For many international students, the hardest part of the Canadian study permit process is the waiting period after submitting the application.

After completing biometrics and uploading all required documents, many applicants spend weeks checking their IRCC account with little or no change in status. In most cases, the account simply continues to show “In Progress,” leaving students wondering what is happening behind the scenes.

While the waiting period can feel stressful, several important steps take place after a study permit application is submitted. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carefully reviews every file before making a final decision.

This article explains what happens after a Canada study permit application is submitted, what each account update means, and which signs may indicate that a decision is getting closer.

So, without further ado, let us begin!

The Waiting Period Starts After Biometrics

Many international students believe the waiting period starts the moment an application is submitted. However, IRCC usually begins counting the official timeline only after biometrics are completed.

Most study permit applicants must provide biometrics, including fingerprints and a photograph. Applicants normally receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) after submitting the application.

IRCC gives applicants 30 days from the date of the BIL to complete biometrics. The time taken to book an appointment or travel to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) is not included in the official wait period shown by IRCC.

In simple terms, the review process begins only after biometrics are received by the immigration department.

If an applicant cannot complete biometrics within the allowed period, IRCC allows them to explain the delay through a web form.

Stage One: Completeness Check And Initial Review

Once biometrics are completed, the application moves into the first stage of review.

During this step, IRCC checks whether all required documents have been submitted correctly. Officers also verify that the correct application fees have been paid.  

This stage may sound simple, but it is very important. Missing forms, incomplete answers, unpaid fees, or incorrect documents can cause delays or result in the application being returned without review.

If the application passes this stage, it moves forward for detailed assessment.

Status Update At This Stage

At this point, applicants may receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). This confirms that IRCC has accepted the file into the system and started reviewing it.

Inside the online account, the “Review of eligibility” section may also change to “In Progress.”

This update means the file has entered active review.

Stage Two: Eligibility Review

The eligibility review is one of the most important stages of the study permit process.

During this step, immigration officers examine whether the applicant meets all legal requirements for a Canadian study permit.

Officers review several important areas, including:

  • Acceptance into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Academic background
  • Travel history
  • Ties to the home country
  • Whether the applicant intends to leave Canada after studies end

IRCC carefully checks whether the student genuinely plans to study in Canada and can support themselves financially during their stay.

Strong documents and clear explanations can help make this stage smoother.

Status Update At This Stage

During eligibility review, the status line may continue showing “In Progress” for several weeks.

In some cases, the line later changes to “Completed.” This usually means the officer has finished reviewing the applicant’s eligibility requirements.

For straightforward applications, the process may move quickly after this step.

Stage Three: Background And Security Checks

At the same time as the eligibility review, IRCC also carries out background and security checks.

These checks happen separately and may continue even after eligibility review is completed.

The immigration department reviews:

  • Criminal history
  • Identity verification
  • Previous immigration records
  • Security concerns

For applicants from certain countries, additional checks may be conducted with partner agencies.

Background checks are often the reason why some applications take longer than expected. It is common for applicants to see eligibility marked as “Completed” while the background check continues for several more weeks.

This does not always mean there is a problem with the application.

Stage Four: Medical Examination Review

Not every study permit applicant needs a medical exam.

However, medical exams are required in certain situations, especially when students plan to stay in Canada for more than six months.

Typically, applicants may need a medical exam if:

  • They lived or travelled for six months or more in certain countries before applying; or
  • They plan to study or work in healthcare, childcare, or other public-facing professions.

Medical exams are used to ensure applicants do not pose a risk to public health in Canada.

The results are generally valid for 12 months. If the application takes too long and the medical results expire, IRCC may request a new exam.

Status Update At This Stage

Applicants who require medical exams may see the “Review of medical results” line change to either:

    • “In Progress”; or
  • “Completed.”

If no medical exam is needed, the status may show “Exempted.”

Understanding IRCC Account Status Updates

Most study permit applicants regularly check their online account for updates.

However, many status messages can feel confusing or unclear.

A typical study permit application account usually includes the following sections:

  • Review of eligibility
  • Review of medical results
  • Background check
  • Biometrics

Each section may display one of the following statuses:

  • Not Started: This means IRCC has not yet begun reviewing that specific section.
  • In Progress: The application is actively being reviewed. This stage can last anywhere from a few days to several months depending on the complexity of the file.
  • Completed: IRCC has finished reviewing that part of the application.
  • Waiting On You: The immigration department needs additional documents or information from the applicant. Applicants should respond quickly to avoid delays or refusal.
  • Exempted: This means the applicant does not need to complete that requirement. 

The “Final Decision” line usually remains unchanged until every major review stage is completed. Once this line changes to “Completed,” it generally means a decision has been made.

When A Delay May Be Unusual

Every country has different average wait periods for study permit applications.

IRCC updates these timelines regularly based on the number of applications received and the department’s workload.

Many applications take slightly longer than the estimated timeline shown online. A delay of two or three weeks beyond the normal estimate is usually not considered unusual.

However, if an application continues far beyond the average wait period, applicants sometimes request GCMS notes through Canada’s Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) system.

GCMS notes can provide more details about the file and may help explain the reason for the delay.

Signs A Decision May Be Coming Soon

While there is no exact way to predict a final decision, some account updates may suggest that processing is nearing completion.

Common signs include:

  • Eligibility review changes to “Completed”
  • Background check changes to “Completed”
  • Biometrics show as “Completed”
  • Additional document requests are marked as resolved

These updates often happen shortly before a final decision appears in the account.

Still, every application is different, and timelines can vary greatly between cases.

Important Things To Avoid While Waiting

Many students become anxious during the waiting period and make mistakes that can create additional delays.

Immigration professionals often recommend avoiding the following actions:

Avoid Sending Too Many Web Forms

If the application is still within the normal wait period, sending repeated update requests usually does not help.

IRCC often responds with general information already available online.

Avoid Submitting Multiple Applications

Submitting a second study permit application while another is already under review can create confusion and trigger additional manual checks.

This may slow down the process even further.

Avoid Immigration Scams

No person or company can guarantee faster approval from IRCC.

Applicants should be careful of agents or consultants promising quick approvals or special access to immigration officers.

Keep Contact Information Updated

Applicants should regularly monitor their email and online account.

If IRCC requests documents or clarification and the applicant misses the deadline, the application may be refused.

What Applicants Should Remember

The study permit process involves much more than simply uploading documents and waiting for approval.

Behind the scenes, IRCC officers review financial records, educational documents, security details, biometrics, and medical information before making a final decision.

For many students, long periods without updates can feel frustrating. However, several review stages happen quietly in the background, even when the account appears unchanged.

Understanding how the process works can help reduce stress and make the waiting period feel a little more manageable for international students planning their future in Canada.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.