Background

I immigrated to Canada through Ontario’s Master’s/PhD stream. For detailed timeline of my immigration application, see OINP Immigration to Canada Timeline. As you can see, security clearance has been dragging on. During this period, I’ve tried many methods to pressure IRCC to move faster, but with limited success. This article details my pressure tactics and the judicial review process.

  • Why security clearance happens

    • Fraudulent, problematic, or suspicious submitted documents
    • Sensitive experience, such as engineering studies with overseas education
    • However, I believe the main factor is luck—some applicants with engineering backgrounds got cleared smoothly despite similar profiles, while others got stuck. One friend with Proclamation 10043 work experience breezed through, another returned to China immediately after graduation without issues, and yet another got work permit and PR both stuck in clearance despite coming to Canada in middle school.

  • How to know if you’re in security clearance

    • Use the dedicated Tracker (different from GCKey, can register separately). Open browser F12 developer console and look under Object → relations → 0 → history. If you see actStatus=17 && key=Security, clearance has started. Values 33 and 108 appear to indicate medical exam start and completion.

      {
    "actStatus": 17,
    "actType": 1,
    "dateCreated": "2024-02-15T14:56:45.000Z",
    "dateLoaded": "2024-10-04T19:21:33.159Z",
    "key": "Security"
}

    • Request access through ATIP

Pressure Methods

Webform

Not effective. You can submit requests at this link. IRCC typically responds within a week saying your case is being processed and to be patient. Don’t submit daily webforms—they’ll get annoyed. Control your frequency.

ATIP

Recommended to request access periodically. This not only bothers them and brings attention to your case, but also provides evidence for future judicial review proceedings and keeps you informed of progress. Many online guides explain the ATIP process in detail. One important note: there are two types of requests—free and $5. Both are essentially identical aside from cost. You can also request from different agencies progressively. IRCC typically passes files to CBSA, which may pass to CSIS. Once CSIS gets involved, expect at least two years. If only CBSA is involved, you might get cleared in six months (extremely rare—buy lottery tickets if this happens). Request from IRCC first, then CBSA, then finally CSIS.

ATIP processing has been getting slower. CSIS requests can take six months or more.

MP

Emailing your MP is pointless. They’ll simply tell you your file is under security clearance and they can’t help.

NSIRA

If your case reached CSIS, you can file a complaint with NSIRA.

  • First send a written letter to the CSIS Director, stating your complaint about slow processing. Keep proof of mailing. Director address:

    Director
Canadian Security Intelligence Service
P.O. Box 9732, Station "T", Ottawa, Ontario
K1G 4G4

  • If you don’t receive a response within 60 days (or are unsatisfied), file a complaint with NSIRA. Rewrite your letter, include CSIS’s response and your original letter, and mail to NSIRA. Details at CSIS Complaints. Address:

    National Security and Intelligence Review Agency
P.O. Box 2430
Station "D"
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5W5

  • Jan 26, 2026: NSIRA replied that I’ve completed the CSIS stage and transferred to CBSA, asking if I want to close the complaint. I didn’t respond.

  • Feb 13, 2026: Asked again. This time I replied to keep it open and shift focus to CBSA.

Judicial Review (Mandamus)

Honestly, virtually none of the above methods work. Judicial review directly involves the court to compel IRCC to make a decision. While you can do this yourself, it’s strongly recommended to hire a lawyer. ChatGPT drafts are nowhere near lawyer quality.

The judicial review process involves:

  • Case Initiation Phase

    • Submit leave and judicial review application (ALJR) to Federal Court

      • E-file through Federal Court: Terms and conditions

      • Case Information

        Proceeding language: English
Proceeding type: Immigration
Proceeding subject: Non-Refugee
Proceeding nature: Imm - Appl. for leave and judicial review

      • List yourself as one party and IRCC as respondent (Individual)

      • File your ALJR document

      • Choose the nearest court or any court, even in other provinces

      • IRCC respondent should be their national headquarters in Ottawa:

        Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada
Litigation Management Branch
11th Floor, 365 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1
Tel: (613) 437-6528
Fax: (613) 954-4285
Email: [email protected]

    • Court issues payment notice

    • Complete payment ($50)

    • Court accepts application, assigns file number, notifies relevant parties

  • Preliminary Procedures

    • Department of Justice files notice of appearance (NOA) within 10 days of ALJR service
    • IRCC files written explanation (No Reason) immediately
      • IRCC often delays. Rules changed so you can file perfection (ALJR2) without waiting for No Reason.

  • Material Submission

    • Submit records and arguments (Perfection) within 30 days of No Reason or 75 days of filing (ALJR2)
      • ALJR2 perfection is crucial—write it carefully (preferably with lawyer help). Poor drafting risks dismissal if judge finds insufficient grounds.
      • Don’t repeat ALJR—this constitutes abuse of process.
      • Submit as Application Record at e-filing.
      • Must also file Affidavit of Service: See Federal Court E-Filing
        • After NOA, you’ll have a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyer. Email them when filing ALJR2.
        • Contact DOJ Toronto office at [email protected] instead of the individual lawyer.
        • Keep email records and notarize them. Email copies must have a notary seal before submitting to court.
        • Notarization options: Notary Public (formal, international) or Commissioner of Oaths (simpler). Usually $20 per seal. Some places are free—call Service Ontario to check.
        • After IRCC replies, they also use Commissioners of Oaths, so formal notary isn’t essential.
        • I wasn’t aware of this and got rejected multiple times. This step is complex—hiring a lawyer is recommended. Even with notary fees, my independent process consumed significant time.
    • Department of Justice files response within 30 days
    • File reply within 10 days of receiving response (ALJR3)
      • Different DOJ lawyers may contact you. Reply to [email protected], copying both ALJR2 and ALJR3 lawyers.

  • Review and Hearing, IRCC typically doesn’t appear in court, so decisions often come before hearing stage. Otherwise, hire a lawyer for court appearances.

    • Court review—approximately 3 months
    • Dismiss application—case ends, no appeal
    • Grant leave—proceeds to hearing
    • Court orders IRCC to submit all records
    • IRCC uploads records—approximately 1 month
    • Court schedules hearing—approximately 3 months
    • Three-party hearing
    • Court decision—within one week

Details: Federal Court - Immigration Applications Guide