06, 2017 CFSC Results Verified by CFO (Ontario)
Mar 21, 2017 Restricted PAL Course
Mar 22, 2017 Restricted PAL Exam Passed
Apr 03, 2017 References Signed Application
Apr 20, 2017 CRFSC Results Verified by CFO (Ontario)
Apr 20, 2017 Application Sent Registered Mail
Apr 28, 2017 Contacted Can Post re Delivery
May 05, 2017 Application Received by RCMP
June 06, 2017 Called in. Told to wait a week.
June 07, 2017 Application Showed up Online
June 07, 2017 Credit Card Charged
June 07, 2017 Called in & was told that photo was being scanned
June 07, 2017 Told to have one reference call in
June 07, 2017 Reference called in. Interview completed .
June 08, 2017 Called in. Told application was with Ont CFO
June 12, 2017 Called in, Issue with the photo
June 19, 2017 Received letter requsting new photo
June 19, 2017 New photo taken @ Shoppers Drug
June 20, 2017 Photo Guarantor signed
June 21, 2017 Sent new photo CanPost expedited @12 PM
June 23, 2017 New photo received @ RCMP @ 14:07
July 07, 2017 Initial processing completed again as per website
UPDATE: It seems that if the application has any problems, it goes
through the same initial process as before. From talking with the call
centre guy it seems that the mail is not opened as it is received, but
in a batch during the first week of the month. Very important there
are no errors on the app and that the photo is up to specs. Bassically
I was delayed a month because of the photo: they could not see my
eyes. I am hoping that the PAL/RPAL gets issued next week
PeteyThePistol
Member
- Location
- Third Rock from the Sun
Hello everyone! First time poster.
A family member and I both took the CFSC (non-restricted only) and will be applying for our PALs. We're in Ontario, and I've read through the forums and saw some horror stories regarding the wait times for the FSESO stamped results to come back. Is the "incomplete application method" to get the clock ticking a tried and true way to reduce the wait time for our PAL approval? Or is that just likely to annoy a bureaucrat and have our applications sidelined and put on the back burner?
A family member and I both took the CFSC (non-restricted only) and will be applying for our PALs. We're in Ontario, and I've read through the forums and saw some horror stories regarding the wait times for the FSESO stamped results to come back. Is the "incomplete application method" to get the clock ticking a tried and true way to reduce the wait time for our PAL approval? Or is that just likely to annoy a bureaucrat and have our applications sidelined and put on the back burner?
- Location
- Lost Somewhere in Time
I took my PAL on Feb 18, 2017 and got the course results back on Mar 6. Slightly different for the RPAL, course completed on Mar22 and received the results back on April 20. This is from the Ontario CFO. See my last post, just before your first post for the complete timeline so far. Still waiting for the license. Draw your own conclusions.
PeteyThePistol
Member
- Location
- Third Rock from the Sun
Judging by what you've written there, it seems you should have it soon.
Mine was delivered to the RCMP on June 8th (33 days ago). Still no charge on credit card and nothing on the application status website. Getting anxious, as I'm hoping to get some sporting in this summer before work gets crazy in the fall. But from the sounds of it my timeline is still well within normal, as they do say minimum 28 days, with a service standard of 45. I'll probably call if nothing shows up after 40 days or so.
I mailed my non-restricted application on June 1st from Calgary with no tracking (stupid mistake) and I don't see my application online either. I was going to wait until Friday before I called to see if it would pop up online.
I agree that it seems to be well within the time frame as previous posts, so I'm not overly worried, just anxious like you haha.
End to End timeline to owning restricted firearm from scratch
Finally -
April 4 - PAL / RPAL application sent (regular mail)
April 10 - Arrived at Miramichi
May 10 - Credit card charged and showed up online (this is where it showed arrived April 10)
May 10 - Had one reference call in for interview
May 11 - Called in to see if anything else required was told all good and application was being sent to photo department
June 9 - Called in requesting an update - spoke with a nice lady who put me on hold and came back after a bit saying it's with AB CFO for final approval.
June 12 - Checked online - "Your application has been processed and your license has been issued"... if not received by mail in 2 weeks call back...
Note: had checked yes for job loss in the past 2 years - included a note saying that it was amicable and I'm happily looking for new employment. No criminal record and had FAC years ago.
