Background check in progress 2-years +

[rogerfaster]

Hello everyone,


My spouse’s Permanent Residence (PR) application was initiated in 2023 and has now been under a comprehensive background check for approximately 2 years and 6 months. According to the most recent GCMS notes, eligibility, medical, and biometrics were all passed in 2023.

My spouse is a citizen of China and has no military background or affiliations. The only possible reason I can deduce for the prolonged background check is her prior work experience in the high-tech sector, specifically in the AI industry. The application is being processed by the IRCC office in Hong Kong. Despite multiple inquiries, the only response I’ve received is that there is "no timeline for background checks."

I have also contacted my local Member of Parliament, but was informed that during an ongoing background check, neither status updates nor interventions are permitted.

Has anyone else experienced a background check of similar duration? I’m aware that filing a writ of mandamus is an option, although it may be costly. I’ve also come across PeopleLooker while looking into background check related information, although I’m not sure how relevant that would be to an immigration security screening. Before pursuing that route, I’m trying to better understand its success rate and whether it's truly effective in cases like this. I’m hesitant to invest thousands in legal fees only to be told that I simply have to continue waiting.

Any advice or insights from those who have gone through a similar process would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you in advance

Two and a half years is certainly a very long time for a background check, especially with eligibility, medical and biometrics already passed in 2023. Unfortunately, security screening can involve agencies outside IRCC, so IRCC may have limited information or ability to provide a timeline while those checks are ongoing. Before spending thousands on a mandamus application, I’d speak with an immigration lawyer who has handled similar delayed PR cases. They can review the GCMS notes and application history and tell you whether the delay appears unreasonable and whether mandamus has a realistic chance of moving things forward. Getting updated GCMS notes first may also be worthwhile if the current ones are old.