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Application Stages + What They Mean (MEP, IP1, IP2, Ghost Update...) - Version 2019

payal8502

Star Member
Mar 13, 2019
72
5
Hi - My EE status changed to "Approved" today. Does that mean that the COPR and residence visa has been issued and are on their way through mail? Or does it mean, that the VO is still processing the application? I received the PPR 4-5 days back.
I am not sure, since my passport was received in the Visa Office today morning only and the status (in IRCC application) changed in the evening.
Not sure if they processed it so quickly?!

Thanks in advance for the help!
 

ChocoHagela

Star Member
Feb 7, 2020
141
44
Hi - My EE status changed to "Approved" today. Does that mean that the COPR and residence visa has been issued and are on their way through mail? Or does it mean, that the VO is still processing the application? I received the PPR 4-5 days back.
I am not sure, since my passport was received in the Visa Office today morning only and the status (in IRCC application) changed in the evening.
Not sure if they processed it so quickly?!

Thanks in advance for the help!
Approved means they have stamped the visa on your passport, you should get your passport back by tomorrow.
 

Syed Areeb

Star Member
Jun 13, 2019
150
9
Karachi, Pakistan
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
London
NOC Code......
2133
AOR Received.
20-10-2019
I loved starting posts and they are very informative.. Respect for seniors.
Guys anyone got following ADRs:
1) CV
2) Schedule-A
3) Travel History
4) Grad Kit.
My AOR-20 October 2020, Visa Office-Ottawa.
When i got my GCMS on 22 Feb 2020, generated on 31 Jan 2020
My eligibility is= Recommended Pass.
Info Sharing= Complete.
No Travel History, but I work in Government Engineering Organization of Pakistan.
Got above ADRs on 10th March 2020 near end of 5th month.
I will complete my 6 months in April 2020.
Do you think i am in deep security screening due to my government job in engineering organization of Pakistan.
CSIS is working in CO-VID situation. I have to wait for near an year now..??
 

nukubi

Full Member
Feb 11, 2020
26
6
Good Day,

Please I would like your thoughts on the below email response from an IRCC agent regarding the status of my application:

"We verified the information on file and can confirm that:
The responsible office is currently verifying if your application meets the eligibility requirements under the immigration program for which you have applied,
you may be contacted via your account if additional information is needed.
The background verifications are currently valid.
The security background verification is currently valid.
The medical examination results on file are currently valid."

Does the above mean I have met/passed all the background verifications but the eligibility verification is pending? Is it an indication to expect the PPR email soon?

I would really appreciate your feedback.
Thank you and stay safe.
FSW-Outland, AOR 21 October 2019
 

BOSOXNATION

Hero Member
Nov 14, 2019
254
107
IRCC has introduced a number of changes in recent months and it is time to update our understanding of the post-AOR stages. I am simply building on the amazing work of @northern sunshine in developing an explanation of the various stages we can use - informally - to track the progress of our application. Huge thanks in particular to @USProgrammer who has posited the underlying trends and found evidence for them. In short, the traditional transition from IP1 to IP2 to ghost update to PPR still holds but in a modified way due to these changes.

From 31 Dec 2018
, everyone except for Inland candidates has to provide their biometrics which means the default starting stage applicants will see for their Background Check is ‘IP2’ (“We are processing your background check…”), however, this is a ‘False IP2’, meaning an IP2 that has appeared before it is actually due as the application has not in fact progressed to the IP2 stage yet.

If you have an AOR of 31 Dec 2018 or later, follow the chart below to track your progress. Candidates will remain in a state of 'False IP2' throughout their application and only see a series of 'ghost updates' following their MEP; the first such ghost update (which should follow shortly after MEP) will signify your Real IP1, the second ghost update will signify your Real IP2, and the third will be your ‘Final’ Ghost Update, following which you are likely to receive your PPR.

If you have an AOR date of up to 30 Dec 2018, the chart also applies to you if you meet one or more of these conditions: you are a CEC or PNP-Inland candidate, you were required to provide your biometrics or you did not pay your RPRF upfront.

