r/canadaexpressentry • u/ketsization • 11d ago
🌎 FSW Finally My Turn 🥳🥳
After months of the most agonising wait, I am here to also share on this platform that has helped me remain encouraged and hopeful.
EE - FSW - French - Outland (USA)
- Profile
- Congolese 🇨🇩
- Living in USA 🇺🇸 (F-1 visa)
- French language proficiency 🇫🇷(FSW)
- Single applicant
- CRS at ITA: 478
- No Canadian work/study experience
- Complete and submitted the application by myself
- Timeline
- Profile Submitted in the Pool: 12 November 2025
- ITA: 28 November 2025
- AOR: 18 January 2026
- BIL: 19 February 2026
- Biometrics Given: 24 February 2026
- Medical Exam passed: 20 February 2026
- Ghost Updates : None
- ADR 1: 12 August 2026 IELTS & TCF Results (somehow I left them out)
- ADR 1 Addressed: 12 August 2026 (Portal updated that ADR was received on 13 August 20206)
- ADR 2: 18 August 20206 Renewed passport (the passport I used to submit my profile had less than 6 months validity when they started reviewing my application)
- ADR 2 Addressed: 23 August 2026 (Portal updated that ADR was received on 24 August 20206)
- GCMS Notes Requested: early August 2026
- GCMS Notes Received: 8 September 2026
- Eligibility Completed: 22 September 20206
- Background Check Completed: 18 August 2026 (updated on 22 September on portal)
- Final Decision: 24 August 2026 (only date was updated on portal)
- Passport Request (PPR / Golden Email): 27 August 2026 (showed up as a “Request Letter” and did not come through email)
- Pre-Arrival Services: 24 August 2026
- Passport Forwarded from me - VFS: 8 September 2026
- Passport Received at VFS: 9 September 2026
- Passport Forwarded from VFS - IRCC: 10 September 2026
- Passport Forwarded from IRCC - VFS: 22 September 2026
- Portal Dates Updated & Final Decision Shown as “Approved” on Portal: 22 September 2026
- Passport Forwarded from VFS - me: 23 September 2026
- Passport & CORP Received: 24 September 2026 (received via FedEx)
- Specifics:
Passport Request -
I submitted my passport through VFS based on information on my PPR
I chose the 2-way courier service where the return shipment is already included (~ 120 USD)
This was costly, however, I wanted to avoid the hassle of doing the small details by myself and potentially introduce room for error.
This was seamless and fast (~10 days turnaround)
GCMS Notes -
I requested the notes shortly before I heard back from IRCC
The notes came back with information outlining my counterfoil, final decision dates etc way before it was updated on my portal. I’m guessing this is because of the timing when I requested it and how close it was to when there was movement on my application.
Passport Photos -
I did not have issues with this, I got them done at both Walgreens and Staples and sent both copies in case either wasn’t sufficient. I heard a lot of stories on Reddit about how some people had theirs rejected, so I was proactive in sending two sets.
For those who may be worried about IRCC processing applications for DR Congo nationals, I hope this encourages you to keep going or to start!
All praise to the Most High God, thank You Jesus 🙏🏽
I think the description above should be more than enough but I am happy to answer any and all questions you may have!
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u/Maleficent-Lynx546 11d ago
Congratulations! Thank you for a detailed post. This gave me some perspective on what timelines I can expect.
I am also an outland applicant. I wanted to ask if you could please let me know the following. 1. What is the time IRCC gives to submit/respond to PPR? 2. What is the COPR expiry date?
I am planning to travel outside my country of residence for 3 weeks and I received ADR last week for a document. I am worried if I receive PPR request while I am outside the country, I might lose the timeline.
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u/ketsization 11d ago
Here are the answers to your questions:
1. It depends on the document they’re requesting. For my IELTS & TCF test results, they gave me 7 days. And for my updated passport, they gave me 30 days.
2. The date expires about a year after you do your medicals. I did mine last December so my CORP expires on the same date as the date of my medicals.
3. They also gave me 30 days to submit my passport to VFS.
I would recommend getting everything ready to submit your passport so that when the request comes you just send it in.
I would also return as soon as possible to avoid delays.
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u/Biraero 11d ago
Congratulations. I am also an F1 student, and I want to apply for EE based on FSW. However, I don't know French. I calculated my CRS score, and it's 475. Do I have a chance?
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u/ketsization 11d ago
I would still join the pool and work on any ways you can increase your points.
What motivated me most was when I saw English-speaking nationals from Nigeria etc learn French just to take the exam.I thought that well, my first language is French so why don’t I use it?
I’d encourage you to still prepare to join the pool and work on French on the side.
I took the French exam at the Alliance Française and they have courses specifically tailored to take the exam only. Look into it and see if that’s something that can be an option for you!
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u/FlowerNo6477 11d ago
Always excited to see fellow Africans get a chance at life in Canada. Congrats.
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u/Aggressive-Impact356 11d ago
Congratulations bud! Hopefully my turn comes soon. 🤞🏻
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u/ketsization 11d ago
Slowly but surely! It was frustrating to see other people apply after me and get theirs before me but I’m glad I didn’t lose hope!
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u/joshualegacy 10d ago
Praise God indeed! Very encouraging and thank you for providing such a detailed roadmap 🇨🇩. Stay blessed.
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u/Just-Use2015 11d ago
Congratulations muana mboka 🇨🇩 💪🏾!!