You received the great news—“decision made”. Congrats, you’re about to get permanent residency status in Canada!
What happens next? What should you do before coming to Canada? How does the landing process work?
Before coming to Canada
If your permanent resident application is approved, you will be asked to submit your passport to the Canadian visa office where you applied in order to receive your permanent resident visa.
You will get two important documents:
- The confirmation of permanent residence (with identification information, photograph…)
- An entry visa
The confirmation of permanent residence has an expiry date by which you must arrive in Canada. This doesn’t mean you have to settle in Canada by that date, but it does mean you must travel to Canada and become a landed immigrant before the confirmation of the permanent residence expiry date. After that, you may come back to your home country and prepare for your actual arrival if you wish.
You must have your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and your visa with you when you arrive in Canada.
When landing in Canada
When you arrive in Canada with a permanent residence status, you become a landed immigrant. This is a very important step.
Note that there are two cases here:
- If you received your permanent residence status abroad: Most people will fly to Canada and land at an airport. The busiest the airport, the more likely it is that officers will be familiar with immigration papers, that there will be interpreters available if needed etc. In the East, Montreal and Toronto are good choices.
- If you received your permanent residence while you were already in Canada: this is a bit weird, but you have to exit Canada and re-enter (even if it’s five minutes later!) in order to become a landed immigrant. The French have an expression for it: “faire le tour du poteau” (to go around the flagpole). Most people will go to the U.S.A. and re-enter Canada immediately. Walking, driving or biking to Canada are all acceptable options! Officers on both sides of the border are used to it and you shouldn’t have any problem. I did it in 2005 to become a landed immigrant.
Whether you arrive by air or by land, you will first meet an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The officer will ask to see:
- Your passport
- Your valid permanent resident visa
- Your confirmation of permanent residence
- If you immigrate through a category that requires you to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself (for example, the skilled worker category), the officer will need to see the supporting documents, such as a recent bank statement.
There are a few routine questions to establish your identity and to make sure you gave correct information that matches your application, but this usually only takes a few minutes. Make sure you have all your documents with you and everything will be fine!
Be aware that you will be asked to declare items you bring to Canada. Take a moment to check out what you can and cannot bring in Canada, and what you must declare. You may want to check “How do I bring my belongings with me?” as well.
After that, the officer will authorize you to enter Canada as a permanent resident. He will also confirm your Canadian mailing address. Your permanent resident card will be mailed to you at this address.
The permanent resident card
A permanent resident card is a small wallet-sized card and a very valuable document, which allows you to prove your status in Canada or when travelling in and out of the country.
Permanent resident’s cards are not issued on the spot when you arrive in Canada. They are mailed to your Canadian address within a few weeks. If you do not have a Canadian address at the time you land in Canada, you must supply one to CIC within 180 days (plenty of time!). There is no fee for the permanent resident card applied for at the time of the landing process. It usually takes about 30 days to receive the permanent card after you land in Canada, but it varies (you can check the current processing time here).
The permanent residence card is normally issued for 5 years. It can be renewed if you wish to remain a permanent resident, or you may not need it anymore if you apply for Canadian citizenship after three years of residency!
…And then what?
After landing in Canada, some people decide to go back to their home country for a little while to finalize their move and settle their affairs. Some have houses to sell, some have to finish their work etc. This is perfectly acceptable. Once you become a landed immigrant, you are free to travel in and out of Canada!
However, if you leave Canada before you receive your permanent resident card, you may need to apply for a single-use permanent resident travel document to return to Canada. If you hold a passport from a country that does not need a visitor visa to come to Canada (such as with an American or a U.E passport), you should be able to enter Canada without your permanent resident card. See the list of countries which require a visa to visit Canada or read the article I need to leave Canada but I do not have my PR card yet for more information.
Be aware that to keep your status as a permanent resident in Canada, you must meet the residency requirement. This means that you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. If you don’t, you will lose your permanent residence status (and yes, it does happen a lot).
If you stay in Canada after landing, you can start applying for Canadian IDs (such as your SIN card), looking for a job, a place to live etc.
Your rights and duties as a permanent resident
As a permanent resident in Canada, you have both responsibilities. You can:
- Live, work or study anywhere in Canada
- Receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, such as health coverage
- Be protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Note that as a permanent resident, you cannot vote or hold certain jobs that have a high-security clearance.
You may lose your permanent status if you don’t meet the residency requirements or if you are convicted of a serious crime.
