FYI: I got the answer from Mr. Mendicino's office today,
Dear XXX YYY,
Thank you for your correspondence of June 7, 2021, addressed to the Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, regarding your application for permanent residence.
I appreciate you sharing the circumstances that prompted you to write. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) understands that those who have submitted their application look forward to a decision being rendered within a reasonable time period after applying. IRCC makes every effort to manage the applications received in the most efficient and effective way.
IRCC is currently prioritizing certain applications, including for Canadians trying to return to Canada, for vulnerable persons, for workers who perform or support essential services.
The
processing times listed on IRCC’s Website are published to give applicants a general idea of how long an application process may take. These times are estimates, not guarantees, based on how long the Department expects most applications to take under normal circumstances.
While the
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have had an effect on the Department’s operations and ability to respond to clients and process applications, please be assured that all existing and new applications will continue to be processed but may experience processing delays. Unfortunately, finalizing applications may take longer than usual during this time.
Maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration program is a priority of the Government of Canada. Individuals who want to live permanently in Canada must meet program eligibility requirements, as well as statutory medical, criminality, and security background clearances. These requirements exist to protect the interests and safety of Canadians, and must be satisfied before a permanent resident visa can be issued.
In this respect, IRCC conducts background checks by working together with partner agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Canada Border Services Agency, medical authorities, and agencies of foreign governments. Background screening processes are non-discriminatory and universal in their application. Any delays that may occur as IRCC’s partner agencies conduct the background checks are something over which the Department has no control.
IRCC records confirm that your application is being processed at the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, and is currently pending the completion of background checks. Once the results of the background checks have been received and reviewed, officials will be in a position to proceed with the next steps in processing.
While I cannot give you a timeframe for the completion of this application, please be assured that you will be contacted if additional information or documentation is required or once a final decision has been made.
Any information in support of an application should be shared directly with
the processing office, or by
contacting IRCC through existing service channels.
I regret that a more favourable response cannot be provided at this time.
Sincerely,
F. Macmillan
Ministerial Enquiries Division