A system and method are presented for minimizing loss of voice packet during a wireless communications device Candidate Frequency Search (CFS). The method includes monitoring frames in a predetermined sample frame sequence and identifying frames having minimal user information. That is, frames with lower frame rates. The method further includes, in a wireless communications device, performing a CFS responsive to identifying frames having minimal user information. One example of the method includes identifying a lowest frame rate in an initial frame and performing a CFS in a frame following the initial frame. The method includes monitoring forward direction link frames and reverse direction link frames, and simultaneously monitoring forward and reverse direction link frames.