When you submit an application for Canadian Permanent Residence (PR), your file enters a structured IRCC process that involves multiple document checks, eligibility assessments, background verifications, and final approvals before you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) or an electronic CoPR (eCoPR) if you are already in Canada. Below is a clear explanation of each step with relevant regulatory references and definitions.

1. Submission and Acknowledgement of Receipt (AoR / R10)

Acknowledgement of Receipt (AoR) is your first confirmation that IRCC has received your application and that it has passed the initial R10 Completeness Check under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). This official R10 letter is generated after IRCC confirms your application package contains all required documentation according to current guidelines and checklist criteria. It is more authoritative than the electronic receipt shown immediately after submission.
Canada Immigration Services

The R10 Completeness Check is strictly about whether all required forms and documents are present. It does not assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the immigration category you applied under. Only once R10 is passed does the official processing time begin.
Canada Immigration Services

2. Biometrics Submission (Typically Within 1 Week of AoR)

After the AoR is issued, IRCC sends a Biometrics Instruction Letter to request that applicants aged 14–79 visit a collection point to provide fingerprints and a photo. These biometrics are used later for criminality, security, and information-sharing checks.

Biometrics are required every time you apply for permanent residence, even if you have previously submitted them on another application. They are updated quickly in the system once captured.

3. R10 and Application Integrity

Once the official R10 Completeness Check is completed, your temporary UCI (Unique Client Identifier) becomes permanent. This R10 letter can also help you demonstrate eligibility for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you are transitioning from temporary status in Canada.
Canada Immigration Services

If any required documents are missing, your application can be returned outright with fees refunded because it did not meet R10 requirements. This is why double‑checking your submission before filing is crucial.

4. Medical Examination (Typically Within 1–3 Months)

IRCC usually requests Immigration Medical Examinations once your application enters the deeper stages of processing (often concurrently with or soon after eligibility review starts). Only panel physicians accredited by IRCC can conduct this exam. Medical results must be valid up to and at the time of decision and landing.

5. Review of Eligibility (A11.2)

The eligibility review stage is identified in regulations as A11.2 (section 11.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act). This is where IRCC verifies whether you truly meet the program requirements under which you applied, including factors such as work experience, language ability, education, and proof of funds. This stage is more detailed and time‑intensive because officers check authenticity and relevance of all documents submitted.

A two‑stage assessment occurs:

• Initial Assessment by an analyst or processing agent

• Final Assessment and Decision by an immigration officer

IRCC may issue Additional Document Requests (ADR) at this stage if any clarification or extra evidence is needed.

6. Additional IRPR Regulations Referenced in PR Processing

While not all sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations directly correspond to specific processing “steps,” several are implicitly part of the eligibility framework IRCC uses when evaluating applications. Many of these are referenced internally by officers and are important to understand:

R10 – Completeness of the Application

Ensures the application package includes everything required by law before substantive review begins, including forms, fees, signatures, supporting documentation, and identification of all family members.
Canada Immigration Services

R72 – Becoming a Permanent Resident

Outlines what must be established before someone becomes a permanent resident:

• Submission of an application under the Regulations

• Authorization to remain in Canada (if already in Canada)

• Meeting the selection criteria for the applied class

• Applicant and family members are not inadmissible

• Valid medical certificate, unless exempted
  Department of Justice Canada

This regulation is the ultimate legal basis for granting PR status. Eligibility review and all background checks must satisfy these points before IRCC can issue a CoPR.

R76 – Skilled Worker Economic Establishment Criteria

Provides specific criteria for evaluating a Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) applicant’s ability to become economically established in Canada. Officers use this during A11.2 review to confirm that work experience, language ability, education, and other factors meet the FSW criteria.
Department of Justice Canada

R81 – Arranged Employment Definition

Defines what constitutes arranged employment, which can affect PR streams and CRS points. Officers verify that any claimed job offer is genuine and meets IRPR requirements.
Department of Justice Canada

R82 – Definition of Employment and Job Offers

Closely related to R81, R82 regulates employment definitions used to award CRS points and determine eligibility.
Department of Justice Canada

Other Relevant IRPR Sections

• R12 and 12.01 – General application requirements beyond R10 (e.g., format, translation, fees). Officers may cite these for procedural errors.

• R60 and related biometric provisions – Regulate collection and use of biometric information.

• Inadmissibility sections (Part 3 of IRPR) – Govern criminality, security, and health grounds for refusing a PR application.

These sections form the legal framework against which IRCC evaluates your application.

7. Background Check – Criminality, Information Sharing, Security Screening

After eligibility is established or concurrently, IRCC conducts extensive background checks, including:

• Criminality checks (police certificates)

• Information sharing with foreign governments or intelligence partners

• Security screening (CBSA, CSIS)

These checks are essential for admissibility and must conclude before final approval.

8. Interviews and Additional Requests

In rare cases, IRCC may request an interview to verify information or for quality assurance. More common in family-sponsored applications, interviews can occur for any PR application if documents alone do not clarify eligibility.

9. Final Decision and Issuance of CoPR or eCoPR

Once all assessments, including eligibility, criminality, medicals, security, and information sharing, are complete:

• Outland applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and, if required, a visa.

• Inland applicants already in Canada receive an eCoPR digitally.

CoPR validity cannot be extended; applicants must land in Canada before expiry.

10. Post‑Approval Steps: Landing and PR Card

After landing in Canada, your PR status becomes effective. IRCC automatically initiates your first PR card application once your photo and Canadian address are confirmed in the PR portal. Outland applicants receive this request after landing at the border.

11. IRCC Terms You Should Know (From the IRCC Manual)

• Acknowledgement of Receipt (R10 passed) – Confirms your application passed the completeness check; supports work permit applications if other criteria are met.

• Arranged employment (R82) – Regulatory definition that can impact eligibility and CRS points.

• Express Entry pool – Candidates meeting eligibility criteria, ranked for ITAs using CRS.

• Applicant – Person who submitted a complete PR application.

These definitions help align your understanding with IRCC staff interpretations.