After three years in Canada as a permanent resident, you may choose to apply for Canadian citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Hi Zhu,
I have an interesting anecdote about my landing. Long story short, I arrived in Canada on a bike. The border people said that this is the first time they have seen anyone ‘land’ on a bicycle and my officer said that in her form she doesn’t have an option for bikes…lol
Unfortunately I couldn’t land that time because I didn’t have the funds letter, but I did have a good laugh with the guards.:)
Hey, do you want to elaborate for readers about what are the ways to enter Canada?
Priyank
@Final_Transit – 😆 That’s hilarious!
I have a story too… I was already in Canada, so I had to leave and re-enter. When I explained the situation at the US border, the officer wrote everything down and handed me a piece of paper on which it stated I was a “refused alien”.
Found it funny 😆
You are right, I should explain. I’m editing the post.
This is very helpful for someone serious about Canadian citizenship. I had no idea it was so complicated. Of course I have no idea of what is required to be a citizen of the USA either. Fortunately I decided to be born here so I didn’t need to go through all that.
I’ve been following these posts – a friend of mine wishes to come to Canada. The process is daunting!
Hey Zhu,
De Sarko à Harper, how about now, a few months, later. How are things going? Are you writing on the internet about something else now?
@Tulsa Gentleman – Same thing for me, I had no clue how people get French citizenship! Born with it…
@Beth – A little bit, but it does get easier when you read about it. Best of luck to your friend!
@Toun – Well, I don’t like Sarko… nor Harper! I have been living in Canada for quite a while now, just doing this little immigration series to help. I love writing about cultural differences… or traveling, because as you can see, we have traveled quite a lot!
My husband received his entry visa and Confirmation of permanent residence with the wrong eye color and height but the rest of the info are correct. It’s different from the info that we submitted to the consulte. Will it become a problem for him to enter Canada? What do we need to do? I’m just a bit disappointed on how the processed our application doing those kinds of mistakes.
HI
I am 3 year permanent resident of USA, I have received an immigration visa of Canada. IS it ok to carry both countries in same time?
Thanks
I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand your question.
hello
i would like to thank you first for your valuable advise and efforts you are putting in this site to help people
my mom has received her permanamt residance and she already landed in canada and lately she applied for citezenship
she did not receive reponse till now,
my question is:my mother is out of the country for the time being,how long can she stay out of canda with out spoiling her landing visa ,is there a law forcing a limit to stay out of the country .
i heard in USA one has to not exceed the duration of 6 months out of USA without entering it again.but i do not know the case in canada.
pls send me your reply as soon as you can..
thank you again
Rola
Hey Zhu,
I’ll be leaving this december because my visa would just be valid until January 2010 and I have to book the flight earlier, what I’d like to ask is if there’s a possibility for me to stay just to visit some friends for a week to Toronto as my first stop as an immigrant before heading to my destination which is in Winnipeg,Manitoba. Would this cause any problem upon my entry to Toronto?
Rose
Philippines
So, if I understand correctly:
1) You have your permanent resident visa
2) You will be landing in Toronto
3) But you will eventually settle in Winnipeg
Right?
I don’t see any problem. Generally speaking, it doesn’t really matter where you land (Quebec is a bit more complicated though). Once you are in Canada as a permanent resident, you can live, travel, work etc. wherever you want.
I think it’s fine!
Hi Zhu,
Thanks for the quick response, It’s really very helpful. I’m actually preparing to book my flight this coming week. By the way, I forgot to mention to you on my inquiry that I’m under a Provincial Nominee Program when I was given an immigrant visa. So just a stop in Toronto for a week before heading to my destination which is in Winnipeg won’t compromise my visa?
Thanks again.
Rose
Philippines
Well, that may make thing different… Mmmm…
I really don’t want to get you into troubles and I don’t know the provincial nominee program well at all. You’d better call CIC then!
If you have the answer, let know, I’m curious now.
Hello,
I have just received my PR immigration visa which allows for 1 time entry to Canada and the next step is to fly into Canada to become a landed immigrant. I have read all about the procedure.
My question is really to find a job in Canada itself thereafter. I am a Project Manager but willing to perform any other decent job scopes. The main reason for move to Canada is more for my personal development. Can you advise how and what is the best way to find work in Canada? How do I get started?
I am just worried that I am not able to find work there after giving up my current secured job in my country.
Thanks, any advise is appreciated.
Congratulation on becoming a landed immigrant!
Although most people find it a bit tricky to find a job at first, it’s really not that bad.