Note for FSW-Outland candidates who have an AOR date of up to 30 Dec 2018: If you did not need to provide biometrics and paid your RPRF upfront, the old transition from NA1 all the way to a Final Ghost Update will still apply to you. Your Background Check should have started in NA1 ("Not Applicable" 1), meaning your Background Check status said "Not Applicable" right after you submitted your application.

General:
EE
- Express Entry: Canada's score-based program for economic immigrants
CRS - Comprehensive Ranking System: System for ranking candidates for EE
ITA - Invitation to Apply: an invitation to apply for permanent residence
e-APR - electronic Application for Permanent Residence: the online application for PR after receiving an ITA
RPRF - Right of Permanent Residence Fee: a fee collected as part of your PR application
AOR - Acknowledgement of Receipt (of application): email confirming receipt of your application after you submit and pay your fees
ADR - Additional Document Request: IRCC sends a message asking you to provide a specific document to supplement your application.

Post-submission stages:
False IP2
- Usually right from AOR or just after MEP. Background Check shows "We are processing your background check. We will send you a message if we need more information.”
MEP - Medicals passed: review of medical results changes from "You do not need a medical exam." to "You have passed the medical exam." There is no email for MEP.
Ghost Update - When you log in, the application says it's been "updated" but none of the fields have changed. Once you logout and log back in, the application returns to being "submitted". Ghost updates are not announced by email and a candidate must check their profile daily to not miss them.
Ghost Update #1 or Real IP1 - "In progress" 1: Background Check changes to "Your application is in progress. We will send you a message when we start your background check." Usually follows MEP. Some applicants (especially Inland and CEC) skip this stage. You should receive an email for your Real IP1 - the email will not provide any details, just that your application has been updated.
NA2 - "Not Applicable" 2: Background Check changes to "Not Applicable" again after IP1. Some applicants skip this stage and it is easily missed. No email.
Ghost Update #2 or Real IP2 - "In progress" 2: Background Check changes to "We are processing your background check. We will send you a message if we need more information." No email.
NA3 - "Not Applicable" 3: Background Check changes to "Not Applicable" again after IP2 (uncommon).
Ghost Update #3 or Final Ghost Update - Often considered a sign that PPR is coming soon. Not seen by all applicants.
PPR - Passport request: IRCC sends "Ready for visa" e-mail asking you to submit your documents to your visa office so they can issue your CoPR and entry visa if applicable. A PPR is announced only by email, and there may be no changes made directly to the profile. If you are worried you might miss it, you can whitelist the email domain @cic.gc.ca to ensure the email comes straight to your inbox.
CoPR - Confirmation of Permanent Residence: A document that says you've been approved for permanent residence.

Other notes:
1. The ‘eligibility’ and ‘final decision’ fields in your profile will not change to passed until after you receive your CoPR. This is an example of what a profile may look like following a CoPR.
2. Remember that these are not "official" stages, but they are used frequently throughout the forum to track the processing of applications.

This is a combined effort of @northern sunshine, @USProgrammer and myself. Please share your feedback - it is likely we have missed a few things!
I got an adr request 7 months after medical pass . Still waiting on pre arrival . Nov 2018 case spousal
 

IceD.

Star Member
Mar 17, 2018
137
59
IRCC has introduced a number of changes in recent months and it is time to update our understanding of the post-AOR stages. I am simply building on the amazing work of @northern sunshine in developing an explanation of the various stages we can use - informally - to track the progress of our application. Huge thanks in particular to @USProgrammer who has posited the underlying trends and found evidence for them. In short, the traditional transition from IP1 to IP2 to ghost update to PPR still holds but in a modified way due to these changes.

From 31 Dec 2018
, everyone except for Inland candidates has to provide their biometrics which means the default starting stage applicants will see for their Background Check is ‘IP2’ (“We are processing your background check…”), however, this is a ‘False IP2’, meaning an IP2 that has appeared before it is actually due as the application has not in fact progressed to the IP2 stage yet.

If you have an AOR of 31 Dec 2018 or later, follow the chart below to track your progress. Candidates will remain in a state of 'False IP2' throughout their application and only see a series of 'ghost updates' following their MEP; the first such ghost update (which should follow shortly after MEP) will signify your Real IP1, the second ghost update will signify your Real IP2, and the third will be your ‘Final’ Ghost Update, following which you are likely to receive your PPR.

