For most inland PR streams (TR to PR, PNP, CEC, etc.), a passed medical is a good sign that your file is progressing.
- The PAL usually comes once eligibility is marked as “Passed” by an officer — but the timing varies a lot. Some applicants get it within days, others wait weeks or months.
- Since you’re inland, the PAL isn’t strictly required for you to remain in Canada, but IRCC still issues it as part of the process
2. GCMS Notes Delay
By law, IRCC should respond to your Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP/GCMS notes) request within 30 days, but they often delay due to “high volume.”
- A 3-month delay is definitely unusual. If you already followed up via webform and got that generic “will be dealt with in 3 business days” reply but nothing happened, you have two main options:
- File a complaint with the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada (OIC). They handle cases where IRCC delays ATIP responses. Many applicants do this after the 30-day deadline is missed.
- Submit a fresh ATIP request while the complaint is being reviewed. Sometimes the new one gets processed faster
What You Can Do Now
Track your application in the PR Tracker (if eligible). Sometimes it shows progress (eligibility, background, etc.) before PAL or GCMS notes.
- Call IRCC directly (1-888-242-2100) — though wait times are long, an agent can sometimes tell you if eligibility or background has started.
- Consider re-ordering GCMS notes — some applicants receive the second set quicker than the first.
- If time sensitive (job, travel, etc.) → escalate via your MP’s office. MPs can request status updates directly from IRCC, which often gets results faster.