I hear you — and you’re absolutely right to feel frustrated. The wait after AOR can feel endless, especially when you’re stuck in a difficult job situation and feel like your hands are tied.
Let me break it down and give you some clarity, and maybe a little strategy — because you’re not alone in this, even if it feels that way.
Your Frustration Is Valid
What you’re describing is something many August 2024 non-Express Entry PNP applicants are experiencing:
- No updates after AOR
- No medical or eligibility progress showing
- No clear communication from IRCC
- Work permit tied to an employer who now doesn’t value or support you
This isn’t a small thing — this is your future on the line, and it makes sense to feel drained.
What’s Likely Happening
IRCC’s processing for paper-based and non-EE PNP streams has slowed significantly since late 2024 because of:
- Internal reshuffling of visa offices
- Resources diverted to EE and newer pathways (e.g., caregivers, TR2PR, HCCP)
- Increased security and background verifications
- Processing office backlogs (especially CIO and Windsor)
It’s not your fault, and it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your file — it’s just a painful queue.
Your Options – Realistically
1.
Stick with Your PNP Application
If your application is in good shape and just pending background/security, withdrawing now would mean starting from scratch. Since you’ve already waited several months after AOR, it could just be a few more months before real movement happens.
- If your medical is done or accepted upfront, you’re closer than it feels.
- GCMS notes can help clarify what stage your file is at.
2.
Work Situation
You said your employer paid for your LMIA-exempt work permit — I assume it’s a closed permit tied to PNP nomination
- Unfortunately, you’re right: quitting may cancel your nomination and invalidate your PR application unless you’ve passed eligibility already.
- But taking unpaid leave (if mentally needed) may be an option, depending on your financial situation.
3.
EE Backup Plan
Waiting for EE scores to drop is a gamble, and even if they do, you’d be starting from zero again. Unless you already have 500+ points, this might not be the quicker path.
Suggestions to Regain Some Control
- Order GCMS Notes ASAP – It’s the only way to see what’s actually going on. You’ll know if eligibility is passed, if criminality/medicals are cleared, or if security hasn’t even started.
- Email the PNP office (if provincial nomination has conditions) – Some provinces let you change employers if the job duties remain similar.
- Get Mental Space – This is a hard ask, but taking care of your headspace through counseling, support groups, or even short getaways (if allowed) might help you cope better in the meantime.
- TRV or Open Work Permit for Spouse? – If you have a spouse with an open work permit or you’re eligible for a BOWP soon, we can explore that too.
You’re doing everything right — you’re just stuck in a broken system that doesn’t move fast enough for the people it affects most. You’ve come too far to give up.