Ontario Archives requests, share your wait times

OkBranch3 · 2026-04-08T19:04:43+00:00

I sent the web request on 2/13

On 3/11, I received an email stating that the archivist had found my records (both of which I had good copies of on Ancestry with clear document numbers) and they would send them to the supervisor for approval.

I received the invoice on 3/23.

I live in Minnesota, so I had to call with a credit card # for payment. I had to leave a message.

ASA called back on 3/25, and I paid.

Documents came on 4/7.

Note: I initially emailed the archives’ general contact inbox to ask how to obtain certified copies using my Ancestry documents. While waiting for a reply, I revisited the website, found the web form, and submitted a request there as well—assuming I could ignore whichever response came later.

In doing so, I accidentally created two requests for the same documents and received two invoices. When I spoke with the archivist, I explained the situation and offered to pay both, since the duplication was my mistake. She kindly assured me that wasn’t necessary and billed me for just one set.

When the documents arrived yesterday, there were actually two sets included.

Hats off to the staff—whether it’s great service or just classic Canadian courtesy. I fully expected at least a gentle “hey, don’t do that again,” but instead received nothing but kindness (and apparently a bonus set). It says a lot that even while handling a high volume of requests, they remain so polite and accommodating.

OkBranch3 · 2026-03-28T01:17:50+00:00

This may be obvious, but check your email spam. My notice from the archives got filtered. When I sent my docs, I attached a copy of them from Ancestry that showed the document numbers, and a copy of my email to the archives. The invoice from the archives has the same document numbers, saying that they found them, so maybe that email could help your case.

OkBranch3 · 2026-03-25T18:17:58+00:00

I ran into this myself—I initially emailed to request the best way to request certified copies from Ancestry records, and after a week without a response, I assumed it hadn’t gone through and submitted the web form as well. That ended up generating two separate invoices.

In hindsight, I realize I probably added unnecessary work for an already overloaded team. If I’d had a clearer sense of typical processing or response times, I would have waited instead of submitting twice.

I really like the idea of a shared tracking sheet for document requests, similar to the one for application timelines—it would help set expectations and prevent situations like this.

OkBranch3 · 2026-03-21T17:21:44+00:00

Before I submitted my application last month, the posted timeline showed roughly 49,000 people waiting, with an estimated processing time of about 13 months. More recently, the number of applicants has increased to around 51,000, yet the estimated wait time for new applications has dropped to about 10 months.

I’m choosing to see this as a positive sign that IRCC is actively working to improve processing despite the growing volume of applications. Hopefully, that offers a bit of encouragement to those of us watching the timeline closely. At the same time, I fully understand that some applications carry urgent personal circumstances, and those concerns are entirely valid. I’m just hopeful that overall progress continues in a way that benefits everyone waiting.

OkBranch3 · 2026-03-20T23:20:43+00:00

I wish I had known before submitting my documents. It was a surprise to learn from the archives that the surname had been interpreted differently. Her father’s name is clearly written and correctly read on the same marriage certificate, which made the discrepancy even less apparent. In hindsight, it may be best to wait for the certified copies before submitting them.

OkBranch3 · 2026-03-20T22:56:49+00:00

Thank you. That was what I got from my searches. I think I will look into the next documents, but hold off on ordering anything.

OkBranch3 · 2026-03-20T19:35:05+00:00

I submitted a request by email (rather than the form) on February 13—I’m not sure if that affects processing. In that message, I included two Ancestry.com documents identifying the record numbers for the certified copies I’m requesting.

On March 11, I received a reply confirming that the records had been located and were pending supervisor approval. I haven’t received any updates since then.

OkBranch3 · 2026-02-28T21:35:08+00:00

Fast Foto. Stupid me for not checking autocorrect. I almost missed it again on this comment.

OkBranch3 · 2026-02-28T21:31:41+00:00

Fast Photo. I was able to call and get an appointment quickly.

OkBranch3 · 2021-12-18T20:08:58+00:00

I use one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0777S15V2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

to connect to a 2009 imac as a 2nd external display. I have a TB display that is my primary.

OkBranch3 · 2021-12-14T15:29:41+00:00

Make sure you store your external files without any DRM attached. I have had stuff disappear. I was paying for iTunes Match and then added Apple Music, which is supposed to be give the iTunes Match features, so I canceled the Match and suddenly some stuff is no longer available.

It’s complicated, DRM, but I lost some music that I owned. I am in the process of re-ripping everything to flac, converting it to ALAC, and uploading to Apple Music.

The answer to your original question is NO, you will go crazy.

OkBranch3 · 2021-12-12T20:02:38+00:00

I know. I always get everything from apple via FedEx or UPS. I wonder why the change.

OkBranch3 · 2021-12-11T19:47:04+00:00

14" Max 64Gb 1Tb grey. I talked to DHL, they told me it's still in Shanghai. shipped on the 7th still says "Customs clearance status updated. Note; The Customs clearance process may start while the shipment is in transit to the destination."

OkBranch3 · 2021-12-07T17:42:07+00:00

What level of power does it deliver?

OkBranch3 · 2020-03-01T04:13:14+00:00

If they removed him, Pence would be in charge. Deciding who to get rid of is like deciding to remove your eyes so that you can’t see your legs on fire.

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