Dear ------:
This letter refers to your Application for Permanent Residence under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner
in Canada Class.
It has been determined that you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for permanent residence as a
member of the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class. Please note that a final decision will not
be made until all remaining requirements for becoming a permanent resident have been met. These
requirements include medical, security and background checks for you and, if applicable, all of your
family members, both in Canada and abroad, even if they are not applying to join you in Canada at this
time. You cannot become a permanent resident until you and all your family members have met these
requirements. Please refer to future correspondence for further information on additional requirements.
Important: Your application for permanent residence could be refused if:
- You and your family members do not meet all the statutory requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- You receive a letter asking for a reply and fail to respond within the requested timeframe.
- You fail to advise Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of any changes to your address. Changes to your contact information should be made through our online service at www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/change-address.asp.
- You are not self-supporting. Persons in receipt of social assistance or welfare benefits, either directly or indirectly, are defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act as inadmissible persons.
- You do not have a valid sponsorship. For example, if your sponsor withdraws his or her support prior to you being determined to be a Permanent Resident.
If preliminary information indicates that you meet all statutory requirements, you will receive a letter asking
you to attend an interview at the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada Centre in your area.
A final determination on your application for permanent residence will be made at this interview. If you do,
not attend this interview, it could be interpreted as a lack of interest in permanent residence and your
application could be refused.
Applying for an open work permit and/or study permit
If you have not already done so, you may now apply for an open work permit, which will allow you to work
in the occupation and location of your choice. You may also apply for a study permit. If applying for a
study permit, please ensure you include a letter from the educational institution you plan to attend. The
letter should outline the type of course or program for which you are registered, the start date and the
expected completion date. To obtain the correct forms, please visit the Immigration, Refugees, and
The Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website is at
www.cic.gc.ca.
When should I contact IRCC?
You must also notify IRCC of any changes to your application. Examples of changes include:
- Change in status in Canada: you must submit a written statement to this office and include evidence to indicate the status in Canada of all persons listed in your Application for Permanent Residence;
- Changes in your personal circumstances, including birth or adoption of a child, death of a family member, a marriage or a divorce;
- If you have a child, you must specify whether or not he/she is to be added to this application. If that child is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, please provide a copy of their document which details his/her status in Canada (i.e. Canadian birth certificate,
- Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificate, Canadian permanent resident card, etc.).
- Change of contact information (e-mail, mailing address, telephone number);
- Appointment or change of immigration representative or designated individual; and/or
- Decision to withdraw your application. Note that you have the option to withdraw your applicationat any point in the process, provided that a final decision has not been made on the Application for
Permanent Residence.
How do I check the status of my application?
You may use your 8-digit Unique Client Identifier number located at the top right of this correspondence
to check the status of your application on the IRCC website. Please visit
www.cic.gc.ca and select “Check
your application status”. Alternatively, you may contact the IRCC call center at 1-888-242-2100.
How long will it take to process my application?
Processing times vary. You can consult the processing times by visiting the IRCC website at
www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-fc.asp. Please note that, given the high volume of inquiries
submitted to IRCC offices, status updates on cases are not normally provided unless the processing time
for a file is longer than the service standards outlined in the IRCC website.
Sincerely,
C&I Officer
Hamilton IRCC