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Background Check Explained
As many PGP 2019 applicants passed the medical and waiting in the “We are processing your background check. We will send you a message if we need more information”, this is the time to explain what happening in the Background Check (BGC).
BGC is another one of those terms sometimes used in a specific sense, which typically is in reference to the RCMP criminal history check and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) security check, BUT is also used in a more generic sense in respect to the verification and assessment process which is done by IRCC processing agents.
If there are inquiries or research into open sources, like online media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn , those are ordinarily done by an IRCC processing agent in the local office which is processing the application. This would be part of the "background checks" done in general, IRCC's assessment and verification of the information provided by the applicant. This can range very widely and can include making telephone calls to employers, doing research to verify addresses, telephoning the applicant, including typical Internet searching for information about the applicant.
In addition to the form RCMP and CSIS clearances, there may be also the Global Case Management System (GCMS) check . GCMS also screens Field Operations Support System (FOSS) entries, which can include border crossing notes or criminal name-record hits.
The scope of the BGC in the broader, more generic sense, can range from minimal to extensive, depending on whether a processing agent sees something raising a concern or question and their is no fixed timeline for this.
Note: After COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) the landing visa will be valid for 12 months from your medical passed date. So it is reasonable to expect that BGC will be done within 2-4 months so that the applicant get enough time to prepare themselves for landing.
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What is FOSS?
The FOSS database is a central repository of information on all persons who have been, may be or are wanted to be seen by Immigration staff. FOSS is the main operational support system for immigration operations in Canada. The system is comprised of numerous components including query functions, status entry, document creation, refugee monitoring, case processing support, medical profiles, registry functions, client name and address, statistical functions, airport primary inspection line functions, access and security, appeals and litigation, quality assurance and records maintenance. FOSS also provides query capabilities for lost, stolen and fraudulent documents. All Immigration staff that work with the public and the staff that support these officers use FOSS. It is also used at all international airports by customs inspectors and by a number of specialized groups, such as: Case Management, Query Response Center, Social Insurance Registry, Immigration Health, Immigration Statistics, External Affairs Protocol, Canadian consulates in various locations in the United States.