Shorten PAL Approval Times

Did you actually call the BC CFO (with extension number) or just the 1-800 number? I'm in a similar boat at 90 days. I called with the extension number and talked to the agent and she told me that my application was just "sitting there" and that she has now assigned it to an officer to review it. Hopefully that gets things going.

Called the actual extension number. They say every time that it is in final review with the CFO and that depending on his "work load" it may still be a while.
 
So I just got approved for a PAL myself. Here's how it went down.


PAL type:
Non-Restricted & Restricted
Province: British Columbia

June 23-25: CRFSC taken & completed
June 27: Application sent by registered mail to Miramichi, NB

July 02: Application successfully delivered
July 05: Nothing actually happened; this was the "official" date the CFP received my application

July 23:
  • By this point, I wasn't really paying attention to my PAL application at all. I was doing some online banking, and reviewing some charges on my credit card
  • $80 was charged to my credit card by the RCMP
  • Checked my application status online at the RCMP website (before July 23, my application status could not be accessed at all, and I would get an "Error 30010")
  • The date the application was received was listed as July 05, even though they actually had it since July 02
  • "Your application has completed initial processing. It is now in progress. Please check the status again at a later date."

July 24-August 12: Didn't do anything because I've been told by a few people that it will take a long time for my application to be approved. I would later learn that what I had done may be stupid.

August 13:
  • Decided to phone the CFP because I was tired of waiting; I was told that I can speed up the process by having a reference call in for an interview.
  • I was told only one reference was required, and I did not have to do an interview myself (I was also told that they're not interviewing applicants at this time).
  • Had one of my references call in with my application number & do the interview.
  • Checked online again immediately after the interview.
  • After logging in, I was asked to confirm my name, phone number, address, date/city of birth, e-mail address
  • After confirming these details, I was taken to a menu with new options
  • Check licence application status: "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"

Total number of days between date received (July 02) and date approved (August 13): 42 days

If I had decided to phone 28 days on the dot, I would probably have my PAL by now. But I don't, because I was being silly.
 
Another update. Phone the bc CFO again today. They informed me they are currently reviewing applications from April. I was also told that it won't be looked at for at least another 4-6 weeks. Not impressed. Hopefully it goes through before the end of deer season.

April! What province are you in? The BC CFO approved my RPAL the day after my reference called in.
 
Question:
Exactly one month since registered mail received. (Ontario)
status:
Current Status: Your application has been received. It is currently being processed. You have been, or will be contacted either by phone or by mail for additional information. Please check the status again at a later date.


Should I get my references to call in using the application number or do I need to speak with them first and get a specific contact or extension?
Thanks

Call in and check whether your application was filled out completely. Get your application number so that your reference can call in. Have your reference call in.

You have to be active in this process, otherwise they just drag their feet.
 
April! What province are you in? The BC CFO approved my RPAL the day after my reference called in.

I'm in bc. I told him I knew of multiple people that had sent there's in and have it in hand already. He said there's must have been out through automatically. He thinks there must be some sort of hiccup with mine. I have no criminal record. I have struggled with depression in the past, he says that's probably why it taking so long. Would have been quicker to just not put that info on the application seeing as they automatically approve them.
 
I'm in bc. I told him I knew of multiple people that had sent there's in and have it in hand already. He said there's must have been out through automatically. He thinks there must be some sort of hiccup with mine. I have no criminal record. I have struggled with depression in the past, he says that's probably why it taking so long. Would have been quicker to just not put that info on the application seeing as they automatically approve them.

that'll do it... and no it is a criminal offense to lie on the application.
 
I did exactly everything that was said in here and I just called and was told that I have a license and that is will be printed and mail out to me tomorrow total time it took was 36 days from mailing it in.
 
Yes both PAL and RPAL

I'm at 78 days since they received it. Apparently it didn't get the the CFO until June 28th. That is their justification. They told me to call in 3 weeks, I called in two. They then told me to call in a week, which is next week. The lady said she'd send an email to the SK CFO, and ask him to look at it. So it seems hopeful, but who knows.
 
I'm at 78 days since they received it. Apparently it didn't get the the CFO until June 28th. That is their justification. They told me to call in 3 weeks, I called in two. They then told me to call in a week, which is next week. The lady said she'd send an email to the SK CFO, and ask him to look at it. So it seems hopeful, but who knows.

I'd call and talk to the CFO myself. 78 days is ridiculous.
 
I'm at 78 days since they received it. Apparently it didn't get the the CFO until June 28th. That is their justification. They told me to call in 3 weeks, I called in two. They then told me to call in a week, which is next week. The lady said she'd send an email to the SK CFO, and ask him to look at it. So it seems hopeful, but who knows.

Well I hope you receive your soon.
 
I'm at 78 days since they received it. Apparently it didn't get the the CFO until June 28th. That is their justification. They told me to call in 3 weeks, I called in two. They then told me to call in a week, which is next week. The lady said she'd send an email to the SK CFO, and ask him to look at it. So it seems hopeful, but who knows.


good luck next week lol
 
I'm at 78 days since they received it. Apparently it didn't get the the CFO until June 28th. That is their justification. They told me to call in 3 weeks, I called in two. They then told me to call in a week, which is next week. The lady said she'd send an email to the SK CFO, and ask him to look at it. So it seems hopeful, but who knows.

Good luck and I hope next week you will get approved.
 
I'd call and talk to the CFO myself. 78 days is ridiculous.

The number I found redirects to the CFC. The lady confirmed that is the case. They take the calls. She can transfer me, but not until the 90 day mark. She was nice, and helpful. It is what it is. Trying to force this process is a waste of energy. Being persistant certainly helps.
 
The number I found redirects to the CFC. The lady confirmed that is the case. They take the calls. She can transfer me, but not until the 90 day mark. She was nice, and helpful. It is what it is. Trying to force this process is a waste of energy. Being persistant certainly helps.


total BS from whomever you spoke with
 
Four months and counting...they didn't like my picture so I guess that put me in the slow pile. I'm (trying) to upgrade from a POL to a PAL. I initially got misinformation from the RCMP about what information was required. They stated on the phone that "...this is basically being treated like a renewal...so new references would not be required." That turned out to be incorrect - they want references again to go from a POL to a PAL. That likely put me to the bottom of the pile again.

I'm waiting for them to find another missing flyspeck. One would think the POL - PAL upgrade could be streamlined a little as clearly the applicant has been a firearms owner for several years, they have already spoken to references about your character. You send them the documents stating you passed a safety course...So rubberstamp PAL -what's the problem?
 
-mailed july 2nd
-received july 8th
-available on web August 1st
-credit card charged August 1st
-called in August 7th in the morning, told one reference needs to call in to complete the process and then it will be sent to Ontario CFO
-reference called in August 7th afternoon
-checked online after reference called in. Application has been processed and license has been issued. should receive within 2 weeks.

It also shows my license number, does this mean I can order something online with this number now?


Received August 15
 
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