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No, the status “Background verification changed to ‘In Progress’” in the PR tracker does not necessarily mean you are under comprehensive security screening. Here’s what it could indicate:

1. Normal Background Checks: In most cases, this status change simply means that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has started the background verification process, which includes criminality, security, and other checks. This is a standard step in PR processing.
2. Comprehensive Security Screening: If your file is already under security screening (as you mentioned earlier), this tracker update may simply be reflecting the ongoing status of that process. Security screening is a detailed review conducted by partner agencies like CSIS and CBSA and can take longer than regular checks.

Applicants are usually placed into comprehensive security screening during the background verification stage of their PR application. This can happen under specific circumstances, such as:

1. Flags from Eligibility or Criminality Checks:
• If something in your application (e.g., travel history, previous employment, or study history) triggers a review, IRCC may escalate your file for detailed checks.
2. Involvement with Sensitive Countries or Organizations:
• If you’ve traveled, worked, or studied in regions or institutions flagged by Canadian security agencies, this can lead to a deeper review.
3. Random or Routine Audit

• Sometimes, cases are chosen for additional scrutiny as part of routine quality assurance.
4. External Agency Referrals:
• Security partners like the CBSA or CSIS may request additional time to investigate certain aspects of your background.

Once flagged, your file moves to security screening, which involves a thorough investigation of your activities, affiliations, and potential risks by partner agencies. These checks are detailed and can take several months to complete.

Signs You Are Under Comprehensive Screening:
• No movement in the “Background Verification” section for an extended period.

• GCMS notes explicitly stating phrases like “Comprehensive Security Screening” or “File referred to CBSA/CSIS.

• Long delays even after clearing eligibility, medical, and criminality checks.
Thank you @Miss bee . I will order GCMS notes. Meanwhile, this is my timeline. AOR:12th July, Med and PAL: 15th Aug, Eligibility: Passed, Info sharing: completed. Called IRCC today, criminality is also completed, security: In progress. Last time I called IRCC on Oct 28th, my criminality was in progress and security didn't start. I hope, the last update (Background verification changed to ‘In Progress) initiated on Dec 16th on my tracker due to the start of security check. Do you think my timeline has any indications whether I will fall under comprehensive check?
 
Thank you @Miss bee . I will order GCMS notes. Meanwhile, this is my timeline. AOR:12th July, Med and PAL: 15th Aug, Eligibility: Passed, Info sharing: completed. Called IRCC today, criminality is also completed, security: In progress. Last time I called IRCC on Oct 28th, my criminality was in progress and security didn't start. I hope, the last update (Background verification changed to ‘In Progress) initiated on Dec 16th on my tracker due to the start of security check. Do you think my timeline has any indications whether I will fall under comprehensive check?

I think you need to be really patient, honestly I don’t think your process is under Comprehensive Security Screening just because your AOR is from July 12th.

I applied on January 18th and got my AOR on April 17th, and my process is still in the background.

Dude, the processing time is 13 months, most applications even exceed 13 months and it's not necessarily because they're under Comprehensive Security Screening. Don’t stress out, just wait
 
Hey @Miss bee,

I received AOR, ADR and BIL today. I have question regarding IMM5669 form. IRCC requested new IMM5669 form, they sent a link for the form in the ADR email but link is not working so I downloaded IMM5669 form from IRCC website. I have more education, work and address history but IMM5669 form has only 4-5 rows and there is no way I can add additional rows. In this situation, what should I do? Is there any other link available for this IMM5669 with more rows?
 
Hey @Miss bee,

I received AOR, ADR and BIL today. I have question regarding IMM5669 form. IRCC requested new IMM5669 form, they sent a link for the form in the ADR email but link is not working so I downloaded IMM5669 form from IRCC website. I have more education, work and address history but IMM5669 form has only 4-5 rows and there is no way I can add additional rows. In this situation, what should I do? Is there any other link available for this IMM5669 with more rows?
Did you get an email from IRCC or you checked it online? I haven't received yet , submission is same day as yours.
 
Hi @Miss bee , I have a quick question. My application is through the OINP and I am currently travelling in Alberta. Is it okay if I give my biometrics at a location outside of Ontario ? Does it affect my application in any way ? Thanks in advance for your help.
 
Hi @Miss bee
I submitted my Non-Express Entry PR application on May 27, 2024, and received my Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) on October 5, 2024.


On October 29, 2024, I received a request for medical and biometric submissions for myself, my spouse, and our two children. While our medicals were cleared on different dates, the final medical approval was completed on November 14, 2024. Our background and eligibility checks began immediately after we provided our biometrics, even before the medicals were fully passed.

Biometric date 28 October and November 2.


However, I still haven’t received a Pre-Arrival Letter (PAL) or any updates regarding the background or eligibility stages on the tracker or GCKey.


When I contacted IRCC, I was informed that parts of the background and eligibility checks are complete, but some sections are still under review.


I’ve noticed that many applicants have received their PAL shortly after passing their medicals. Could you help me understand why there might be a delay in my case? Thank you.