June 20 - Received license in the mail. Ran down to local range and purchased restricted firearm. Retailer calls into firearms office to initiate transfer of ownership using my PAL # while range fax's my new membership to AB CFO same day.
June 23 - Call firearms line and request an update on transfer to buyer approval - am told it's in progress but can take anywhere from 10 days to a couple weeks on a first time restricted. They ask if I would like it to be emailed to me once approved which I say "yes please" and they add that note to my file.
June 26 - I receive a letter in the mail from AB CFO stating that the transfer to buyer can't be completed till I prove that I'm either a target shooter or collector.
June 26 - Call AB CFO to reiterate that range membership was faxed to their office on the 20th. Am told they are just getting to faxes from the 19th and should be looking at faxes from the 20th in the next day or 3.
June 28 - Receive transfer to buyer approval notification by email. Picked up firearm from retailer same day and am reminded that this is simply to allow me to take the pistol home. I need to wait for registration certificate by mail before I can transport it back to the range.
July 6 - Received new PAL - RPAL with .0002 on the end along with new paper conditions that include authorization to transport to range, peace officer, gun show or for repair.
July 11 - Received registration certificate which I will photocopy and carry with the pistol and RPAL to and from the range
All in all from the time I started this process, sitting down in a classroom to take the classes it took just over 3 months to be fully licensed and have all my paperwork for lawfully possessing and transporting a restricted firearm. Anybody that says it's way too easy for someone to own restricted firearms in Canada isn't fully aware of how it works. At the end of the day, I'm happy to have taken the courses and gone through this process. I think there are some efficiencies that could be implemented but overall appreciate all the hard work of the people involved and what it takes to have this come together. Feels good knowing that my fellow enthusiasts are equally responsible, licensed and trained and that we are working together to keep this a safe activity.
Cheers Canadiangunnutz
Finally -
April 4 - PAL / RPAL application sent (regular mail)
April 10 - Arrived at Miramichi
May 10 - Credit card charged and showed up online (this is where it showed arrived April 10)
May 10 - Had one reference call in for interview
May 11 - Called in to see if anything else required was told all good and application was being sent to photo department
June 9 - Called in requesting an update - spoke with a nice lady who put me on hold and came back after a bit saying it's with AB CFO for final approval.
June 12 - Checked online - "Your application has been processed and your license has been issued"... if not received by mail in 2 weeks call back...
Note: had checked yes for job loss in the past 2 years - included a note saying that it was amicable and I'm happily looking for new employment. No criminal record and had FAC years ago.
June 20 - Received license in the mail. Ran down to local range and purchased restricted firearm. Retailer calls into firearms office to initiate transfer of ownership using my PAL # while range fax's my new membership to AB CFO same day.
June 23 - Call firearms line and request an update on transfer to buyer approval - am told it's in progress but can take anywhere from 10 days to a couple weeks on a first time restricted. They ask if I would like it to be emailed to me once approved which I say "yes please" and they add that note to my file.
June 26 - I receive a letter in the mail from AB CFO stating that the transfer to buyer can't be completed till I prove that I'm either a target shooter or collector.
June 26 - Call AB CFO to reiterate that range membership was faxed to their office on the 20th. Am told they are just getting to faxes from the 19th and should be looking at faxes from the 20th in the next day or 3.
June 28 - Receive transfer to buyer approval notification by email. Picked up firearm from retailer same day and am reminded that this is simply to allow me to take the pistol home. I need to wait for registration certificate by mail before I can transport it back to the range.
July 6 - Received new PAL - RPAL with .0002 on the end along with new paper conditions that include authorization to transport to range, peace officer, gun show or for repair.
July 11 - Received registration certificate which I will photocopy and carry with the pistol and RPAL to and from the range
All in all from the time I started this process, sitting down in a classroom to take the classes it took just over 3 months to be fully licensed and have all my paperwork for lawfully possessing and transporting a restricted firearm. Anybody that says it's way too easy for someone to own restricted firearms in Canada isn't fully aware of how it works. At the end of the day, I'm happy to have taken the courses and gone through this process. I think there are some efficiencies that could be implemented but overall appreciate all the hard work of the people involved and what it takes to have this come together. Feels good knowing that my fellow enthusiasts are equally responsible, licensed and trained and that we are working together to keep this a safe activity.
