PR Process Steps

Based on sample experience from the past year. Actual process may vary by individual case.

Prefer a visual diagram? View interactive flowchart →

1. 1

   AOR: Under current trends, most applicants receive AOR ~140+ days after AR (subject to change); EE applicants typically receive AOR shortly after submission.

2. 2

   After AOR: If biometrics fees were already paid, a BIL will be issued; otherwise an ADR for BIL fees may arrive first, or other ADRs for missing documents.

3. 3

   Common Return reasons: birth certificate issues, missing fields in IMM5406/IMM5669, PCC issues, name inconsistencies, etc.

4. 4

   After AOR, IRCC will advance Eligibility & Background: verifying education, NOC, work history, funds, and other declared information.

5. 5

   After Eligibility is passed, a PAL (Pre-Arrival Letter) may be issued; inland applicants may also receive one, though sometimes without an email notification.

6. 6

   Medical often runs in parallel: overseas applicants with upfront medical are not automatically cleared; inland applicants are mostly exempt — those with a valid IME within 5 years may not need to redo it.

7. 7

   For overseas applicants, Medical is typically marked complete only after the exam has been reviewed and approved.

8. 8

   Background (medical, inland): IRCC may request the RMO for exam status; may clear directly or trigger an MR for re-examination — this stage can be time-consuming.

9. 9

   Other Background sub-items run in parallel, e.g., information sharing.

10. 10

    Background (criminality): If biometrics and PCC are valid and there is no NRT, criminality can usually be cleared; NRT cases go to manual review and may produce ghost updates.

11. 11

    Background (security): May enter security review after Eligibility passed/recommended; routine checks typically take days to weeks, non-routine cases enter deeper investigation.

12. 12

    Without a comprehensive security check, Background is typically followed by FD.

13. 13

    With a comprehensive security check, there is generally no clear timeline — this is the most uncertain stage.

14. 14

    Landing (inland): Background complete and FD triggers Portal 1; overseas applicants typically receive a PPR.

15. 15

    Landing (inland): Enter Portal 2.

16. 16

    Landing (inland): PR Card stage. Steps 14–16 are collectively referred to as the landing process.