I am at this point. Just noticed it said license issued last night. Wondering though, why should I call and get my PAL number? Can I use that to purchase a gun without the actual license card? I'm assuming the answer is no. Just wondering why I might want to call and get the number.
Shorten PAL Approval Times
- Thread starter calalta
- Start date
I am at this point. Just noticed it said license issued last night. Wondering though, why should I call and get my PAL number? Can I use that to purchase a gun without the actual license card? I'm assuming the answer is no. Just wondering why I might want to call and get the number.
- Location
- Prince George, BC
Online purchases can be done without the card. The questionable legality comes with possessing the firearms without a valid PAL in hand. I myself have yet to buy any but have confirmed that the purchase can be made with just the number and expiry.
On a side note for those interested. 30 ish days after my application for my RPAL was received I gave my local CFO a call and the lady on the phone was able to approve my application on the spot after a brief 5 minute hold. However, she refused to give me my number over the phone stating that I could not go purchase any firearms without the license in hand. I promptly called the CFC back the next day and the lady there was happy to give me my number and expiry over the phone.
The tips here do work! I had a recent(ish) ex that had to sign off on my application and I forgot to send the details of that separation on a separate piece of paper at first and still was able to get my application approved in 30 ish days. Now just wait for the backlog of printing to catch up to me.
On a side note for those interested. 30 ish days after my application for my RPAL was received I gave my local CFO a call and the lady on the phone was able to approve my application on the spot after a brief 5 minute hold. However, she refused to give me my number over the phone stating that I could not go purchase any firearms without the license in hand. I promptly called the CFC back the next day and the lady there was happy to give me my number and expiry over the phone.
The tips here do work! I had a recent(ish) ex that had to sign off on my application and I forgot to send the details of that separation on a separate piece of paper at first and still was able to get my application approved in 30 ish days. Now just wait for the backlog of printing to catch up to me.
Interesting to look at this thread today, 2.8 million views and 11,000 replies later.
In 2010 it had some good information that was pieced together over time and was not common knowledge.
Figured that I was on the right track when I was told my application was proceeding too quickly.
So I said thanks, waited and called back and got a different reply from someone else.
I suspect that aspect has not changed, but I have not kept track of the current practice so I do not know what is still accurate but I wish everyone good luck with their applications.
In 2010 it had some good information that was pieced together over time and was not common knowledge.
Figured that I was on the right track when I was told my application was proceeding too quickly.
So I said thanks, waited and called back and got a different reply from someone else.
I suspect that aspect has not changed, but I have not kept track of the current practice so I do not know what is still accurate but I wish everyone good luck with their applications.
I sent in my application to upgrade to my rpal about 3 weeks ago and it still isn't showing up online as 'recieved'
I phoned in and the lady on the other line told me my application was probably open in the mail room and I should wait another few weeks before phoning in again.
My pal application was sent in and posted as 'recieved' within a few days, so I'm starting to get worried about my rpal application.
Has anyone else experienced a few week delay in declaring an application as Recieved online?
Has anyone ever had their application lost completely?
Thanks.
I phoned in and the lady on the other line told me my application was probably open in the mail room and I should wait another few weeks before phoning in again.
My pal application was sent in and posted as 'recieved' within a few days, so I'm starting to get worried about my rpal application.
Has anyone else experienced a few week delay in declaring an application as Recieved online?
Has anyone ever had their application lost completely?
Thanks.
For whatever reason, as of today (sept18) my status has been updated to being recieved August 30th. Not sure why it took almost 20 days to show up as being revieved? Thankful that things are in order again though.
Last edited:
- Location
- Prince George, BC
When they finally get to actually opening the mail and logging the information the put the day the mail arrived on the application because that is when your 28 day mandatory waiting period started. 20 days is about average from my experience.
