I've seen many questions asked about the outland process and its various stages, so I created this post to try to provide a detailed breakdown.
The beginning of the process - AOR1
Landing in Canada
Credit to @haXudon and @svilli for a few of the images.
The beginning of the process - AOR1
- Complete your application and send it in.
- CPC-Sydney receives the application. This is the start date for your application, you can input it on the google tracker if you like: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Gm315tmNKWoywb7PwZBiE67fUmznYQrNhYVWXPXXJBw/edit#gid=2079961909
- CPC-Sydney then sends AOR1 as a PDF letter to the sponsor's email, this contains the application number and UCI: https://imgur.com/a/DydaI
- You can now check the progress of your application in ECAS using your application number. Using the Sponsor's details will show you both sides of the application's status:
- You can then create a GCKEY account, this stage is optional and letters for biometrics and medical will come to your email if you don't create an account. It is, however, strongly advised to create a GCKEY account - and the rest of this process will read as if you did create an account.
- Create a GCKEY account: https://onlineservices-servicesenligne-cic.fjgc-gccf.gc.ca/mycic/gccf?lang=eng&idp=gckey&svc=/mycic/start
- Link your application to the account via the following guide (Credit to @alaria) : https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/how-to-link-an-application-to-cic-account-step-by-step-instruction.619724/
- Sponsorship approval will be sent as a PDF letter to the Sponsor's Email address. https://imgur.com/a/P0yOD
- ECAS will also show Decision Made under the Sponsor section: https://imgur.com/Cf4fZGU
- Biometrics and Medical request letters are then sent to your GCKEY account, where you can log in and download them. They can come in any order and in some instances can come after your application has been transferred: https://imgur.com/oTNo6O1
- Your biometrics collection letter will need to be printed off and taken to your nearest VAC for processing, it's a good idea to search the forums for your local VAC to see other users experiences: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/where-to-give-biometrics.asp
- Medical request letters need to be printed off and an appointment needs to be made with a CIC approved physician: https://secure.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx
- Once the medical and biometrics are complete/passed, your account will change to show: https://i.imgur.com/p4tYUJi
- Your application will then be transferred to your local VO, or in some instances CPC-Mississauga. CIC will send an email to the sponsor confirming which VO it has gone to. https://imgur.com/a/fjKRY
- Once the VO begins to process the application, they will send the PA an email to confirm they have receipted the application, this is known as AOR2. Not all VO's send this email, however. https://imgur.com/3KAwhoK.
- In some instances, for AOR2 you need to reply on ECAS to update to show when the application began to process under the applicant's details: https://imgur.com/Evp18Ca - this shows when your local VO began to process your application and is commonly referred to as 'Line 2 on ECAS'.
- GCKEY goes through various changes during the final stages, again, this doesn't happen for everyone, unfortunately, and you may find your application show eligibility and background checks in progress from the moment you link your account. You'll see the following towards the end of the process: https://imgur.com/a/nSDvwQt
- This is the slowest part of the entire process as background and eligibility checks can take a long time to process. Some people get ghost updates on GCKEY as the application is worked on. This is shown when the status shows as Application/Profile Updated.
- ECAS allows you to check for updates on the application and during the final stages will show decision made under the principal applicant's section: https://imgur.com/F3yPtfD
- Once you've received 'decision made', you'll get a passport request emailed to you: https://imgur.com/a/RRL6H
- You'll send your passport to the address listed in the email, along with two pictures and the document. If you're from a visa exempt country, they will request photocopies of your passport rather than the passport itself. Send this along with a signed Annex A to the address outlined in the PPR.
- Once this has been processed, your GCKEY will update to show 'Approved'. You'll be issued with your COPR: https://imgur.com/a/f79qD
- COPR will then be mailed to the address you listed in your PPR: https://imgur.com/a/gTdTl
Landing in Canada
- Depending on your situation, there are multiple options for landing in Canada:
- The most common is for PA's that have remained outside of Canada during their full outland process outlined here: https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Landing_as_PR-Canada.
- Flagpoling - this is the act of going to the nearest land border to have your PR activated. This is commonly used when the PA is already within Canada under dual intent. https://www.immigroup.com/news/flagpoling-your-way-new-work-or-study-permit-or-permanent-residence
- Land at a local CIC office: This method can take a long time depending on how busy your local office is. Again, this is suited to applicants that are currently living in Canada. To book an appointment once you have COPR, call +1 888 242-2100 and request an appointment, you will then be contacted by your local office to arrange a date. Or for anyone who’s worried about toll-free not being included on their plan.
Credit to @haXudon and @svilli for a few of the images.
