What Happens Next?

What happens after I have mailed my application?

If you have completed your application properly, it will be reviewed by an immigration officer and a letter will be sent to you. The letter will advise you as to which Citizenship and Immigration Centre your application has been referred for further review. If you have not heard anything, phone our Call Centre.

If you have not completed your application properly or have left out information, your application will be returned to you. If you and your family members meet all immigration requirements, we will contact you to arrange an interview.

Checking your application status

You can find out the current status of your application by logging on to e-Client Application Status. You may also phone our Call Centre.

If you do not want your information available on-line, you can remove on-line information by logging on to e-Client Application Status. You may also call our Call Centre and ask an agent to do this for you.

Current processing times are updated weekly.

What if I move or need to update information on my application?

If you have mailed your application and you move or need to provide new information, you should phone our Call Centre immediately. New information may be that: answers to questions on the application for permanent residence change, you are convicted of a criminal offence, or you no longer want to continue with your application.

Remaining in Canada

To ensure that you have legal status, you should apply to remain in Canada while your application for permanent residence is in process. You have legal status for the period of time indicated on your temporary resident permit. Use the application kit Applying to Remain in Canada as a Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5554). It is available at our Web site or by phoning our Call Centre.

Working

If you wish to work in Canada, you will need a work permit in addition to your valid temporary resident permit. To apply for a work permit, use the application kit Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada - Worker (IMM 5553), which can be found on our Web site or by phoning our Call Centre.

It is illegal to work without a valid permit.

Studying

If you wish to take a course that is longer than six months, you will need a study permit in addition to your temporary resident permit. To apply for a study permit, use the application kit Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada - Student (IMM 5552), which can be downloaded from our Web site. If you take a course that is six months or less, you do not need a study permit.

If you already have a study permit, you may continue to study for the duration of the document.

Leaving Canada

If you leave Canada while your application is being processed, we cannot guarantee that you will be allowed to re-enter.

Sponsoring family members

Once you become a permanent resident, you can sponsor your family members who are outside Canada. To “sponsor” someone means that you promise to look after his or her care and shelter in Canada for three years (more if the person is under 22 years of age). You must meet certain conditions before you can become a sponsor and your children will have to meet the definition of “dependent children” at the time of the sponsorship.

You can obtain the application kit “Sponsoring a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or dependent child” by visiting our Web site or by contacting our Call Centre.

What if my application is refused?

If your application is refused, you will be sent a letter. You will be advised to leave Canada before your current temporary resident permit expires. The processing fee will not be refunded. If you paid the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, it will be refunded.

Your application may be refused if you or your family members do not meet immigration requirements. Some examples are: you or your family members do not qualify as permit holders; you or your family members do not pass criminal or security checks; you do not have enough money to support yourself and your family members; you or your family members do not pass medical examinations.