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PR background verification shows 'Not applicable' — when does that change?

Canada • Permanent Resident • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Step-by-Step

If your PR application (post-PNP ITA) shows the background verification status as 'Not applicable' before you've completed biometrics:

  1. Don't be alarmed by 'Not applicable' at this stage — it typically just means the verification stage hasn't started yet, not that something is wrong with your file.

  2. Expect the status to move to 'In progress' once your biometrics are linked to your application. Submitting medicals and giving biometrics is generally what triggers this stage to actually begin.

  3. Track the status change after your biometrics appointment rather than expecting movement beforehand — checking too early won't show anything different.


The overall duration of the verification stage itself varies and wasn't confirmed in this thread, so treat the biometrics link as the trigger point, not a guarantee of a specific timeline afterward.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Tip: A 'Not applicable' background verification status is normal before biometrics — it isn't a red flag.
  • Do: Complete your medicals and biometrics promptly, since that's what typically moves background verification into 'In progress'.

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