+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445
PVO: Windsor SVO: Winnipeg

AR: March 21 2024
AOR: July 5
PAL: Oct 20
BG: In progress Dec 4

Eligibility: Passed
Security: In progress
Criminality: Passed
Medical: Passed
Info Sharing: Complete
 
  • Like
Reactions: bravozora
Winnipeg is the worst office of IRCC. My background check was changed to in progress on April 30, 2024, still in progress. Many are stuck in the Winnipeg office doing background checks.
You are not wrong with that. My background check is stuck in Winnipeg as well. There must be something fishy with that office honestly, literally everyone is complaining about Winnipeg office.
 
Hi Guys,
If any one could help by answering, I'll be grateful.

I applied under OID stream from Sinp and have been nominated already. I filed my details in non express entry portal this Feb.

I'm about to resign the organisation in India and would like to know if I need to further communicate it to Sinp or Federal government.
 
No, it is for people that get assigned the Winnipeg office as their Primary Visa Office (PVO), but I am not sure how to check what office your file got assigned to.
You can check through GCMS notes pr through agent on call .
Primary Visa Office (PVO)
Main office responsible for your PR processing
For inland PNP applicants, common PVOs are:
  • CPC-Ottawa (CPC-O) – Handles many inland non-Express Entry PNP applications.
  • Edmonton, Vancouver, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Windsor – These offices often take over after initial completeness check by CIO (Sydney, NS).
  • Centralized Intake Office (CIO-Sydney) – Not a PVO but does the initial intake and completeness check for non-Express Entry applications
Your PVO is where your application is actively assessed for:
  • Eligibility
  • Medicals, Criminality, and Security
  • Final Decision
  • You can find the PVO in:
  • GCMS notes (under “Assigned Office” or “Primary Office”)

a Secondary Visa Office (SVO) Inland
Even though you’re in Canada, IRCC can assign an SVO for several reasons:
1.
You Have a Dependent Outside Canada

If your spouse, partner, or child is outside Canada, their part of the application may be processed by a visa office in their country or region (e.g., New Delhi, Manila, etc.).

Your Country of Nationality Requires Overseas Verification

Sometimes, even for inland applicants, IRCC assigns an SVO in your country of citizenship or last residence for:
  • Verifying foreign documents (marriage, education, police certificates)
  • Background/security checks in collaboration with local agencies
3.
Workload Distribution

IRCC may transfer parts of an application to visa offices with more capacity — this is rare but possible.
 
This is such a frustration going on with Aug 2024 applicants . After getting AOR's there has been no updates on files. Tried calling IRCC but nothing worked i am so done with my current job them taking me for granted but i can't do anything cos my employer paid for LMIA exempt permit. I don't know when will i get any update something i feel like i should withdraw my file and shuld only wait for EE points to go down. Life has been so unfair after getting AOR i thought everything will go smooth now but no every step is left still
I hear you — and you’re absolutely right to feel frustrated. The wait after AOR can feel endless, especially when you’re stuck in a difficult job situation and feel like your hands are tied.
Let me break it down and give you some clarity, and maybe a little strategy — because you’re not alone in this, even if it feels that way.
Your Frustration Is Valid
What you’re describing is something many August 2024 non-Express Entry PNP applicants are experiencing:
  • No updates after AOR
  • No medical or eligibility progress showing
  • No clear communication from IRCC
  • Work permit tied to an employer who now doesn’t value or support you
This isn’t a small thing — this is your future on the line, and it makes sense to feel drained.
What’s Likely Happening
IRCC’s processing for paper-based and non-EE PNP streams has slowed significantly since late 2024 because of:
  • Internal reshuffling of visa offices
  • Resources diverted to EE and newer pathways (e.g., caregivers, TR2PR, HCCP)
  • Increased security and background verifications
  • Processing office backlogs (especially CIO and Windsor)
It’s not your fault, and it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your file — it’s just a painful queue.

Your Options – Realistically
1.
Stick with Your PNP Application
If your application is in good shape and just pending background/security, withdrawing now would mean starting from scratch. Since you’ve already waited several months after AOR, it could just be a few more months before real movement happens.
  • If your medical is done or accepted upfront, you’re closer than it feels.
  • GCMS notes can help clarify what stage your file is at.
2.
Work Situation
You said your employer paid for your LMIA-exempt work permit — I assume it’s a closed permit tied to PNP nomination
  • Unfortunately, you’re right: quitting may cancel your nomination and invalidate your PR application unless you’ve passed eligibility already.
  • But taking unpaid leave (if mentally needed) may be an option, depending on your financial situation.
3.
EE Backup Plan

Waiting for EE scores to drop is a gamble, and even if they do, you’d be starting from zero again. Unless you already have 500+ points, this might not be the quicker path.
Suggestions to Regain Some Control
  • Order GCMS Notes ASAP – It’s the only way to see what’s actually going on. You’ll know if eligibility is passed, if criminality/medicals are cleared, or if security hasn’t even started.
  • Email the PNP office (if provincial nomination has conditions) – Some provinces let you change employers if the job duties remain similar.
  • Get Mental Space – This is a hard ask, but taking care of your headspace through counseling, support groups, or even short getaways (if allowed) might help you cope better in the meantime.
  • TRV or Open Work Permit for Spouse? – If you have a spouse with an open work permit or you’re eligible for a BOWP soon, we can explore that too.

You’re doing everything right — you’re just stuck in a broken system that doesn’t move fast enough for the people it affects most. You’ve come too far to give up.