Cheers Canadiangunnutz
PeteyThePistol
Member
- Location
- Third Rock from the Sun
Congrats!
- Location
- Lost Somewhere in Time
AL & RPAL
Jan 03, 2017 Signed Up For PAL Course
Feb 17, 2017 PAL Course
Feb 18, 2017 Pal Exam Passed
Feb 18, 2017 Signed Up For Restricted PAL Course
Mar 06, 2017 CFSC Results Verified by CFO (Ontario)
Mar 21, 2017 Restricted PAL Course
Mar 22, 2017 Restricted PAL Exam Passed
Apr 03, 2017 References Signed Application
Apr 20, 2017 CRFSC Results Verified by CFO (Ontario)
Apr 20, 2017 Application Sent Registered Mail
Apr 28, 2017 Contacted Can Post re Delivery
May 05, 2017 Application Received by RCMP
June 06, 2017 Called in. Told to wait a week.
June 07, 2017 Application Showed up Online
June 07, 2017 Credit Card Charged
June 07, 2017 Called in & was told that photo was being scanned
June 07, 2017 Told to have one reference call in
June 07, 2017 Reference called in. Interview completed .
June 08, 2017 Called in. Told application was with Ont CFO
June 12, 2017 Called in, Issue with the photo
June 19, 2017 Received letter requsting new photo
June 19, 2017 New photo taken @ Shoppers Drug
June 20, 2017 Photo Guarantor signed
June 21, 2017 Sent new photo CanPost expedited @12 PM
June 23, 2017 New photo received @ RCMP @ 14:07
July 07, 2017 Initial processing completed again as per website
July 12, 2017 Application has been processed and issued
Update: License finally issued. I just have to wait for CanPost to deliver it. Hopefully next week.
Jan 03, 2017 Signed Up For PAL Course
Feb 17, 2017 PAL Course
Feb 18, 2017 Pal Exam Passed
Feb 18, 2017 Signed Up For Restricted PAL Course
Mar 06, 2017 CFSC Results Verified by CFO (Ontario)
Mar 21, 2017 Restricted PAL Course
Mar 22, 2017 Restricted PAL Exam Passed
Apr 03, 2017 References Signed Application
Apr 20, 2017 CRFSC Results Verified by CFO (Ontario)
Apr 20, 2017 Application Sent Registered Mail
Apr 28, 2017 Contacted Can Post re Delivery
May 05, 2017 Application Received by RCMP
June 06, 2017 Called in. Told to wait a week.
June 07, 2017 Application Showed up Online
June 07, 2017 Credit Card Charged
June 07, 2017 Called in & was told that photo was being scanned
June 07, 2017 Told to have one reference call in
June 07, 2017 Reference called in. Interview completed .
June 08, 2017 Called in. Told application was with Ont CFO
June 12, 2017 Called in, Issue with the photo
June 19, 2017 Received letter requsting new photo
June 19, 2017 New photo taken @ Shoppers Drug
June 20, 2017 Photo Guarantor signed
June 21, 2017 Sent new photo CanPost expedited @12 PM
June 23, 2017 New photo received @ RCMP @ 14:07
July 07, 2017 Initial processing completed again as per website
July 12, 2017 Application has been processed and issued
Update: License finally issued. I just have to wait for CanPost to deliver it. Hopefully next week.
Update:
Now I can officially start writing my time frame break down,
May 27 - completed non-restricted safety course
May 29 - had photo taken at Walmart
May 30-31 - had references and photo guarantor sign application and photo
June 1 - Mailed in application regular mail with no tracking
June 6 - Application received (as per online)
July 13 - Cheque cleared and application shows up online (initial processing is complete)
So now I think I'm going to call in and see if they need my references to call or not (non-restricted license only). I had a check mark on the recently separated section and have an attached letter stating my situation. Also my ex didn't agree to sign the application (oh well). So I have a feeling they will want references.
Now I'm getting pretty excited/nervous (I really hope I don't get denied)
Now I can officially start writing my time frame break down,
May 27 - completed non-restricted safety course
May 29 - had photo taken at Walmart
May 30-31 - had references and photo guarantor sign application and photo
June 1 - Mailed in application regular mail with no tracking
June 6 - Application received (as per online)
July 13 - Cheque cleared and application shows up online (initial processing is complete)
So now I think I'm going to call in and see if they need my references to call or not (non-restricted license only). I had a check mark on the recently separated section and have an attached letter stating my situation. Also my ex didn't agree to sign the application (oh well). So I have a feeling they will want references.