If you have an AOR date of up to 30 Dec 2018, the chart also applies to you if you meet one or more of these conditions: you are a CEC or PNP-Inland candidate, you were required to provide your biometrics or you did not pay your RPRF upfront.

Note for FSW-Outland candidates who have an AOR date of up to 30 Dec 2018: If you did not need to provide biometrics and paid your RPRF upfront, the old transition from NA1 all the way to a Final Ghost Update will still apply to you. Your Background Check should have started in NA1 ("Not Applicable" 1), meaning your Background Check status said "Not Applicable" right after you submitted your application.

General:
EE
- Express Entry: Canada's score-based program for economic immigrants
CRS - Comprehensive Ranking System: System for ranking candidates for EE
ITA - Invitation to Apply: an invitation to apply for permanent residence
e-APR - electronic Application for Permanent Residence: the online application for PR after receiving an ITA
RPRF - Right of Permanent Residence Fee: a fee collected as part of your PR application
AOR - Acknowledgement of Receipt (of application): email confirming receipt of your application after you submit and pay your fees
ADR - Additional Document Request: IRCC sends a message asking you to provide a specific document to supplement your application.

Post-submission stages:
False IP2
- Usually right from AOR or just after MEP. Background Check shows "We are processing your background check. We will send you a message if we need more information.”
MEP - Medicals passed: review of medical results changes from "You do not need a medical exam." to "You have passed the medical exam." There is no email for MEP.
Ghost Update - When you log in, the application says it's been "updated" but none of the fields have changed. Once you logout and log back in, the application returns to being "submitted". Ghost updates are not announced by email and a candidate must check their profile daily to not miss them.
Ghost Update #1 or Real IP1 - "In progress" 1: Background Check changes to "Your application is in progress. We will send you a message when we start your background check." Usually follows MEP. Some applicants (especially Inland and CEC) skip this stage. You should receive an email for your Real IP1 - the email will not provide any details, just that your application has been updated.
NA2 - "Not Applicable" 2: Background Check changes to "Not Applicable" again after IP1. Some applicants skip this stage and it is easily missed. No email.
Ghost Update #2 or Real IP2 - "In progress" 2: Background Check changes to "We are processing your background check. We will send you a message if we need more information." No email.
NA3 - "Not Applicable" 3: Background Check changes to "Not Applicable" again after IP2 (uncommon).
Ghost Update #3 or Final Ghost Update - Often considered a sign that PPR is coming soon. Not seen by all applicants.
PPR - Passport request: IRCC sends "Ready for visa" e-mail asking you to submit your documents to your visa office so they can issue your CoPR and entry visa if applicable. A PPR is announced only by email, and there may be no changes made directly to the profile. If you are worried you might miss it, you can whitelist the email domain @cic.gc.ca to ensure the email comes straight to your inbox.
CoPR - Confirmation of Permanent Residence: A document that says you've been approved for permanent residence.

Other notes:
1. The ‘eligibility’ and ‘final decision’ fields in your profile will not change to passed until after you receive your CoPR. This is an example of what a profile may look like following a CoPR.
2. Remember that these are not "official" stages, but they are used frequently throughout the forum to track the processing of applications.

This is a combined effort of @northern sunshine, @USProgrammer and myself. Please share your feedback - it is likely we have missed a few things!
Wondering how long it is from Ghost Update #2 to Ghost Update #3.
 

canadaICT4Indian

Star Member
Feb 6, 2020
55
2
Wondering how long it is from Ghost Update #2 to Ghost Update #3.
After MANY GHOST UPDATES from last 6 months, I got my Bio-metrics validity of 10 years mail today showing more 9.5 years.

But this mail is not covered in this set of updates. Not sure what decision would be and how much more time ??
 

Sapan1086

Full Member
Aug 3, 2018
29
3
IRCC has introduced a number of changes in recent months and it is time to update our understanding of the post-AOR stages. I am simply building on the amazing work of @northern sunshine in developing an explanation of the various stages we can use - informally - to track the progress of our application. Huge thanks in particular to @USProgrammer who has posited the underlying trends and found evidence for them. In short, the traditional transition from IP1 to IP2 to ghost update to PPR still holds but in a modified way due to these changes.

