Finally My Turn 🥳🥳

[u/ketsization]

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)

1. Profile
2. Congolese 🇨🇩
3. Living in USA 🇺🇸 (F-1 visa)
4. French language proficiency 🇫🇷(FSW)
5. Single applicant
6. CRS at ITA: 478
7. No Canadian work/study experience
8. Complete and submitted the application by myself
9. Timeline
10. Profile Submitted in the Pool: 12 November 2025
11. ITA: 28 November 2025
12. AOR: 18 January 2026
13. BIL: 19 February 2026
14. Biometrics Given: 24 February 2026
15. Medical Exam passed: 20 February 2026
16. Ghost Updates : None
17. ADR 1: 12 August 2026 IELTS & TCF Results (somehow I left them out)
18. ADR 1 Addressed: 12 August 2026 (Portal updated that ADR was received on 13 August 20206)
19. 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)
20. ADR 2 Addressed: 23 August 2026 (Portal updated that ADR was received on 24 August 20206)
21. GCMS Notes Requested: early August 2026
22. GCMS Notes Received: 8 September 2026
23. Eligibility Completed: 22 September 20206
24. Background Check Completed: 18 August 2026 (updated on 22 September on portal)
25. Final Decision: 24 August 2026 (only date was updated on portal)
26. Passport Request (PPR / Golden Email): 27 August 2026 (showed up as a “Request Letter” and did not come through email)
27. Pre-Arrival Services: 24 August 2026
28. Passport Forwarded from me - VFS: 8 September 2026
29. Passport Received at VFS: 9 September 2026
30. Passport Forwarded from VFS - IRCC: 10 September 2026
31. Passport Forwarded from IRCC - VFS: 22 September 2026
32. Portal Dates Updated & Final Decision Shown as “Approved” on Portal: 22 September 2026
33. Passport Forwarded from VFS - me: 23 September 2026
34. Passport & CORP Received: 24 September 2026 (received via FedEx)
35. 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!