After You Apply for Permanent Residency in Canada: What Really Happens Next?

Understanding the review stages, potential delays, and how to move forward with clarity

You’ve submitted your Permanent Residency (PR) application, after months of preparation, it’s finally out of your hands. But as the wait begins, so do the questions. What happens now? How long will it take? Is there anything else I should be doing?

While your application moves through IRCC’s internal system, what happens behind the scenes isn’t always clear. That’s where knowledge and professional guidance make all the difference.

At Immigria, we believe your journey doesn’t end with submission. It’s just entering a new phase, one where smart follow-up, organization, and experienced support can have a meaningful impact.

Step by Step: What Happens After You Submit

Once your application is received, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) begins reviewing it based on the program you applied through, like Express Entry, the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). While timelines vary, the general process follows these key stages:

1. Completeness Check

IRCC’s first step is to ensure your application is complete. Officers verify that all required documents, signatures, and payments are included.

• If something is missing, your application may be returned without being processed.

• At Immigria, we emphasize a detailed, pre-submission review to help our clients avoid this outcome.

🧭 A Note About the AOR: It Works Differently Depending on the Program

The Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) doesn’t happen at the same point for every applicant:

• For paper-based applications and most of the online federal level PR applications, the AOR is issued after your file passes the completeness check.

• For Express Entry, the AOR is generated instantly once you submit your e-application and pay the fee. The completeness check comes afterward.

Understanding this distinction helps manage expectations and reduce unnecessary worry.

2. Biometrics Instructions (if applicable)

If biometrics are required and the fee has been paid, IRCC will send a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).

• You (or your family member) must visit a designated collection point to provide the biometrics, ie fingerprints.

• In most cases, this stage occurs before the eligibility review.

3. Eligibility Review

This is where IRCC begins reviewing your qualifications and supporting documents to determine if you meet the criteria of your selected program.

• For family sponsorships, the sponsor's eligibility is assessed primarily.

• For the rest of the applications, your education, work experience, language results, and proof of funds (if applicable) are all reviewed for consistency and accuracy.

Any unclear or inconsistent information may result in additional requests or review.

4. Medical Exam (if not submitted upfront)

If you did not include an upfront medical, IRCC will instruct you to complete one with a designated panel physician.

• The results are reviewed to ensure there are no medical inadmissibility issues.

• This step is required before a final decision is made.

5. Security Screening & Background Checks

IRCC conducts criminality and security checks to ensure that applicants do not pose a risk to Canada’s safety.

This process typically involves reviewing police certificates, travel history, and military service records (if applicable), and may include coordination with international security agencies.

If you’ve lived in multiple countries, this stage can take additional time.

6. Interview or Additional Requests (if needed)

In some cases, IRCC may request an interview or ask for additional documentation to clarify certain details in your file.

This is a normal part of the process and, in many cases, is routine. It does not necessarily indicate a problem.

However, if IRCC identifies a serious concern, you may receive a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL). While it can feel concerning, this letter actually represents an important opportunity, it means the officer is giving you a chance to explain or clarify an issue before making a final decision.

What Is a Procedural Fairness Letter?

A Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is an official notice from IRCC that gives you an opportunity to respond to a concern before a final decision is made. It is not a refusal, but a warning that your application is at risk.

This may happen if:

• IRCC suspects misrepresentation in your file

• There are potential medical or criminal inadmissibility issues

• IRCC doubts the genuineness of a relationship in a family sponsorship

• Information is inconsistent or unclear

How you respond to a PFL is critical. At Immigria, we support our clients by preparing well-reasoned, evidence-based responses that help resolve complex situations before they become refusals.

7. Final Decision & Notification

Once all reviews are complete, IRCC will issue a final decision on your application. If approved, you’ll receive either:

• A Passport Request – if you are outside Canada and from a visa-required country

• Or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

If your application is refused, IRCC will provide the reasons for the decision. Depending on your situation, you may have options to reapply, appeal, or request reconsideration.

✅ While this process may feel slow or unpredictable at times, understanding each step helps you stay calm, prepared, and confident.

 

Why Post-Submission Follow-Up Still Matters

One of the biggest misconceptions is that once an application is submitted, there’s nothing more to do. But in reality, staying involved, organized, and informed during the processing period can make a big difference, especially when timelines extend or issues arise.

At Immigria, we:

• Track your file and flag any delays

• Assist with responses to document requests or procedural fairness letters

• Keep you informed of policy changes that may affect your application

• Maintain organized, accessible records for every step of your journey

We don’t just prepare applications, we walk with you through the entire process until you land.

You Don’t Have to Navigate the Wait Alone

The post-submission phase may feel uncertain, but it’s also a time where clarity, preparation, and guidance truly matter. Whether you’re waiting for biometrics, facing document requests, or simply unsure what comes next, Immigria is here to support you every step of the way.

👉 Book a consultation with Immigria today and move forward with clarity and confidence, even after your application is submitted.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized support, consult a licensed immigration consultant.