After you apply

We couldn’t load the data. Try again. You may need to give biometrics with your application. This processing time includes the time you need to give your biometrics.

Processing time

On this page

• Get your fingerprints and photo taken
• Processing your application
• Processing times
• Causes of processing delays
• Medical exams
• Police certificates
• Verifying your information
• Decision on your application

Get your fingerprints and photo taken

If you’re between 14 and 79 years old, you need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) for every application for permanent residence you submit to us. Even if you gave your biometrics in the past and they’re still valid.

• You must pay the biometrics feewhen you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays.
• Get this done as soon as you get the letter from us that tells you to give biometrics.
• You have 30 days to do this from the date on the letter.

Processing your application

After you apply, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will check that you

• filled out your application forms correctly and signed them
• paid your processing fee
• included all required documents

If you forget something, your application will not be processed and will be sent back to you.

When we receive your complete application, we’ll tell you what you need to do and what happens next.

Processing times

This processing time only applies to the time it takes IRCC to process your application. It does not include the time it takes for the province of Quebec to process the Quebec Selection Certificate ( Certificat de sélection du Québec ).

Avoid delays by updating your information. Use our web form to report important changes to your application, such as

• contact information updates, including
  • email
  • phone number
  • mailing address

  Causes of processing delays

  Your application will be delayed if:

  • we need to verify information
  • there are criminal or security problems
  • we need to do more background checks
  • your family situation isn't clear, such as:
    • a divorce or an adoption that isn't yet completed
    • child custody issues that haven't been resolved

    You can check your application status online, once we start processing it.

    Medical exams

    You must have a medical exam before you come to Canada. Your family members must also have a medical exam, even if they’re not coming with you.

    We will not accept your application if your health:

    • is a danger to Canada’s public health or safety
    • would cause too much demand on health or social services in Canada

    We’ll send you a letter to tell you how to get the medical exam after we send your application to the processing office.

    Police certificates

    If you have a criminal record, you may not be allowed to enter Canada. Also, people who pose a risk to Canada’s security are not allowed to come to Canada.

    To immigrate to Canada, you and any family members 18 years of age or older must provide additional police certificates if asked to do so during the processing of your application for permanent residence.

    Verifying your information

    If you are not truthful in your application for permanent residence, we may

    • refuse your application
    • find you inadmissible
    • bar you from applying to come to Canada for any reason for 5 years

    Decision on your application

    We’ll make a decision on your application, based on:

    • whether you’re eligible for the program
    • whether you have the funds to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada
    • the results of your medical exam
    • the information on your police certificate

    If your application is approved

    If we approve your application, we’ll mail you a

    • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
    • permanent resident visa (if you're from a country that requires a visa)

    Your COPR will have your photograph and information about who you are.

    Check to make sure your information is correct. It should be the same as the information on your passport. If there’s a mistake on your COPR, contact us using the web form and upload your COPR with an explanation letter.

    We cannot extend your COPR. You should use it before it expires.

    Biometrics fee

    • Individual applicant: CAD $85
    • Families applying at the same time: maximum total fee of CAD $170
    • Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff who apply for work permits at the same time: maximum total fee of $CAD 255