Here’s a breakdown of the steps explaining each part of the process :
1. AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt)
• What it is: You receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt when IRCC confirms that your PR application has been submitted successfully. This means they’ve received your application and started processing it.
• What happens: After you submit your PR application, you’ll get an email or notification confirming receipt of your application.
2. Biometrics Completed
• What it is: This is the step where you submit your fingerprints and photograph for security and identification purposes.
• What happens: You will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL), and you need to visit an authorized biometrics collection center to complete this step.
3. Medical Completed
• What it is: IRCC requires all applicants for permanent residency to undergo a medical examination.
• What happens: After your medical exam, the clinic will send the results directly to IRCC, and once processed, you’ll receive confirmation that this step is completed.
4. PAL (Pre-Arrival Letter)
• What it is: This letter informs you that you are eligible for pre-arrival services designed to help you settle in Canada. It usually arrives after medical and some initial background checks are completed.
• What happens: The Pre-Arrival Letter is not a decision on your application; it just offers guidance on settling in Canada.
5. Background Check Completed
• What it is: IRCC conducts a background check to ensure you are not a security threat, have no criminal records, and meet admissibility requirements.
• What happens: This step includes checks for criminality, security, and sometimes additional documents may be required.
6. Final Decision
• What it is: Once all the checks (medical, criminal, security, etc.) are completed, IRCC makes the final decision on your application.
• What happens: If approved, you’ll be notified, and you’ll receive the COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) document, which indicates that your PR has been granted.
7. Portal 1
• What it is: This is the step where IRCC invites you to confirm your PR status through their online portal.
• What happens: You will receive instructions on how to access the PR confirmation portal, where you confirm some final details about your situation.
8. Portal 2
• What it is: In the second portal step, you will upload your photo for your PR card and confirm your address in Canada for mailing your PR card.
• What happens: After completing this, you will receive the eCOPR (Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence), which confirms your PR status officially.
9. eCOPR
• What it is: The eCOPR is a digital version of the COPR that confirms you are a permanent resident. This is typically issued to those already inside Canada who have completed the process through the portal.
• What happens: Once you receive the eCOPR, you’re officially a permanent resident, and your physical PR card will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
10. Passport Request (Outland Only)
• What it is: If you applied from outside Canada (outland), IRCC will request your passport to issue a visa.
• What happens: You send your passport to a visa office, and they stamp your visa for entry to Canada. You’ll also receive your COPR at this point.
