Non-Express Entry(PNP) Online Applications Gather here
- Thread starter Punjabi6513
- Start date
PVO and SVO offices
- Windsor (PVO): Windsor is a smaller office, typically handling final stages like decision-making or quality control for non-Express Entry applications. They tend to have moderate processing speeds — not the slowest, but not as fast as, say, Centralized Intake Offices.
- Winnipeg (SVO): Winnipeg handles a lot of background checks, security, and criminality verifications. It’s known to be slower especially for security screening. Many applicants have noted delays there — likely because of volume, staffing, and detailed security checks that require coordination with multiple agencies.
It’s very common to see a gap once eligibility and medicals are done — the final bottleneck is usually security. Security screening involves coordination with agencies outside of IRCC (e.g., CSIS, CBSA), which takes time and is out of IRCC’s direct control.
Medical expired
If your medical has expired and they haven’t requested a new one yet, it usually means they’re prioritizing security screening before requesting a new medical. Once security is clear, they’ll either accept your previous medical or send an IMM 1017E form for a remedial exam.
Is this normal?
Yes, although it’s frustrating. Especially for March 2024 outland applicants, delays of 3–6 months (or more) at the security stage have been reported by many, particularly with Winnipeg handling it.
What you can do
- If you haven’t done so, consider submitting a webform or GCMS note request to ensure there are no additional issues (like missing documents).
- While waiting, there isn’t much direct action possible, but knowing the typical workflow can help reduce stress:
Eligibility & criminality passed
Medical renewed if needed - Security clear → final decision
Receiving a Pre-Arrival Services Letter (PAL) from IRCC is a positive sign in your permanent residence (PR) application process. It means:
Your eligibility has been assessed and is likely approved.
It suggests you meet the basic eligibility requirements for PR.
IRCC invites you to start preparing for your arrival in Canada (settlement services, etc.).
However, it does not mean your PR is fully approved yet. What’s left typically includes:
Security Screening: Final background/security check (e.g., CSIS, RCMP, or CBSA clearances).
Final Decision: An officer will ensure all other checks (like medical, biometrics, and criminality) are complete and satisfactory.
So yes—PAL means you’re in the final stages, but you’re not at the finish line just yet. It’s usually a matter of weeks to a few months from PAL to CoPR if there are no complications.
