Application referred for Secondary Background Checks

[airfan]

Hello everyone, I would like to get your feedback and suggestion.

I received the ITA for FSW in May 2017 and subsequently submitted all required documents in August 2017 through a registered attorney (with in the stipulated 3 months time). The Medical results for myself and family have been accepted. I am a Pakistani National working in the UAE.

However i have been informed by my attorney/ agent that my case has been referred from the London office to the Canada Office for "secondary security checks". I would like to know what this is and in what circumstances cases are referred for this.

As of today (27th March), 7.5 months have passed since submission of documents under ITA. I would like to know if anyone has faced the same situation and how much more time it will take for my case to be cleared.

Look forward to suggestions/ feedback.
Regards

 

[Nobatia]

Hi airfan,

I'm guessing "secondary security checks" refers to security screening, seeing as your application has surpassed the average processing period of 6 months. In that case, no one can accurately predict when your application will be processed, and you'll have to be patient while the responsible agencies complete their checks.

You can read more about it in this thread by legalfalcon, you'll also get a better repsonse in there:
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/the-anatomy-of-a-background-check-in-depth-analysis.500146/

Other people in the same situation are active on this thread, it could be helpful:
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/those-who-waiting-express-entry-in-six-months-and-not-finalized.317706/

I'm curious on how your lawyer was able to determine this however, I assume they have control of your GCKey account, but this type of information is not available from the profile. Usually people find out that they're in SS by ordering GCMS notes or rarely by calling/emailing IRCC. Does your lawer have access to the email which is linked to your profile, or does he have your consent to communicate with IRCC on your behalf?

 

[airfan]

Hi

Many thanks for your quick response. Just to clarify on your observations:

Q: I'm curious on how your lawyer was able to determine this however, I assume they have control of your GCKey account, but this type of information is not available from the profile.
A: My Lawyer and i share a joint account where we both have access to my profile and details.

Q: Usually people find out that they're in SS by ordering GCMS notes or rarely by calling/emailing IRCC. Does your lawer have access to the email which is linked to your profile, or does he have your consent to communicate with IRCC on your behalf?
A: As we have a joint account and access, i had requested my lawyer to request IRCC for feedback on my case. My Lawyer has not shared the exact response wording with me but has mentioned that my profile has been referred for Secondary checks. Is there any other way to obtain more feedback from IRCC on the reason for the referral. Or would you suggest patience is the only way out.

 

[Nobatia]

I think it's a good idea at this point to order notes to determine what's happening with your application. I'm not sure you'll get an answer on why they choose your application for further checks, but you get more details regarding where your application is currently at.

However, since you have chosen to apply with your lawyer's assistance it's probably wise to consult them beforehand. Or you can do it independently if you choose to; you only have to fill out a form and apply online.