IRCC claims that most express entry applications are processed within six months or less. The six-month processing standard begins when an application is assessed as complete and is promoted in the Global Case Management System (GCMS). However, the data available from the yearly reports show that the average processing time for the express entry application in 2019 was 8 months. The processing time is expected to rise in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.
After the expiry of the 6 months processing time, and when the status bar reaches 100%, the applicants are greeted with the following message:
The next logical step is to send a Web Form inquiring about the status of the application. However, what many are not prepared is the response they receive. The usual responses to a webform are as follows or a variation of the following:
Thank you for contacting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
We verified the information on file and can confirm that:
- The security background verification has not been initiated.
- The criminal background verification is currently valid.
· The medical examination results on file are valid.
· Your application is currently being processed at the local immigration office in [•].
Lastly, we verified the information you provided and can confirm that your application is still in process.
All the required documents and information have been received by the responsible office for the moment.
We verified the information on file and can confirm that:
While the processing times may vary with each case, we will make all the necessary efforts to finalize your application as soon as possible.
Rest assured that you will be informed as soon as a decision is reached or if additional information is needed.
- The eligibility verification is currently valid.
- The background verifications are currently valid.
- The security verifications are currently valid.
- The criminality verifications are currently valid.
From the above responses, it is perplexing to know if eligibility, the most important stage is passed, or is still being reviewed. Neither do the webform responses affirmatively state if the security screenings are completed. With the limited information available, the following can be deciphered:
If the webform response states that the verifications are currently valid, “valid” here indicates, that the documents required for the specific stage are “legal, not expired, and accepted by IRCC,” and no further input is required by the applicant. This status indicates that the stage in question has not yet been initiated and no further action on part of the applicant is required.
If the webform response specifically states:
The responsible office is currently verifying if your application meets the eligibility requirements under the immigration program for which you have applied.
This indicates that an assessment on the eligibility has been done. It could be an assessment by the assistant or an analyst, or it could indicate the eligibility requirement having been conclusively met. To understand the stages of eligibility, read the details here.
In conclusion, the GCMS notes remain the only source of information that provides credible in-depth information about an application. While the webform response are quick, and can indicate that everything is in order, but they do not provide the information that most applicants are looking for.
To track your application the only accurate way is through the GCMS notes. You can order your GCMS notes online.
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