Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new online portal that streamlines the process of confirming permanent resident (PR) status in Canada. This development eliminates the need for most in-person interviews, enabling approved applicants to finalize their landing entirely online.
Originally introduced as a temporary response to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the portal has proven to be a long-term efficiency upgrade, according to Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino. He stated that the new system has significantly reduced the time it takes for newcomers to officially obtain their PR status.
Through the portal, newly approved permanent residents can confirm their presence in Canada, update their residential address, upload a digital photograph to be used for their PR card, and receive their official confirmation of permanent residency—all without visiting an IRCC office. However, it’s important to note that this portal does not allow applicants to check the status of their immigration application; that function remains available only through the IRCC’s secure online account system.
Each user—whether main applicant or family member—must have an individual profile, with distinct usernames and passwords. Representatives, such as immigration consultants or legal advisors, are not permitted access on behalf of users, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.
IRCC first began inviting selected applicants to test the system in October, ahead of its broader rollout. The portal’s development was led by Deloitte, a global professional services firm headquartered in Canada, and is part of an ongoing effort to modernize Canada’s immigration infrastructure.
Here’s how the process works: Once an application is approved, IRCC sends out an email invitation asking applicants if they wish to use the portal. If they agree, IRCC creates the portal account and provides a follow-up email with login credentials and detailed instructions.
This digital approach marks a significant shift in how Canada handles immigration finalizations and helps to maintain strong service delivery despite global disruptions. It also reflects a broader move toward modernization and accessibility across Canada’s immigration programs.