The Outland Sponsorship Process

[Natasha.S]

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

• 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:
  • https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/security.do

Creating a GCKEY account

• 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

• 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

CIC sends requests

• 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

PA Processing

• 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 Updates

• 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.

Checking ECAS

• 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

Passport Request (PPR) & Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR)

• 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

You're then free to land with your COPR.

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.

This is very helpful information. I have a question do I need to create a ECAS account? Whose information do I need to fill out. Sponsor or applicate?

 

[StellaArtois]

This is very helpful information. I have a question do I need to create a ECAS account? Whose information do I need to fill out. Sponsor or applicate?

You do not need an account to access ECAS. You simply go to the link below, put in the requested information, and you can check the status of the application any time after AOR1 stage. https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/security.do?lang=en

You may be thinking of the GCKEY account, which overall is more detailed than lines shown on ECAS. To create a GCKEY account, this thread is very helpful with exact instructions and troubleshooting

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/how-to-link-an-application-to-cic-account-step-by-step-instruction.619724/#post-7716308

ECAS is helpful for those of us who have paid representatives and are unable to make our own GCKEY account to check on the status of our application whenever we want. However, if you do not have a representative, it is strongly recommended that you make a GCKEY account to receive updates more quickly and to be able to monitor the status of your application in greater detail.

 

[Natasha.S]

Thank you this information really help

 

[Asmys]

Hi folks, we submitted our application for Outland Sponsorship (spouse in USA) on Oct 10th. The application was received at Sydney, NS on Oct 17th, there were delays due to Thanksgiving. We haven't received an AOR yet, it's been over a month. Is this normal? Most cases I've read, people receive within 30 days but ours has been 34 days now. Just curious.

 

[mrstrunks]

Hi folks, we submitted our application for Outland Sponsorship (spouse in USA) on Oct 10th. The application was received at Sydney, NS on Oct 17th, there were delays due to Thanksgiving. We haven't received an AOR yet, it's been over a month. Is this normal? Most cases I've read, people receive within 30 days but ours has been 34 days now. Just curious.

Yes its normal. My AOR1 did not arrive till like 68days. It ranges about 30 to 70 days.

 

[Asmys]

Yes its normal. My AOR1 did not arrive till like 68days. It ranges about 30 to 70 days.

Thanks for getting back! we'll keep waiting then

 

[Jasmine_Randhawa]

hello,

I am an Indian citizen, I just got my COPR in August.
I am landing in Canada first week of December.

Please help me understand how to start the process of calling my spouse over there.

I want to opt for outland application.

Also can I start this process now? As I'm in India??

 

[Semmy]

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

• 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:
  • https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/security.do

Creating a GCKEY account

• 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

• 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

CIC sends requests

• 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

PA Processing

• 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 Updates

• 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.

Checking ECAS

• 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

Passport Request (PPR) & Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR)

• 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

You're then free to land with your COPR.

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.

Please I have a question for you, I got a passport request to be submitted via VAC but I’m currently in Canada. I have sent a letter through the web form, mailing address and contact address is in Canada. What should I do since I have not gotten a reply from them.

 

[JoshC]

Please I have a question for you, I got a passport request to be submitted via VAC but I’m currently in Canada. I have sent a letter through the web form, mailing address and contact address is in Canada. What should I do since I have not gotten a reply from them.

When did you send it? You should have updated it as soon as you arrived in Canada.

You should get an update via the webform shortly with a new request stating where it should be sent to.

 

[Ytaghbostani]

Okay...so...I have been checking ECAS like a million times a day and each time all I saw was "In Process" and med, bio, sa all done and file was sent to cpcm on nov 22th. JUST NOW I checked ECAS AGAIN and on the PA side it changed to "Application Received" I understand what it literally means but from your experiences, what does it mean for processing purposes? Please share. Thanks you fams!

 

[murdan94]

1. We received _____'s application for permanent residence on June 24, 2019.
2. We started processing _______'s application on September 2, 2019.(in jordan amman)
3. We received your application to sponsor on June 24, 2019.
4. We sent you correspondence acknowledging receipt of your application(s) on August 14, 2019.
5. We started processing your application on August 13, 2019,
6. We senT _______medical instructions on November 22, 2019. To avoid delays, please provide us with the information requested as soon as possible. Please consider delays in mail delivery before contacting us.
7. Medical results received

Does anyone know how long it may take after medical for PPR???

 

[Jasmine_Randhawa]

hello,

I am an Indian citizen, I just got my COPR in August.
I am landing in Canada first week of December.

Please help me understand how to start the process of calling my spouse over there.

I want to opt for outland application.

Also can I start this process now? As I'm in India??

Hello Again,

I arrived in Canada on December 10th they've given me my copy of ppr.

SIN done, G1 Driving license Test cleared.

As of now searching for a par time job since I work freelance as well for a company that is in India. I am planning to open my own company here in Canada and receive payments from the USA (counterpart company of Indian company).

For the purpose of sponsoring my child and spouse do I need to have a job or available funds of approximately 15000 CAD would be enough?

Please reply as soon as you can I need this information urgently so that I can act accordingly.

Thank you.
Jasmine.

 

[llotek]

Hello Again,

I arrived in Canada on December 10th they've given me my copy of ppr.

SIN done, G1 Driving license Test cleared.

As of now searching for a par time job since I work freelance as well for a company that is in India. I am planning to open my own company here in Canada and receive payments from the USA (counterpart company of Indian company).

For the purpose of sponsoring my child and spouse do I need to have a job or available funds of approximately 15000 CAD would be enough?

Please reply as soon as you can I need this information urgently so that I can act accordingly.

Thank you.
Jasmine.

there is no financial requirement for spousal sponsorship..just cant owe the government money past due...bankruptcy can be an issue also...but no, you dont have to have a specific amount in your bank account to sponsor

 

[JohnnyToronto]

there is no financial requirement for spousal sponsorship..just cant owe the government money past due...bankruptcy can be an issue also...but no, you dont have to have a specific amount in your bank account to sponsor

I don't think the point of owing the gov't money is an issue, you just cannot be in the middle of a registered bankruptcy. Those on social assistance can be eligible. I owe back taxes to the gov't and was approved as a sponsor. Showing proof of income, no matter what the amount is beneficial.

 

[llotek]

I don't think the point of owing the gov't money is an issue, you just cannot be in the middle of a registered bankruptcy. Those on social assistance can be eligible. I owe back taxes to the gov't and was approved as a sponsor. Showing proof of income, no matter what the amount is beneficial.

yes, you could be right..i have a friend that owed a ton of money in taxes, he hadnt gone bankrupt yet, but was planning to...he tried for years to get his romanian wife into the country and they wouldnt allow it..mind you, he owed over 150k..