Complete information about Permanent Residence applications to IRCC

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In 2023, Canada set a new record by welcoming 471,550 new permanent residents, surpassing the immigration targets set by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This influx of newcomers underscores the significant workload faced by Canada's immigration department, which processes hundreds of thousands of applications for permanent residence (PR) each year, in addition to work and study permit applications.

 

Before applying for PR, it's crucial for newcomers to understand the preliminary process. Most PR programs, including Express Entry-managed programs, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other economic programs, operate on a "candidate-applicant" system. Newcomers first submit a candidate profile to the immigration department, such as through the Express Entry pool. If they qualify, they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. The actual processing of the application by IRCC begins once the newcomer submits their application in response to an ITA.

 

The steps for Express Entry-managed programs include submitting a candidate profile to the Express Entry pool, receiving an ITA, and replying to the ITA with a PR application within the 60-day timeframe. It's worth noting that other immigration streams, such as family sponsorship, may bypass the candidate process and move directly into application processing.

 

The processing of PR applications by IRCC involves several key steps:

 

Receiving the Application: Upon responding to their ITA, a newcomer's application is received, and a file is created in the department's Global Case Management System (GCMS).

 

Verification and Preparation of Documents: IRCC assesses whether all necessary documents have been provided and prepares them for eligibility assessment. Incomplete applications may be returned or, in the case of Express Entry-managed programs, rejected outright.

 

Eligibility Assessment: The application is assessed against program standards to ensure all eligibility requirements are met. If an application fails this step, it is refused, and the applicant must restart the process.

 

Admissibility Assessment: Applicants must pass security, criminality checks, and a medical exam to ensure they do not pose a risk to Canada's public health or safety.

 

Interview (if needed): Some applications may require an interview with an immigration officer to verify information and address any concerns.

 

Successful applications result in the applicant receiving PR status, allowing them to settle in Canada. Applicants can also request GCMS notes to understand how their application is being processed, providing insights into the status and handling of their application by immigration officers.