Now I'm getting pretty excited/nervous (I really hope I don't get denied)
- Location
- Alliston, Ontario
My timeline so far (Ontario)
may 7 - CFSC course
may 18 - CRFSC course
May 29 - Xpresspost application w/o cfsc/crfsc proofs (also realized this was possible today)
June 5 - Canada post delivers in Miramichi "within delivery standard"
July 11 9:29am - credit card is charged 80$
July 11 9:40am - Application appears online requiring more information, call in asked to fax proof of CFSC/CRFSC
July 11 12:30 pm - fax finally goes through
July 12 9:45 am - Status changes to in progress online, call in, told to have reference call
July 12 2:30 pm - Reference called in
July 13 11:30 am -Called in told "we are in final stages of processing application, we dont require any further information at this time"
July 17 - Received a letter from RCMP asking for my CFSC/CRFSC proof, with excessive amounts of highlighting
July 20 - Called in for update, said its with Ontario CFO, and could take up to 5-6 more weeks :-/
July 27 - Called for update, Still with CFO, she suggested it hasnt been there terribly long so it should be back in a week or two. Better than 5-6 at least.
Aug 1 9:01:05 am - Your application has been processed and your licence has been issued.
Aug 8 - PAL arrives in mail, I do a dance, and go pick up my rifle.
Note: Had indicated yes to history of depression & included a signed note from my physician to that effect.
One tip is to put a alert on your credit card for charges > 70$ (for rpal) or 50 for pal, so that you get an email as soon as they charge you.
may 7 - CFSC course
may 18 - CRFSC course
May 29 - Xpresspost application w/o cfsc/crfsc proofs (also realized this was possible today)
June 5 - Canada post delivers in Miramichi "within delivery standard"
July 11 9:29am - credit card is charged 80$
July 11 9:40am - Application appears online requiring more information, call in asked to fax proof of CFSC/CRFSC
July 11 12:30 pm - fax finally goes through
July 12 9:45 am - Status changes to in progress online, call in, told to have reference call
July 12 2:30 pm - Reference called in
July 13 11:30 am -Called in told "we are in final stages of processing application, we dont require any further information at this time"
July 17 - Received a letter from RCMP asking for my CFSC/CRFSC proof, with excessive amounts of highlighting
July 20 - Called in for update, said its with Ontario CFO, and could take up to 5-6 more weeks :-/
July 27 - Called for update, Still with CFO, she suggested it hasnt been there terribly long so it should be back in a week or two. Better than 5-6 at least.
Aug 1 9:01:05 am - Your application has been processed and your licence has been issued.
Aug 8 - PAL arrives in mail, I do a dance, and go pick up my rifle.
Note: Had indicated yes to history of depression & included a signed note from my physician to that effect.
One tip is to put a alert on your credit card for charges > 70$ (for rpal) or 50 for pal, so that you get an email as soon as they charge you.
Last edited:
Here is my time line.
May 29/ 30- Take and pass CFSC and CRFSC
June 3 - application sent
June 8- application arrived
July 13- application showed up online as completed initial processing. Called in and was told to have 1 reference call in. The lady at the CFC call center tried to tell me that because they just started processing it today my 28 day minimum waiting period begins today. I tried to correct her but she just repeated that my 28 day wait begins today. I didn't feel like arguing with her so I just let her believe that. I guess we will see.
May 29/ 30- Take and pass CFSC and CRFSC
June 3 - application sent
June 8- application arrived
July 13- application showed up online as completed initial processing. Called in and was told to have 1 reference call in. The lady at the CFC call center tried to tell me that because they just started processing it today my 28 day minimum waiting period begins today. I tried to correct her but she just repeated that my 28 day wait begins today. I didn't feel like arguing with her so I just let her believe that. I guess we will see.
Hi ae92,
Should be interesting when ex's are involved, I can understand why they would be looking to flag this type of circumstance but at the same time just because your relationship didn't work out and she (he?) isn't someone you get along with doesn't necessarily mean you're out to harm them by getting a firearm. Please keep us posted, curious how they'll handle this (my guess is you might have to wait a few weeks or even a couple of months longer than usual - being you're in Alberta you can see my timeline in this thread and see if it's in or around the same length).
