My understanding is as follows;
Purely outland files (ALL applicants in the application are outside Canada) are to be grouped into 3 categories.
If the International Network Office has the capacity to process COPRs and based on local conditions, then at the moment;
Group A (COPR will be valid for 6 months or more if issued) - Make Final Decision and issue COPR with travel restriction advisory letter.
Group B- (COPR will have 3 months or more validity if issued) Group applications but do not make Final Decision
Group C (less than 3 months) Group applications (separate from Group B) but do not make Final decision.
IF Travel restrictions have been lifted by September, then;
Group A- Same as above
Group B & C- Proceed to Final decision and issue documents. Reassess admissibility if less than 3 months.
There is also further guidance for December (maybe in case restrictions are not eased in September)
I think the COPR validity length is based on the expiration of medicals and other admissibility reviews. I.e your COPR cannot extend beyond how long your document assessments are valid for. That would be a factor in the groupings.
