Startup Visa Program Timeline

[SUVpr]

Hi there
In my GCMS note was written eligiblity, medical, criminality, info sharing passed
Security not started
I didn’t see anything about two security checks

Why Does It Show as "Not Started"?
Here are some common reasons:
File is waiting in queue for a security review trigger.
IRCC may be waiting for final internal clearance or processing capacity.
It could be a delay in forwarding the case to CSIS (this is not uncommon).
Sometimes GCMS shows “not started” even though CSIS is reviewing — due to lack of real-time updates from CSIS to IRCC.

It means:
No security screening by CSIS has begun yet.
Your file has not yet been forwarded to CSIS for their part of the security assessment.
No issues have been found so far in eligibility, criminality, or other checks — that's good.

 

[SUVpr]

Security 1 – In Progress​

What it likely is:​

• This typically refers to an ongoing background check by CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service), Canada’s national intelligence agency.
• CSIS checks for:
  • Involvement in espionage, subversion, terrorism, or foreign influence
  • Associations with organized crime
  • Extensive travel histories or residency in high-risk regions
  • Potential national security risks

How long does it take?​

• It varies, and CSIS does not disclose timelines, even to IRCC.
• It can take a few months to over a year, depending on your background, nationality, travel history, or red flags (even something minor can trigger further review).

Why is it important?​

• Your application cannot be approved until this check is complete.
• Even though it says “in progress,” it doesn’t mean there’s a problem — only that the file is under standard or enhanced review.

Security 2 – Passed​

What it likely is:​

• This part usually refers to initial security screening, most often done by:
  • CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) – handles general admissibility checks.
  • RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) – checks for criminal records in Canada.
  • Possible verification of identity and documentation.

What they check:​

• Your fingerprints (biometrics) against Canadian and international criminal databases.
• Any immigration violations, fraud, or criminal records.

If this step is marked “Passed”:​

• It means you’ve cleared the initial layer of background review.
• Your fingerprints and general identity checks didn’t raise concerns.

Hopefully that's all

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Hi there
In my GCMS note was written eligiblity, medical, criminality, info sharing passed
Security not started
I didn’t see anything about two security checks

As I know, as soon as you got PAL that means eligibility is passed ( and almost all other checks) except Security, and at same time of issuing PAL the officer send your file to security screening.

This is for all programs except PNP, which security starts in early stages