From 31 Dec 2018
, everyone except for Inland candidates has to provide their biometrics which means the default starting stage applicants will see for their Background Check is ‘IP2’ (“We are processing your background check…”), however, this is a ‘False IP2’, meaning an IP2 that has appeared before it is actually due as the application has not in fact progressed to the IP2 stage yet.

If you have an AOR of 31 Dec 2018 or later, follow the chart below to track your progress. Candidates will remain in a state of 'False IP2' throughout their application and only see a series of 'ghost updates' following their MEP; the first such ghost update (which should follow shortly after MEP) will signify your Real IP1, the second ghost update will signify your Real IP2, and the third will be your ‘Final’ Ghost Update, following which you are likely to receive your PPR.

If you have an AOR date of up to 30 Dec 2018, the chart also applies to you if you meet one or more of these conditions: you are a CEC or PNP-Inland candidate, you were required to provide your biometrics or you did not pay your RPRF upfront.

Note for FSW-Outland candidates who have an AOR date of up to 30 Dec 2018: If you did not need to provide biometrics and paid your RPRF upfront, the old transition from NA1 all the way to a Final Ghost Update will still apply to you. Your Background Check should have started in NA1 ("Not Applicable" 1), meaning your Background Check status said "Not Applicable" right after you submitted your application.

General:
EE
- Express Entry: Canada's score-based program for economic immigrants
CRS - Comprehensive Ranking System: System for ranking candidates for EE
ITA - Invitation to Apply: an invitation to apply for permanent residence
e-APR - electronic Application for Permanent Residence: the online application for PR after receiving an ITA
RPRF - Right of Permanent Residence Fee: a fee collected as part of your PR application
AOR - Acknowledgement of Receipt (of application): email confirming receipt of your application after you submit and pay your fees
ADR - Additional Document Request: IRCC sends a message asking you to provide a specific document to supplement your application.

Post-submission stages:
False IP2
- Usually right from AOR or just after MEP. Background Check shows "We are processing your background check. We will send you a message if we need more information.”
MEP - Medicals passed: review of medical results changes from "You do not need a medical exam." to "You have passed the medical exam." There is no email for MEP.
Ghost Update - When you log in, the application says it's been "updated" but none of the fields have changed. Once you logout and log back in, the application returns to being "submitted". Ghost updates are not announced by email and a candidate must check their profile daily to not miss them.
Ghost Update #1 or Real IP1 - "In progress" 1: Background Check changes to "Your application is in progress. We will send you a message when we start your background check." Usually follows MEP. Some applicants (especially Inland and CEC) skip this stage. You should receive an email for your Real IP1 - the email will not provide any details, just that your application has been updated.
NA2 - "Not Applicable" 2: Background Check changes to "Not Applicable" again after IP1. Some applicants skip this stage and it is easily missed. No email.
Ghost Update #2 or Real IP2 - "In progress" 2: Background Check changes to "We are processing your background check. We will send you a message if we need more information." No email.
NA3 - "Not Applicable" 3: Background Check changes to "Not Applicable" again after IP2 (uncommon).
Ghost Update #3 or Final Ghost Update - Often considered a sign that PPR is coming soon. Not seen by all applicants.
PPR - Passport request: IRCC sends "Ready for visa" e-mail asking you to submit your documents to your visa office so they can issue your CoPR and entry visa if applicable. A PPR is announced only by email, and there may be no changes made directly to the profile. If you are worried you might miss it, you can whitelist the email domain @cic.gc.ca to ensure the email comes straight to your inbox.
CoPR - Confirmation of Permanent Residence: A document that says you've been approved for permanent residence.

Other notes:
1. The ‘eligibility’ and ‘final decision’ fields in your profile will not change to passed until after you receive your CoPR. This is an example of what a profile may look like following a CoPR.
2. Remember that these are not "official" stages, but they are used frequently throughout the forum to track the processing of applications.

This is a combined effort of @northern sunshine, @USProgrammer and myself. Please share your feedback - it is likely we have missed a few things!
I received an email from CIC stating your application status has changes. But when i open i don’t find any changes. What does it indicate?
I haven’t received any ITA yet.
 