1) Don’t forget to take references from home
2) You can consider going through a staffing agency at first to get a short contract. This way, you will have a first experience in Canada, and things will be much easier after that.
3) You can also visit Service Canada centers which all have ads and job related advices
Good luck 🙂
Thanks Zhu for the link. At least now I have somewhere to dig into information.
Wishing you and all A Happy New Year!
Hi …I am really enjoying your site- thank you for it- your sections on winter survival are very helpful!
I have a few questions that you or a reader may be able to answer?
I am a Canadian citizen living in USA. I am moving back to Canada and will sponsor my kids. They are all minors and will be staying back while I start the paperwork.
1. Do they need to apply for Visa in the states and PR Status in Canada?
And here is one I cannot find on ANY of the immigration pages:
2. Once they get the PR status, how long till we can apply for their citizenship?
Thanks!
I emailed you on these questions, let me know if you don’t get the email!
hi! I just received our Canadian visa and certificate of permanent residence which listed as Toronto as our destination. However, we have decided to finally settle in Vancouver. Does it mean that we have to land in Toronto and then travel back to Vancouver to settle or do I need to request the embassy for a change in our destination?
Can we settle in Vancouver even of it is listed Toronto as our destination?
Thank you so much for the help
Roberto
I don’t think there is any problem, as I have heard of many immigrants doing the same. However, it may be an issue if you come under the province nomination program, for instance.
I would check with CIC to be sure. And welcome to Canada!
Please tell me how will i start the immigration process relocating to Canada and settle there permanently.
Start reading any of the posts here:
Hi,
I got Permanant Residence of Canada.I am going to Canada to get my PR card and after applying for PR card immediately I have to leave for my home county India. Can I tell the visa officer at the time when I will be applying for PR card that I need to go back to my country and apply for travel document. Also I want to know how long it will take to get permanant residence travel document, after I apply for this. Can I get it the same day I applied it?
Thanks,
Jasbir
I have no idea as I’m not familiar with these kind of travel documents.
You will need an address after you land to receive your PR card though.
Zhu,
You are really awesome such a great website with useful information.
Here is my situation –
I have landed in Alberta on 5th June, was working in USA. I applied for H1B Non Immigrant Visa extension in Calgary Consulate. They asked me to provide some more documentation to approve my visa. Today only I have received my SIN Card via Canada post. My question is if I travel to india now I need a Travel Document inorder to come back to Canada. I heard that it will take time from days to weeks and months.
I am thinking to travel after getting my PR Card, how long usually it takes to get a PR Card. In CIC website its saying 30 days if we provide an address in port of entry (updated on june 7th). What is your advise for me.
Thanks,
Reddy
Yes, if you leave now nefore receiving your PR card, you will need a travel document to come back to Canada and yes, these documents take a long time to get.
I can’t remember how long exactly it takes to receive the PR card but I think the stats are about right – a month or even less. I think mine only took a couple of week. If you can postpone traveling it is definitely best to wait for it.
Zhu – Thanks For your advise. I would like to know the best bank to open a new bank account.
When I was new to USA, opened multiple bank accounts blindly. It took me a while to choose the right bank with out paying monthly maintenance and min balance requirement or direct deposit requirement.
Is there a bank which doesn’t have a min balance requirement, direct deposit requirement or monthly fees requirement. If I open a bank account here in Alberta in-case if I move to Toronto they will charge more fee to take some money from another bank ATM right ?? Any alternatives
Please Advise,
Reddy
Banks in Canada are very different from banks in the U.S – for a start, we don,t have as many! You should read that:
Most have fees to have a look at the main ones and see which ones are best for you.
Hi Zhu,
I came across your site and found it very informative.
Last week we got the approval letter for PR under the FSW scheme and we have submitted our passports to CHC Singapore for visa stamping. My husband is the principal applicant. We had done our medicals last Aug 2009, so i presume we will have to make our landing before Aug 2010. We are currently based in Singapore and plan to make the final move to Canada only next year.
Since we will be only completing our landing procedure this July, do we need to apply for the SIN card and the health insurance plan during this visit? We plan to stay in Vancouver for 4-5 days.
Would appreciate your input.
Thanking you,
Suji
Hi Suji,
You are right, you must land before your medical exams, valid for a year, expire.
This is a good question. If you will have an address upon landing in Canada, you can definitely apply for your SIN card right away. You will be given a SIN number upfront and the actual card will be mailed to you within a few weeks.
