Guide for provincial nominees (IMM P7000)

The application process

1. Submission

Each visa office has its own application process; however, there are two universal aspects of the process:

A. Completion check: Once you have submitted your application, we will check to determine that all required application forms have been properly completed and submitted, the application processing fee has been paid, and that all requested supporting documentation has been provided.

If your application package does not meet these requirements, we will return it to you. No file will be created or record kept until a complete application has been submitted.

B. Acknowledgment of receipt: If your application is complete, we will begin to process it. You will be sent a letter that:

• notifies you of this fact and provides you with your visa office file number
• sets out some basic instructions for contact with the visa office
• gives you a brief outline as to future processing steps

2. Processing

Review for decision

Your application will undergo a detailed review by a visa officer. The officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it against current selection standards for skilled worker immigrants.

Factors that facilitate processing

There are certain things you can do to help ensure that your application is processed as promptly as possible:

• make sure that all the documentation and information requested is provided at the time of initial application submission
• make sure that you notify the visa office promptly of any and all changes to your mailing address, family situation, or any other information that is important to your application, such as additional education or work experience.
• refrain from making unnecessary inquiries to the Visa Office regarding the status of your case

Factors that may delay processing

The following factors may delay the processing of your application:

• unclear photocopies of documents
• documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation
• verification of information and documents provided
• a medical condition that may require additional tests or consultations
• a criminal or security problem
• family situations such as impending divorce, or custody or maintenance issues
• completion of legal adoption
• consultation is required with other offices in Canada and abroad
• you are not a permanent resident of the country in which you currently live

Checking your application status

To find out the current status of your application, follow these steps:

If you do not want your information to be made available online, you can remove it by following these steps:

Current processing times are updated weekly on our website at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/perm-ec.asp.

3. Decision

The officer will make a decision based on:

• the number of points that you accumulate in the six factors, based on the documentation you submit with your application
• your ability to meet the Required Funds amount for the size of your family

During the decision-making process, the officer may contact you if:

• further documentation is required
• a personal interview is required

Confirmation of permanent residence

If your application is successful, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) form that you and your accompanying family members must bring to the port of entry along with your visa. The COPR will contain all of your identification information, as well as a photo and your signature.

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