Finding Nemo

By April 2007, I have become hostile about the immigration process. I am angry, blatantly and unabashedly full of rage. My immigration process has become a battle of principles now. Who, exactly, do these paper worshiping government employees think they are, that they can just put my life in limbo for however long they feel? My ECAS hasn't changed since November 2006.

I decide to pursue the other open item that still is out hanging: my overpayment refund. We paid my fees, in full, in October 2005. Still, not having received that refund of $485 that I have now named 'Nemo.' I feel I have a legitimate issue here and set out determined to find Nemo at all costs. My most productive call so far with the CIC agents of the Call Center, gets me a conversation that goes:

Me: "Yes, I am calling about getting a refund of my overpayment of the Right of Landing fee."

CIC Agent: "Yes, I see that you are overpaid by $485."

Me: "When can I expect that refund to be issued?"

CIC Agent: "You could get that refund in 3 days, 3 months or 3 years, I can't tell you."

Me: (stunned and silent)

CIC Agent: "You can send a letter to this address (rattles off some address in Alberta) and request the refund, but it probably won't help you get it any quicker."

Me: (still stunned) "You are kidding, right? Do you at least give interest since you have been holding that money for over a year now?"

CIC Agent: (chuckling) "No ma'am, we don't give interest. (laughs) Anything else I can help you with today?"

I know what you are thinking, dear reader. You think I am exaggerating about this conversation. I am not. With my hand firmly laid across a Bible, I swear this is the truth. I can't get my mind wrapped around this concept. I can't understand why the agent would find it amusing. CIC acknowledges the overpayment. They know its there. They willfully and deliberately will not return it. They have that money securely locked away and allocated on their budget. I do not think I will see that money ever again. They will find a way to keep it. They will change the fee schedule again just to keep it, or find some obscure government regulation that they will enforce just to keep it. I admit, perhaps some delusions of paranoia have set in regarding this refund, but I don't know what else to think.

I want to write a letter of complaint to someone (in all honesty, I want to scream at someone but I am trying to act like an educated adult). But I decide against it. All that the letter would accomplish is satisfying more paper worshiping Canadian government employees paper fetishes. Nemo is still missing and I have lost another battle with CIC. I fear I am losing the war, as well.