I’m not too familiar with B.C provincial health system. In Ontario, you can only apply for your health card when you actually are a resident of Ontario. So if it’s a matter of days between your landing and the time you come live in Canada, you can apply, but any longer than that and you may not be counted as a resident of the province yet. Plus in Ontario, there a mandatory 3-months period before you can get coverage.
So I’d suggest you apply for the SIN card (provided you have a Canadian address where it can mailed it to) and wait for the provincial health card.
Oh and… welcome to Canada 🙂
Thanks Zhu for your response. I plan to give the address of an agent in Vancouver who will collect the PR/ SIN card on our behalf and mail it to us in Singapore. I think I will apply for the medical insurance only when we finally move there.
Thanks again for your advise.
Hi Zhu,
I realy love your site! there is a lot of relevant and interesting information which heplpes me with my Immigration issue.
My question is can I land outside Quebec? (I am CSQ holder) and does it will make a problem in a future when I’ll apply for the Canadian citizenship?
What can you suggest me to do? Does option of just landing in Montreal and immediately moving to Calgary (and get my PR card there) is a good idea?
Thanx in advance
You can land wherever you want, unless you apply through the Provincial Nominee program I believe. Even if you apply for permanent resident through Québec doesn’t mean you have to land in Québec.
Good luck!
Hi Zhu,
The information you have provided in your series, “How to immigrate to Canada“! is of great help for all who are interested to move to Canada or are under the immigration process. Its a great piece of work from your side.Hats of to you !
I want to ask somthing i am not clear about, after 1starrival in canada as immigrant ,are immigrants bound to live in the province/city of entry or in the province/city whose address will be given on port of entry for mailing residence card?isthere any such rule or immigrants can move and stay anywhere in Canada at any time of there stay.
Need your help to get rid of my confusion
Waiting for your reply
Thanks
Regards
Nida
Hi,
I’m glad you find the information useful!
To answer your question, no, immigrants are not bound to stay at the address provided. As a permanent resident, you may live wherever you want in Canada. The address you should provide when you land in Canada is only used to mail you your permanent resident card.
hi
thanks a lot for your very helpful info. i have a question. when i land in canada do i have to apply for the p r card right there at the airport??n provide them with photos for the pr card?? if so do i have to download the application form fill it out n bring it with me??thanks a lot lola
The pictures used are the ones you already mailed when applying for permanent residence. You don’t have anything special to do, the forms will be provided when you arrive.
Welcome to Canada!
hi zhu
thanks so much for the reply. sorry to bother u again. i have a question. will the forms imm5401 and 5455 be provided also on landing. on the website it says that they need to be ordered.
5401 is some sort of receipt. thanks lola
Hi,
I’m sorry, no idea. I landed over 5 years ago and I can’t remember which forms were used, however I’m 100% I didn’t have to do anything special at the point of entry.
Hi Zhu,
Thanks a lot for resolving my confusion. YOU are a gift for all the immigrants intended to arrive Canada.
Got your reply promplty but sorry for delay in thanking, Thanks again.
Regards
Nida Akhtar
Hi Zhu,
Sorry to bother you again, can we show bank statement of our local bank account in UK as proof of funds at port of arrival.
Regards
Nida Akhtar
I’m sorry, I don’t know for sure. I was sponsored so I didn’t need to show proof of funds.
Showing your bank statements seems like the logical thing to do, however, make sure the documents are official (i.e. with a bank stamp or something).
Hi,
Thanks for this information, it is very helpful, especially when we don’t get any assistance from the Canadian Immigration Office in London.
I would like to know, what is the job market like out there for qualified accountants. We have got the permanent residence visa and planning to go visit Toronto in mid August.
Ashish
Hi.
Can my wife,she is the sponsor.
can she deport me at my point of entry to canada?i already have my pr visa and she know my arriving date and time ,alot of evil adivser encouraging her to use a lawyer against me at the airport.
please what can i do because i have no bad ambition for her and i love her?
Please kindly advice me because she said i will sign a paper at the airport and i dont know what is this paper.
urgent help please
Why would she deport you? That’s the question…
so my question are…
I have been searching the website and I’m having a hard time finding the right application I need to fill out. I am trying to get PERMANENT RESIDENCY and am confused where to start and what to fill out. The only application I have found is one page and i have a feeling that its going to take more then one page to get me in there.
Is there a direct link to a package or app to start on? Or is it really just one page.
Do i need an immigration attorney?
I know this is going to be a very long process so I would like to get started ASAP
I’m a single female, 25, skilled worker, no kids.
Thank You so much for your time! Any answers would help! 🙂
You can find all the relevant application kits on http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp