Seeing “Decision Made” in your IRCC spousal sponsorship tracker is cause for celebration! As of June 2026, it almost universally means your application has been approved. You are now simply waiting for an email invitation to the Permanent Resident Confirmation Portal to download your electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (e-COPR).
The journey of sponsoring a spouse to Canada is filled with anticipation and endless portal checking. When you finally log in and see the golden words “Decision Made” next to the principal applicant’s name, it is completely normal to feel a rush of excitement. However, many applicants become instantly anxious because the system does not immediately tell them what that decision actually is. 😌 The tracker simply states that a conclusion has been reached, leaving you waiting for the next step.
Rest assured, if you have not received a Procedural Fairness Letter or an interview request beforehand, “Decision Made” means your spousal sponsorship is approved. The processing centre-whether located in Edmonton, Ottawa, or Mississauga-has finalized the background checks and eligibility. You are now transitioning from the application phase to the final landing phase, where you will officially become a Canadian permanent resident and receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.
Step-by-Step Process After Seeing ‘Decision Made’ in Canada
Once your application is approved, the federal government uses a streamlined, paperless system for applicants who are already inside Canada. If your spouse is living in British Columbia or Ontario with you, they will navigate the PR Confirmation Portal. If they are outside Canada, they will be asked to submit their passport to a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) for a physical visa foil.
Step 1: Receiving the Portal 1 Email
A few days after the “Decision Made” status appears, the principal applicant will receive an email from IRCC, widely known as “Portal 1.” 📧 This email asks you to confirm that you are physically present in Canada. It will also ask for basic information, such as your current address, your original entry date, and your preferred email address for creating the official portal account.
Step 2: Replying with Your Details
You must reply directly to the Portal 1 email with the exact information requested. Do not change the subject line. This is a critical step because IRCC needs to verify that you are legally inside the country before they can digitally land you as a permanent resident. If you are currently visiting family outside of Canada, you must inform them, as your e-COPR cannot be issued until you return.
Step 3: Logging into the Permanent Resident Portal (Portal 2)
After IRCC processes your reply, they will send you the “Portal 2” email, which contains your temporary password and a link to the Permanent Resident Confirmation Portal. 💻 Here, you will log in, officially declare your presence in Canada, confirm your mailing address for the physical PR card, and upload a digital photograph that meets IRCC’s strict sizing requirements.
Step 4: Downloading the e-COPR
Once an immigration officer reviews your uploaded photo and address, they will finalize the landing. You will be able to log back into the portal and download your signed e-COPR. The moment you download this document, you are officially a Canadian permanent resident! You can use this e-COPR to update your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada and apply for provincial health care.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
At this final stage, you usually do not have to pay any new fees, provided you paid everything upfront. However, there is one major exception.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): This fee is currently $600 CAD. If you chose not to pay this when you initially submitted your sponsorship application, IRCC will pause your “Decision Made” finalization and send you a request to pay it before issuing the Portal 1 email.
- PR Card Fee: Your first physical Permanent Resident card is completely free of charge for all new permanent residents, provided your photo and mailing address are successfully submitted within 180 days of completing your landing process.
- Photo Retakes: If the photo you upload to the portal is rejected for shadows or glare, you may need to spend $15 to $25 CAD for a professional photographer to take a new one.
| Location of Applicant | Post-Decision Made Process | Final Document Received |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Canada (Inland) | PR Confirmation Portal Emails (Portal 1 & 2). | Downloadable e-COPR. |
| Outside Canada (Outland) | Passport Request (PPR) email to submit to a VAC. | Physical COPR paper and PR Visa in passport. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The waiting game is almost over, but patience is still required. 🕐 IRCC handles thousands of portal requests daily.
- Portal 1 Email: Usually arrives 1 to 14 days after the “Decision Made” status appears online.
- Portal 2 Email: After you reply to Portal 1, it generally takes 1 to 3 weeks to receive your login credentials.
- e-COPR Issuance: Once you upload your photo, the e-COPR is typically ready to download in 1 to 4 weeks.
- Physical PR Card: After downloading the e-COPR, the physical plastic PR card will be mailed to your Canadian address in approximately 30 to 45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a ‘Decision Made’ be a refusal?
Yes, theoretically. However, if your application is being refused, IRCC will almost always send you a “Procedural Fairness Letter” or invite you to an interview months in advance to give you a chance to explain any discrepancies. If you had a smooth process, Decision Made means approval.
Can I travel outside Canada with my e-COPR?
No. Commercial airlines will not let you board a flight back to Canada with just a printed e-COPR. You must wait for your physical PR card to arrive in the mail, or apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) if you have an absolute emergency abroad.
What if my spouse is in a different Canadian city?
That is fine. As long as the principal applicant is physically inside Canada (whether in Toronto, Calgary, or Halifax), they can complete the PR Confirmation Portal process. The sponsor does not need to be in the exact same room.
What if my PR portal photo keeps getting rejected?
This is a common issue. Ensure you go to a professional photographer (like Shoppers Drug Mart or Staples) and ask for a digital PR photo. Do not scan a printed photo. If it is rejected, your e-COPR remains valid, but your physical card is delayed until a good photo is accepted.
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