I'm guessing this question has already been asked previously, but with 1100 pages to look through, it may take be days to find the answer, so I figured I would just ask:
In BC, can you send in your application and get the ball rolling before getting your test results from the CFSC, and send them in later? I see that it's a thing in Ontario, but I want to be sure it's also an option in BC before I go ahead an mail it in.
In BC, can you send in your application and get the ball rolling before getting your test results from the CFSC, and send them in later? I see that it's a thing in Ontario, but I want to be sure it's also an option in BC before I go ahead an mail it in.
I bought my first rifle in a store when I was still waiting on my card. Called in for my number. The store owner doubted for a second but he typed in my license number in his computer and asked me the normal questions (birthdate, home address, phone number, birthplace) He could verify in his system that my PAL had been issued and that's all he needs to know to be able to sell
Well, certainly glad I am not the only one feeling the frustration in the system. They received my application July 10, 2017. Still waiting, constantly phoning. After the year mark, it went from call back in another 4-6 weeks, to 6-8 weeks, last call was a very nice lady and her suggested wait time was "just be patient". Yay BC CFO!.....yeah, no, not really. Good luck to all you others in the line.
I'm on the same boat. I took the course early Oct. 2017. I am told to call in every 4-6 weeks and every 30 days, if I call in 30+ days, they'll send a note to the CFO informing them I called. I've gotten all the usual responses. They're busy, they got an influx of applications, they're working on it. The last time I called, I too had a very nice woman. She told me that the CFO does have my application and that new applicants are usually scrutinized more and if they need to confirm information, they might pass it off to different departments to review. I told her I've seen people in the forums get their license recently within a couple months of sending it in. I told her that someone told me I should get a 'writ of mandamus', basically a court order telling the RCMP to give me an answer instead of stalling and taking their sweet time. I told her I don't want it to go to court and all I want to do is go hunting. I've gone through all the hoops to get my hunters number and tags and all that. All I need in my PAL so I can be a responsible person and supply my own gun and ammo and not have to rely on others to supply for me. she told me she will include that in the note to the CFO, and once they read it, they should act on it. If not, call in any time, and call back in 30 days to have another note sent. I'm hoping I get my license in time for duck season, and I'm hoping it doesn't go to court. But in a small way, I'm glad I'm not the only guy on the 2 year boat. Best of luck buddy.
Got mine this past summer, both of my references were PAL/RPAL and PAL/HUNTER holders, no reference call nor did I get a call. Did take a bit longer than expected because of the "printer" issue.
Guess it is the luck of the draw
Guess it is the luck of the draw
Update:
RCMP Received my application Oct 31
CC Charged Nov 4
Application online "In Progress" Nov 4
I'm going to call later today or tomorrow to inquire about any missing information and see if I can do my phone interview. Still got lots of time before the 28 day wait is up, so my fingers are crossed that it will keep moving alone smoothly.
RCMP Received my application Oct 31
CC Charged Nov 4
Application online "In Progress" Nov 4
I'm going to call later today or tomorrow to inquire about any missing information and see if I can do my phone interview. Still got lots of time before the 28 day wait is up, so my fingers are crossed that it will keep moving alone smoothly.
Mainly just calling in to make sure there isn't any missing info in my application. If they want to do an interview on the phone at the same time that is there call. The problem with them calling me, or my references, is that they show up as a blocked number, and most people, including myself, don't answer when the number is blocked, so calling in is the safer bet.
Update:
I received a call today while I was at work from an "unknown" number. It was the CFO requesting I call back when I can. I called back as soon as lunch break started. He wanted to inform me that my application was approved and remind me to keep the peace and be of good nature. Only took 25 months. But I've heard of worse timelines. And it's good to know that the RCMP are actually screening people. So YAY!
I received a call today while I was at work from an "unknown" number. It was the CFO requesting I call back when I can. I called back as soon as lunch break started. He wanted to inform me that my application was approved and remind me to keep the peace and be of good nature. Only took 25 months. But I've heard of worse timelines. And it's good to know that the RCMP are actually screening people. So YAY!
