What is first stage approval?

[liz64]

Hi, my husband and I applied for PR in December of this past year. We are in process and waiting for a response. I was just wondering, I keep reading about First stage approval on immigration forums, what exactly does that mean? I know we don't have it yet, but I was wondering what it means.

[PMM]

Hi

Hi, my husband and I applied for PR in December of this past year. We are in process and waiting for a response. I was just wondering, I keep reading about First stage approval on immigration forums, what exactly does that mean? I know we don't have it yet, but I was wondering what it means.

1.  Spousal applicants "in-Canada" at about 5/6 month either receive Approval in Principle (AIP) and the application is forwarded to an inland CIC for completion.  Or they may not receive AIP and the application is referred inland if there are doubts about the relationship/criminality which Vegreville can't decide on.

PMM