What does PVO and SVO do? Do they both decide for the application results?
Thank you
In the context of Canadian immigration (CIC/IRCC), PVO (Primary Visa Office) and SVO (Secondary Visa Office) refer to the visa offices that handle different aspects of a PR application, depending on where it was submitted and the applicant’s country of residence.
PVO (Primary Visa Office)
• The PVO is usually the main office that receives and initially processes the application. • It conducts the preliminary checks, including completeness, eligibility, and initial background checks like criminality.
• If any additional documents are required or if the application requires further checks, the PVO may initiate that request.
SVO (Secondary Visa Office)
• The SVO typically handles tasks that require closer examination, often involving security screening, more in-depth background checks, or complex verifications.
• Sometimes, SVOs are closer to the applicant’s country of residence, so they may be better positioned to verify documents or conduct checks.
• In cases where the PVO passes parts of the processing to the SVO, the SVO may make the final assessment on certain aspects of the application.
• The final decision is often made by the PVO or whichever office has the application at its final stage.
• However, if the SVO performs the final checks or security verifications, it could also have input into the final decision.
In essence, the PVO manages the application initially, and the SVO may handle certain parts. Both offices collaborate, but the final decision usually rests with the office that completes the last required check.