Farhan66

Member
Aug 19, 2019
17
3
I loved starting posts and they are very informative.. Respect for seniors.
Guys anyone got following ADRs:
1) CV
2) Schedule-A
3) Travel History
4) Grad Kit.
My AOR-20 October 2020, Visa Office-Ottawa.
When i got my GCMS on 22 Feb 2020, generated on 31 Jan 2020
My eligibility is= Recommended Pass.
Info Sharing= Complete.
No Travel History, but I work in Government Engineering Organization of Pakistan.
Got above ADRs on 10th March 2020 near end of 5th month.
I will complete my 6 months in April 2020.
Do you think i am in deep security screening due to my government job in engineering organization of Pakistan.
CSIS is working in CO-VID situation. I have to wait for near an year now..??
Hi there. I am also working in a government engineering organization in Pakistan! I would love to have an update on your application. Did you got PPR? I got AoR on 29 Apr 2020. Thanks.
 

olufisayo77

Star Member
Nov 4, 2017
120
9
1. Pls any ppt issued during this lock down for pnp paper applicant.
2. Will I have notification if I have ppr in my account or it will be by mail only.
3. Can the golden email be delivered in spam mail or inbox only.
4. Waiting for ppr after passing medical 9months ago.
 

preetav2882

Star Member
Sep 22, 2019
52
20
Hi All,

I am Inland CEC applicant. My AOR is 28th Jan 2020.

2 days back i received a Ghost update. I Checked on CIC helpline and they mentioned that my Eligibility is Recommended Passed, Criminality is Passed and Security is yet to start.

Is everything going good with my application?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ask_me_007

Ask_me_007

Newbie
Jun 11, 2020
2
0
Hi All,

I am Inland CEC applicant. My AOR is 28th Jan 2020.

2 days back i received a Ghost update. I Checked on CIC helpline and they mentioned that my Eligibility is Recommended Passed, Criminality is Passed and Security is yet to start.

Is everything going good with my application?
Looks like you will be getting your COPR soon. I am also an Inland CEC applicant with AOR as 20-Dec-2019. I got my COPR yesterday.
I got the same Ghost update on 26th-May and yesterday it was the day :)

So this is how it happened:

1) AOR - 20th-Dec-2019
2) Medical passed - 7th-Jan-2020
3) Biometrics Completed - 13th-Jan-2020
4) Dead silence till 25th-May-2020
5) Ghost Update - 26th-May-2020
6) COPR - 10th-June-2020

Upon checking all the steps in my account, "Review of eligibility" and "Background check" were the 2 steps which got updated on 25th-May-2020 (and hence a ghost update next day)

You know what's the best part, On COPR letter, its written "Congratulations you are now a Permanent Resident of Canada". (looks like they are overlooking few intermediate steps these days for inland applicants)
You just need to send 2 photos after getting COPR (this is what I am doing today).

Once you are at this step, contact me; I will tell you the process to track your PR Card* status updates within your account itself. (*this is different from your "Permanent Residency" application type)
 
Last edited:

preetav2882

Star Member
Sep 22, 2019
52
20
Looks like you will be getting your COPR soon. I am also an Inland CEC applicant with AOR as 20-Dec-2019. I got my COPR yesterday.
I got the same Ghost update on 26th-May and yesterday it was the day :)

So this is how it happened:

1) AOR - 20th-Dec-2019
2) Medical passed - 7th-Jan-2020
3) Biometrics Completed - 13th-Jan-2020
4) Dead silence till 25th-May-2020
5) Ghost Update - 26th-May-2020
6) COPR - 10th-June-2020

Upon checking all the steps in my account, "Review of eligibility" and "Background check" were the 2 steps which got updated on 25th-May-2020 (and hence a ghost update next day)

You know what's the best part, On COPR letter, its written "Congratulations you are now a Permanent Resident of Canada". (looks like they are overlooking few intermediate steps these days for inland applicants)
You just need to send 2 photos after getting COPR (this is what I am doing today).

Once you are at this step, contact me; I will tell you the process to track your PR Card* status updates within your account itself. (*this is different from your "Permanent Residency" application type)
Thank You for this insight. This is definitely helpful. I will surely connect with you for further guidance