EXPRESS ENTRY APPLICATION LIFE CYCLE:
A basic summary (P.S. Timelines and order may vary based on country and stream):
1.
eAOR - electronic Acknowledgement of Receipt - a templated letter saying that your application is submitted with the application number mentioned (applicants may use this to apply for a BOW Permit, if applicable);
2.
Meds Passed - Medicals Pass and file is initially opened to check for
R10 satisfaction at the CIO (Central Intake Office);
3.
BG IP(1) - Background Check in Progress for the first time - usually happens on the same day your Meds Pass. At this stage they check for all documents and that whether the applicant is not missing any documents. They are not scrutinized at this stage, except for Police Clearance certificate (dates, and period is covered based on your answers from the Personal and Travel History);
Additional docs (like Schedule A, Travel History, Family Info, Proof of something, etc.) may be requested at this stage.
4. *
Next Step is to conduct a Background Check - NBG (not all applicants see this) - This is usually only when an applicant submits an
RCMP report and thus the security check is done later.
5.
BG NA - Not Applicable - usually happens between 1-2 months from eAOR. This is where applicants' first phase of
A11.1 Eligibility and documents are checked by the CIO. At this stage the agent checks if the points match, are above the round's ITA points, eligibility under the stream is met, points are claimed genuinely and if there are no irregularities in the docs or work exp, NOC, etc. After this the application is sent to the Local Visa Office (LVO) for finalization and second checks.
6.
BG IP(2) - Background Check in Progress for the second time - This is the stage wherein the LVO opens the file to check your entire application and confirm the notes and insights from the CIO agent. Eg. proof of funds, letter of employment, if any; This usually happens after all the security, criminality and eligibility is all okay. and at around the 4 months mark from the eAOR.
7.
PPR - Passport Request email - Ready for Visa/Demande Finalé - This is the email which every applicant stresses and waits for, it is on this forum also known as
The Golden Email. This means the officer is satisfied and has approved your application also has requested your
passport (if needed) or
photocopy of passport (if from visa-exempt country) along with
2 photos and annex A form, to stamp the Immigrant Visa and issue the CoPR - Confirmation of Permanent Residency (a letter serving proof that you are a PR). It is this letter used for "landing" at the border and in officially becoming a Permanent Resident. This letter is later also used for citizenship application (if applicable).
Again, this is a small summary and an estimated timeline based on my personal experience and it may vary throughout. But the stages are more or less structured and happen in an
Express Entry Application Life Cycle. Timings and order may differ.
Note: I was an FSW-Inland applicant and CEC has a similar timeline and structure, but it could be quicker too!
Good luck!
