Confirming permanent residence status online

The New Permanent Residence Portal

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses an online portal to confirm permanent residence (PR) status. This system largely replaces in-person interviews. The portal allows applicants to declare their presence in Canada, confirm their address, and submit a photo for their PR card.

Receiving Your Invitation

IRCC initiates access to the portal. After application approval, IRCC sends an email invitation. This email confirms the applicant's email address and that of each family member. It also verifies the applicant is in Canada.

IRCC creates the account for the principal applicant. A second email provides temporary account details. Applicants should not attempt to create their own accounts; doing so can cause delays.

Essential Steps in the Portal

Upon first login, the applicant creates a password. They then confirm their presence in Canada and provide an updated Canadian mailing address. The portal also requires a digital photo submission for the PR card.

Photos must be professional digital images or scanned professional photos. Selfies are acceptable if they meet specific requirements. Photos taken of a paper photo using a digital camera or phone are not permitted. Careful adherence to photo guidelines is crucial to avoid delays.

Photo Requirements and Submission

IRCC may reject photos for several reasons. Common issues include insufficient lighting, non-white backgrounds, obscured facial features, or glare. If a photo is returned, applicants can resubmit a new one through the portal. The system allows replacements before final submission. Once submitted, the photo cannot be changed.

IRCC reviews and accepts the submitted photo. This process can take time. After acceptance, the PR card is typically produced within two weeks and mailed to the address on file.

Professional Assistance

Immigration lawyers can advise clients on the portal process. They can assist with navigation and compliance. However, an immigration representative cannot log into the portal using a client's credentials. They also cannot declare a client's presence in Canada on their behalf. These actions remain the responsibility of the individual applicant.