After months of preparation, gathering documents, and working on your Express Entry profile, you’ve finally hit the "Submit" button on your application for permanent residence in Canada. The process, however, doesn't end here. Once your application is in, it enters an important phase: The Review Process. This stage determines whether your application meets all the requirements for permanent residency.
Understanding what happens after submission can help you stay informed, reduce stress, and improve your chances of success.
Here's a walk through of the key steps and what you can expect during the review process for your Express Entry application.
Stage 1 of Application Review Process: Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
Once your application is submitted, the first thing you’ll receive is an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is an important step because it confirms that your application has been officially received by IRCC and is now under review.
Key Details of the AOR:
You’ll receive the AOR in your IRCC online account.
It will contain your application number, which allows you to track the status of your application through your IRCC account.
The AOR date is crucial, as it marks the starting point for your six-month processing window. In most cases, Express Entry applications are processed within six months from the date of AOR, but this can vary depending on various factors (e.g., application complexity, volume of applications).
At this stage, IRCC will begin the detailed review of your application.
Stage 2 of Application Review Process: Completeness Check
The first review stage that your application undergoes is the completeness check. IRCC ensures that all required documents are included and that the application forms are properly filled out.
What IRCC Checks:
All required documents are attached (e.g., passport, proof of funds, educational credential assessment, police certificates).
The provided documents are valid and meet the necessary requirements (e.g., language test results are within validity).
All forms are complete, with no missing information.
If your application is missing documents or if any forms are incomplete, IRCC may reject your application for being incomplete. You would then have to fix the issues and reapply through Express Entry.
Tip: To avoid delays or rejection, double-check the completeness of your documents before submission. Ensure that your forms are fully filled out and that all uploaded documents are legible and in the correct format (e.g., PDF).
Stage 3 of Application Review Process: Eligibility Review
After passing the completeness check, your application moves to the eligibility review stage. During this step, IRCC will verify whether you meet the requirements of the specific program you applied for (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program).
Key Eligibility Factors IRCC Evaluates:
Work Experience: Your claimed work experience must align with the job titles and responsibilities listed in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). IRCC will check your reference letters to verify your work history, job duties, and the duration of your employment.
Education: For applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), educational credentials are assessed to ensure they meet Canadian standards. Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report must demonstrate that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian diploma, degree, or certificate.
Language Proficiency: Your submitted language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) must meet the minimum thresholds for your Express Entry program. These scores are verified to confirm that your language skills in English or French are sufficient.
Proof of Funds: For applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades programs, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents upon arriving in Canada. IRCC will verify the bank statements or financial documents you’ve submitted.
If IRCC determines that you meet all the eligibility criteria for your program, your application moves to the next stage. If there are doubts or inconsistencies in your eligibility claims, IRCC might request additional documentation or clarification before making a decision.
Stage 4 of Application Review Process: Criminality and Security Checks
Canada has strict requirements regarding the admissibility of foreign nationals, including checks to ensure that applicants do not pose a security risk and have no serious criminal background.
Criminality Check:
As part of your application, you must submit police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for more than six months since turning 18. These certificates are used to verify whether you have a criminal record.
If IRCC finds any serious criminal offenses, your application could be refused based on inadmissibility. Minor offenses, such as traffic violations, are usually not a cause for refusal, but it’s essential to be transparent about your criminal history. If any issues arise, you may be given a chance to explain or provide further documentation.
Security Check:
The security check ensures that applicants do not pose a threat to Canada’s national security. This involves checks with various Canadian and international security databases.
While most applicants have no issues during the criminality and security checks, delays can occur if you’ve lived in multiple countries or if additional investigations are required. In rare cases, security concerns may lead to a refusal.
Stage 5 of Application Review Process: Medical Examination and Admissibility
To protect public health, Canada requires that all permanent residence applicants undergo a medical examination. This examination must be conducted by a panel physician who is approved by IRCC. The purpose of the exam is to ensure that applicants do not have any medical conditions that would make them inadmissible to Canada.
Medical Exam Includes:
A physical examination.
Blood tests and chest X-rays (to check for diseases such as tuberculosis).
A review of your medical history.
The results of your medical exam are sent directly to IRCC by the panel physician. If you or any of your family members have a serious medical condition that could impose excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services, you may be found medically inadmissible.
Tip: Schedule your medical exam as soon as possible after receiving your ITA, as it may take time to get an appointment and for the results to be processed. Medical exam results are valid for 12 months.
Stage 6 of Application Review Process: Background Verification
In addition to criminality and security checks, IRCC conducts a background verification to ensure that all information provided in your application is truthful and accurate. This includes:
Verifying your work history by cross-referencing the details in your application with official employment records and reference letters.
Verifying your education by checking the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and transcripts you’ve submitted.
Verifying your family information, including marital status and dependents.
If IRCC finds any discrepancies or if certain details are unclear, they may request additional documents or clarification. It’s important to provide clear, accurate information in your initial application to avoid delays.
Stage 7 of Application Review Process: Request for Additional Documents (ADR)
At any point during the review process, IRCC may issue a Request for Additional Documents (ADR). This typically happens if the officers need further clarification on certain aspects of your application, such as:
Missing or incomplete documents.
Inadequate proof of work experience (e.g., insufficient detail in reference letters).
Additional police certificates or proof of funds.
When IRCC requests additional documents, you’ll be given a specific timeframe (usually 7 to 30 days) to submit them. Failing to meet this deadline or not providing the required documents can result in the refusal of your application.
Tip: Always check your IRCC online account for any messages or document requests, and respond promptly if required.
Stage 8 of Application Review Process: Final Decision: Approval or Refusal
Once your application passes through all the review stages—completeness check, eligibility assessment, criminality and security checks, medical admissibility, and background verification—IRCC will make a final decision.
Approved Applications:
If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document, which outlines the terms of your permanent residence. If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you will also receive a permanent resident visa stamped in your passport.
The COPR is essential for landing in Canada and activating your permanent residence status.
You will need to present your COPR at a Canadian port of entry (or at an IRCC office if you’re already in Canada) to complete the final steps of becoming a permanent resident.
Refused Applications:
In some cases, an application may be refused due to:
Ineligibility (e.g., not meeting the program requirements).
Inadmissibility (e.g., medical, criminal, or security concerns).
Inconsistencies or misrepresentation in your application.
If your application is refused, you’ll receive a letter from IRCC explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may be eligible to reapply through Express Entry or seek legal advice to address the issues raised.
Stage 9 of Application Review Process: Post-Decision: What Happens Next?
For Approved Applicants:
Once you’ve received your COPR and permanent resident visa, you’re ready to make your move to Canada. You’ll need to:
Present your COPR at the port of entry.
Provide proof of settlement funds (if required).
Confirm your landing address in Canada, where your Permanent Resident (PR) card will be sent.
For Refused Applicants:
If your application is refused, carefully review the reasons outlined in the refusal letter. Depending on the cause, you may be able to address the issues and resubmit your application through Express Entry.
The review process after submitting your Express Entry application is rigorous and thorough, but understanding each step can help you prepare for what lies ahead. By staying organized, providing accurate information, and responding promptly to any requests from IRCC, you can improve your chances of a successful outcome. Patience and attention to detail are key during this stage, as the review process ultimately determines your future as a permanent resident of Canada.
Still have questions? Seek help from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant