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Dear @Miss bee
I ordered my CBSA notes last week and today I got an email that for my notes to be given, I need to send them my first page of the passport. Is this normal?

Thank you
When you request CBSA notes (Access to Information and Privacy request), the agency sometimes asks for proof of identity before releasing records, especially if the request involves personal immigration history, travel history, or enforcement records. The passport bio page (first page with your photo and details) is one of the standard proofs they accept. However, you should be cautious, because identity documents are very sensitive. Here’s how you can check if the request is genuine:
Sender’s email domain
– Genuine CBSA/ATIP requests will usually come from an address ending in @CBSA-asfc.gc.ca or @tbs-sct.gc.ca (if it’s the ATIP Online service).
– If it’s from a Gmail, Outlook, or other non-government domain, it’s suspicious.
  1. Method of your request
    – If you applied through the official ATIP Online Request Portal (https://atip-aiprp.tbs-sct.gc.ca/), you may also see updates and document requests inside the portal. Check there to confirm.
 
Hello @misbee,

I submitted my Non-EE application to the IRCC January 2025 and I’m waiting for my AOR .. Now, I realise that I didn’t sign Schedule 4A form so they return my file or can I resubmit new form without application number?
 
Hello @misbee,

I submitted my Non-EE application to the IRCC January 2025 and I’m waiting for my AOR .. Now, I realise that I didn’t sign Schedule 4A form so they return my file or can I resubmit new form without application number?
IRCC hasn’t created your file in their system yet. If a mandatory form like Schedule 4A (Economic Classes – Provincial Nominees) is missing a signature, your application package is considered incomplete. In almost all cases, they will return your application by mail along with your payment (if you used a paper payment).
If your Schedule 4A was missing a signature, IRCC will return the entire application package to you. You’ll need to re-sign, repackage, and resubmit it. The only “silver lining” is that you won’t lose the application fee — it will be returned or unprocessed.
Because PNP streams often have caps or deadlines, it’s a good idea to start preparing your corrected package now so you can resubmit quickly if IRCC returns it.
 
IRCC hasn’t created your file in their system yet. If a mandatory form like Schedule 4A (Economic Classes – Provincial Nominees) is missing a signature, your application package is considered incomplete. In almost all cases, they will return your application by mail along with your payment (if you used a paper payment).
If your Schedule 4A was missing a signature, IRCC will return the entire application package to you. You’ll need to re-sign, repackage, and resubmit it. The only “silver lining” is that you won’t lose the application fee — it will be returned or unprocessed.
Because PNP streams often have caps or deadlines, it’s a good idea to start preparing your corrected package now so you can resubmit quickly if IRCC returns it.
Thank you misbee for quick reply but if I re sign repackage can they consider my application as beginning or recent queue ? Means I lose my time
 
Thank you misbee for quick reply but if I re sign repackage can they consider my application as beginning or recent queue ? Means I lose my time?
 
@Miss bee Thank you much for your reply.

This is the letter I wrote, kindly read and let me know if this is sufficient or to include any points in it!
Date: 2025-07-03
To:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Subject: Letter of Explanation – Omission of Part-Time Employment in PR Application
Dear Officer,
I am writing this letter in good faith to respectfully provide clarification regarding a part-time employment position that was inadvertently omitted from my permanent residence (PR) application submitted through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).
From June 2023 to February 2024, I was employed as a part-time merchandiser at Shoppers Drug Mart, working approximately 16 to 20 hours per week. During this time, I was also employed full-time at Tim Hortons, which is the basis of my SINP nomination and primary work experience referenced in my application.
At the time of submission, I did not mention the Shoppers Drug Mart position because I believed that this part-time job—being unrelated to the nominated occupation and having limited weekly hours—would not significantly impact the assessment of my application. I now understand that full transparency regarding all employment history is important, regardless of the role or duration, and I sincerely apologize for this oversight.
I want to emphasize that this omission was not intentional and was made inadvertently and in good faith. I have always made every effort to provide truthful and accurate information to IRCC, and I am fully committed to maintaining that integrity. As soon as I realized the error, I took steps to correct the record and provide this clarification.
Please find below the omitted employment details:
•Position: Part-Time Merchandiser
•Employer: Shoppers Drug Mart
•Duration: June 2023 – February 2024
•Average Hours: 16–20 hours per week
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. I trust that this letter demonstrates my willingness to act in full transparency and maintain the honesty and integrity expected of all applicants.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

And let me know revealing this would not backfire, right? I am afraid of that consequences.
Did this affect your application? I am in a similar situation. I forgot to include a job I did for 4days and 8days in my PR application and only realized after gathering my documents for citizenship. I intend to declare these jobs in my citizenship application but is worried that there may be serious consequences.
 
Do EE and Non-EE applications move at the same pace after AOR?
No, they don’t.
Once you get your AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt), you enter IRCC’s processing queue.
  • Express Entry applications are prioritized because the whole system was designed to be faster (usually 6–9 months, though delays happen).
  • Non-EE (paper-based PNP, streams outside EE) are much slower (often 18–24+ months).

  • Even though both get medicals, background checks, PALs, etc., the speed of each stage differs because EE files are digitally streamlined and processed at centralized offices, while paper-based/non-EE ones go through different visa offices and slower workflows.
That’s why you’re seeing April AORs from EE applicants already reaching eCOPR, while many non-EE applicants with earlier AORs are still waiting.

2. Can you create an EE profile while you have a Non-EE application in process?
Yes, you can. There’s no rule preventing you from maintaining both. Many applicants do this.
  • If you receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) through EE and later submit your e-APR, that does not automatically cancel your non-EE file. Both can technically proceed in parallel.
3. What happens if you get PR approval in one stream while another is still in process?
IRCC will finalize whichever one gets approved first.
  • Once you become a PR (whether through EE or Non-EE), the other application will be closed automatically because you can’t become a PR twice.
So, your options:
Keep waiting on your Non-EE file.
  • At the same time, update and re-enter EE if you’re eligible and competitive with CRS. If you succeed with EE, you’ll likely get PR faster, and IRCC will close the slower Non-EE file once you land.
Hi @Miss bee
Do EE and Non-EE applications move at the same pace after AOR?
No, they don’t.
Once you get your AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt), you enter IRCC’s processing queue.
  • Express Entry applications are prioritized because the whole system was designed to be faster (usually 6–9 months, though delays happen).
  • Non-EE (paper-based PNP, streams outside EE) are much slower (often 18–24+ months).

  • Even though both get medicals, background checks, PALs, etc., the speed of each stage differs because EE files are digitally streamlined and processed at centralized offices, while paper-based/non-EE ones go through different visa offices and slower workflows.
That’s why you’re seeing April AORs from EE applicants already reaching eCOPR, while many non-EE applicants with earlier AORs are still waiting.

2. Can you create an EE profile while you have a Non-EE application in process?
Yes, you can. There’s no rule preventing you from maintaining both. Many applicants do this.
  • If you receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) through EE and later submit your e-APR, that does not automatically cancel your non-EE file. Both can technically proceed in parallel.
3. What happens if you get PR approval in one stream while another is still in process?
IRCC will finalize whichever one gets approved first.
  • Once you become a PR (whether through EE or Non-EE), the other application will be closed automatically because you can’t become a PR twice.
So, your options:
Keep waiting on your Non-EE file.
  • At the same time, update and re-enter EE if you’re eligible and competitive with CRS. If you succeed with EE, you’ll likely get PR faster, and IRCC will close the slower Non-EE file once you land.

Hello again Miss Bee,

Seeking your advice for the nth time. What we talked about last month happened. My file seemed to be stuck at AOR. Got no updates yet even medical, and applicants from later dates have already got theirs last week (My AR date is Oct 10). Then, just a few days ago, I got an ITA from EE. I’m confused whether I should accept or just wait for my Non EE. I’m willing to pay fees again but I feel bad if the two applications will end up finishing at the same time. What should I do?
 
Hi @Miss bee, Is background verification completed in the tracker a positive sign? What comes after? My eligibility was completed ages ago, as per gcms notes, but it shows not started in the tracker. Everything else done
 
Hi @Miss bee


Hello again Miss Bee,

Seeking your advice for the nth time. What we talked about last month happened. My file seemed to be stuck at AOR. Got no updates yet even medical, and applicants from later dates have already got theirs last week (My AR date is Oct 10). Then, just a few days ago, I got an ITA from EE. I’m confused whether I should accept or just wait for my Non EE. I’m willing to pay fees again but I feel bad if the two applications will end up finishing at the same time. What should I do?
Given your situation, I would strongly advise accepting the Express Entry ITA. While it may feel frustrating to pay fees again and keep two applications open, EE is typically processed much faster and gives you a more secure and predictable path to PR compared to your current Non-EE application, which is already showing delays and uncertainty. Having two applications in process is completely allowed by IRCC, and once one is approved, you can simply withdraw the other. Think of the EE ITA as insurance against waiting indefinitely — if your Non-EE suddenly picks up and finishes first, that’s great; if not, your EE file will likely get you PR sooner. Overall, accepting the ITA minimizes risk, shortens your waiting time, and keeps your options open, so it’s the smarter move.
 
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Hi @Miss bee, Is background verification completed in the tracker a positive sign? What comes after? My eligibility was completed ages ago, as per gcms notes, but it shows not started in the tracker. Everything else done
Yes — background verification being marked as completed in the tracker is definitely a positive sign. It usually means your security and criminality checks are cleared, which are among the lengthier and more uncertain stages of processing. Since your eligibility was already marked as “passed” in GCMS notes (even if the tracker doesn’t reflect it correctly — the tracker often lags or displays inconsistencies), the main substantive assessments on your file are done.
What typically comes after this stage is the final review by an officer, followed by COPR issuance (PPR/portal email, depending on where you’re applying from). In other words, you’re essentially at the “wrapping up” phase. Sometimes there’s a short wait while the file is queued for the final decision, but you’re much closer to the end than the beginning.
 
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Given your situation, I would strongly advise accepting the Express Entry ITA. While it may feel frustrating to pay fees again and keep two applications open, EE is typically processed much faster and gives you a more secure and predictable path to PR compared to your current Non-EE application, which is already showing delays and uncertainty. Having two applications in process is completely allowed by IRCC, and once one is approved, you can simply withdraw the other. Think of the EE ITA as insurance against waiting indefinitely — if your Non-EE suddenly picks up and finishes first, that’s great; if not, your EE file will likely get you PR sooner. Overall, accepting the ITA minimizes risk, shortens your waiting time, and keeps your options open, so it’s the smarter move.
Thank you for your kind advice. I will keep these things in mind.
 
Yes — background verification being marked as completed in the tracker is definitely a positive sign. It usually means your security and criminality checks are cleared, which are among the lengthier and more uncertain stages of processing. Since your eligibility was already marked as “passed” in GCMS notes (even if the tracker doesn’t reflect it correctly — the tracker often lags or displays inconsistencies), the main substantive assessments on your file are done.
What typically comes after this stage is the final review by an officer, followed by COPR issuance (PPR/portal email, depending on where you’re applying from). In other words, you’re essentially at the “wrapping up” phase. Sometimes there’s a short wait while the file is queued for the final decision, but you’re much closer to the end than the beginning.
Thank you!