+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445
They do not ship the PR card outside.
Yes he will need PRTD to visit Canada again (which takes time, but becomes an easy and the only option if you know that PR card application was approved.
I am overseas on a work assignment and one of my colleagues from Canada will be travelling to relieve me in a few weeks. I was going to ask them to bring my mail which I was hoping would include my PR card. If not, then yes, I will need to obtain a PRTD to return on a commercial flight to Canada (although one can apparently still cross the land border into Canada in a private vehicle, although not exactly a convenient option).
 
Update: Local MP office contacted IRCC and IRCC told them the same thing that agents tell me i.e. application is under review. MP office told me they also speak with call center but a different call center than general public.

No expected timeline provided.

Submitted: June 18
JSON: July 9
Ghost update: July 13

Silence since then. My employer and professional body are asking for valid PR card.
A similar story for me - my local MP office contacted IRCC who confirmed that my application has been received and 'is in progress'. I applied on June 3rd.
 
There is no point in giving up. PR processing can take time and it is not out of ordinary.

In JSON you might get triggered for false flags regarding primary document or back of the photo etc, but that is not an official communication. Much of the work is AI triggered and if a human officer has not formally opened a portal for re-submission of a document then there is no action on you.

Local MP can't do more than what you can do (to call and inquire). The primary document "if failed" you will receive formal communication about an update on your application. Your JSON will still show complete with an added rejection reason, and that "Complete" update time is important. Usually after that within 10 days you will receive your PR card (if fortunate). Else it can take 6-8 weeks after JSON shows complete.

Good luck
Hi Faraz - always encouraging to read your message. It appears you do a lot of reading. What’s the average time you see people get such applications approved in GCKey which appears to be taking more time than others e.g mine