So it's been about 3 weeks since my last entry (I was actually really shocked to see that it had been that long! sorry for the delay!). I've been making some progress on my journey for applying for Criminal Rehabilitation for entry into Canada. Last time I posted I had just mailed my requests for Virginia criminal history and FBI background check. The Virginia criminal history was received on July 20th, payment was processed on July 31st, and I received my copy in the mail on August 13 (so just about 1 month from sending my request to receiving it). As far as the FBI background check goes... it was delivered on July 22nd. I'm still waiting for the payment to be processed and to receive a copy of my request (I've read that this process will take anywhere from 2 to 4 months). Also, I decided to send in a 2nd FBI background check request. My first request only had one fingerprint card and I was worried that one or more of the finger prints may have been unreadable. So, I got two additional fingerprint cards made and mailed off my second FBI background check request on August 13th. I decided to be proactive about this issue to potentially avoid having to wait an additional 2 to 4 months in case the first request gets rejected. Best case scenario I will get both requests back and I can use one for my Criminal Rehabilitation application and one for my application for Permanent Residency!
I've also been busy getting other documents that I need for my application. Here's a list of what I've obtained or requested in the last 3 weeks:
Passport: Since I was married earlier this year and changed my name, I have to get a new passport with my new name. It's a pretty simple process. I had to get new pictures taken and I killed two birds with one stone by getting two sets when I had them made - 1 for passport application and 1 for Rehabilitation Application. Once I had the pictures and the completed passport application, I mailed the pictures, application, old passport, and a money order for the application fee. I sent the request August 7th and it was received August 9th. Current processing times are 4 to 6 weeks. So, just another item I will be waiting on.
Court Documents: As part of my Criminal Rehabilitation I need to have documents from the court showing things like the date of my DUI and date of conviction, what I was sentenced to, and when I completed my sentence. This was pretty easy to obtain. I simply went to the courthouse and told the court clerk what I needed. She was able to locate the documents for me while I waited. I had to pay $1.00 per page, so ended up paying a whopping $2.00!
DMV Driving History: I decided to get a copy of my driving history to include in my application to show that my driver's license was reinstated and is currently valid. This was probably the easiest thing I've ever done at the DMV! It only took about 5 minutes and cost $8.00. The document shows my driving history for the last 11 years.
Probation and VASAP Documents: I wasn't sure how to go about getting proof that I successfully completed my probation and VASAP class, so I had to do a little digging. I looked all over my house to see if I still had any documentation from where I originally completed everything, but I came up empty handed! So, I called the local probation office and they were able to provide me with documentation showing that I completed everything. Best thing about that, they did it for FREE!! YaY for free stuff!
Letter from my Doctor: I thought it would look good if I had a letter from my doctor stating that I no longer drink alcohol or use anti-depressant medication, so I got one! I simply emailed my doctor's office and asked them if it would be possible to get such a letter and they said no problem. I didn't even have to go pick it up! They mailed it to me! More FREE stuff!!
DMV Driving History: I decided to get a copy of my driving history to include in my application to show that my driver's license was reinstated and is currently valid. This was probably the easiest thing I've ever done at the DMV! It only took about 5 minutes and cost $8.00. The document shows my driving history for the last 11 years.
Probation and VASAP Documents: I wasn't sure how to go about getting proof that I successfully completed my probation and VASAP class, so I had to do a little digging. I looked all over my house to see if I still had any documentation from where I originally completed everything, but I came up empty handed! So, I called the local probation office and they were able to provide me with documentation showing that I completed everything. Best thing about that, they did it for FREE!! YaY for free stuff!
Letter from my Doctor: I thought it would look good if I had a letter from my doctor stating that I no longer drink alcohol or use anti-depressant medication, so I got one! I simply emailed my doctor's office and asked them if it would be possible to get such a letter and they said no problem. I didn't even have to go pick it up! They mailed it to me! More FREE stuff!!
Canadian Criminal Code: Another part of the application includes finding the Canadian criminal code that is equivalent to the code in which I was charged here in Virginia. This was slightly difficult and I'm not even sure I have the right information. I found this website that seems pretty official and legit with a lot of information on Canadian Criminal Code . I searched for information on driving while intoxicated, I opened this information in PDF format (there is a link at the top of the website page that allows you to do so), and I printed off what I needed for my application. I ended up printing off about 22 pages of information because I wasn't exactly sure which codes I needed for the DUI since they had about 10 different ones that could apply. I figured it would be better to have too much information rather than not enough.
So that's what I've been up to. I still need to write my letter of explanation about my DUI charge and explain why I feel I am "rehabilitated". I also need a couple more letters of recommendation from friends, family, teachers, etc. to go with my application. So that's what I will be doing while I wait for my Passport and FBI background check to arrive!
Below is an updated list of costs and the current total amount of money spent on the process thus far.
ITEM COST SENT DELIVERED RECEIVED
FBI Background Check -- $18.00 --- 7/17/2015 ---- 7/22/2015
VA Police State Check -- $20.00 --- 7/17/2015 ---- 7/20/2015 ------ 8/13/2015
Fingerprints (1) ----------- $5.00 ---- 7/17/2015
Postage --------------------- $11.50 --- 7/17/2015
Passport Photos (4) -------- $27.36 --- 7/30/2015
Court Documents ---------- $2.00 ---- 7/30/2015
Passport (booklet) --------- $110.00 -- 8/7/2015 ------ 8/9/2015
Postage/Money Order ----- $7.00 ----- 8/7/2015
DMV Driving Record ----- $8.00 ----- 8/7/2015
Fingerprints (2) ------------- $10.00 ---- 8/10/2015
FBI Background Check --- $18.00 ---- 8/13/2015
FBI Background Check --- $18.00 ---- 8/13/2015
Postage ---------------------- $5.75 ----- 8/13/2015
Current Total = $242.61
Thanks for reading!I hope you find this and future entries helpful!