Good luck (waiting is the definitely the hardest part
)Here is my Timeline...(Ontario)
April 22, Made up my mind and decided to take the courses. Signed up with Buckeye.
April 25-26, PAL and RPAL classes at Buckeye (great place BTW)
May 16, Course results come in the mail.
May 18, Mailed in application (Express-post)
May 23, Application received by RCMP
June 27, Showed up online, credit card billed.
June29, Called in and told everything was in order only needed 1 reference to call.
July 6, Shows online as "processed and issued" (45 days from receipt)
July 13, License arrives in mail.
I'm now looking forward to being a responsible Canadian.
April 22, Made up my mind and decided to take the courses. Signed up with Buckeye.
April 25-26, PAL and RPAL classes at Buckeye (great place BTW)
May 16, Course results come in the mail.
May 18, Mailed in application (Express-post)
May 23, Application received by RCMP
June 27, Showed up online, credit card billed.
June29, Called in and told everything was in order only needed 1 reference to call.
July 6, Shows online as "processed and issued" (45 days from receipt)
July 13, License arrives in mail.
I'm now looking forward to being a responsible Canadian.
Hi ae92,
Should be interesting when ex's are involved, I can understand why they would be looking to flag this type of circumstance but at the same time just because your relationship didn't work out and she (he?) isn't someone you get along with doesn't necessarily mean you're out to harm them by getting a firearm. Please keep us posted, curious how they'll handle this (my guess is you might have to wait a few weeks or even a couple of months longer than usual - being you're in Alberta you can see my timeline in this thread and see if it's in or around the same length).
Good luck (waiting is the definitely the hardest part
I have a small update,
I called in yesterday and asked if the application was complete and if there was any other information they needed from me. They told me the application looked good and that the photo was just being processed. I asked if I should tell my references that they should be expecting a call from the RCMP in regards to my application, and the very nice lady told me "at this point my references do not need to be contacted". Hearing this shocked me honestly.
I have been separated from my wife for over a year now. I have no criminal record... I haven't even had a speeding ticket in 10 years. That said, my ex refused to sign the application. I'll keep you guys posted when I get updates.
- Location
- Alliston, Ontario
I was bored and decided to create a small app to monitor my applications status via the RCMP's website, it will send me an hourly SMS + an sms if the status ever changes.
https://i.imgur.com/QcFwqho.png
If there is any interest in this I can post it up on github, I'm pretty sure its against their terms of service but its no different than hitting f5 every few minutes.
https://i.imgur.com/QcFwqho.png
If there is any interest in this I can post it up on github, I'm pretty sure its against their terms of service but its no different than hitting f5 every few minutes.
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
Well I've FINALLY got my PAL! I'm from B.C. and here's my timeline.
Dec 22nd, Completed PAL/RPAL with results given at the end of class.
Dec 28th, Sent to Miramichi via Registered Mail.
Jan 3rd, Received by Miramichi.
Feb 2nd, Application showed up online.
Feb 3rd, References called.
Feb 4th, Application in Progress.
July 17th, License issued.
I haven't received my license yet, (It has only been a day) but was pretty excited to be able to say I finally got it.
I also called once a month from Feb to July with the most recent call being on July 13th. Had I not been a bit more firm with the last phone call I don't think it would have been issued so soon, but I was polite and explained my situation, but stressed the time I've waited and the circumstances at hand(Moving to a new province and hunting season coming up)
Thankfully I live with my brother who has his PAL and has helped jump start my collection ahead of time.
Dec 22nd, Completed PAL/RPAL with results given at the end of class.
Dec 28th, Sent to Miramichi via Registered Mail.
Jan 3rd, Received by Miramichi.
Feb 2nd, Application showed up online.
Feb 3rd, References called.
Feb 4th, Application in Progress.
July 17th, License issued.
I haven't received my license yet, (It has only been a day) but was pretty excited to be able to say I finally got it.
I also called once a month from Feb to July with the most recent call being on July 13th. Had I not been a bit more firm with the last phone call I don't think it would have been issued so soon, but I was polite and explained my situation, but stressed the time I've waited and the circumstances at hand(Moving to a new province and hunting season coming up)
Thankfully I live with my brother who has his PAL and has helped jump start my collection ahead of time.
