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 (The Prescott Shuffle Story).
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 right away after becoming a landed immigrant, 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.
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Thank you for your useful post. I recently landed in Niagara Falls and I noticed that my immigration visa on my passport was made invalid right after. I just wonder my current Canadian visa (worker visa – expired on 30th November 2012) is still valid for travelling out of Canada and coming back? Or do I still need to wait for my PR card?
It is easier and safer to wait for your PR card, otherwise you may have trouble getting back into Canada, especially if you need a visa to travel to Canada.
I just received my permanent visa and I also have a tourist visa, one that I got for a trip to Calgary that I planned for this September.
I’m not planning to make landing in this trip, mainly because I want to make it next year through Montreal (I applied through Quebec).
My doubt would be if I can still make this trip using my tourist visa or do I necessarily have to make landing the next time I go to Canada?
I would really appreciate your advice, regards.
Hello,
I’m not sure actually, you should call CIC to check. I would think that you can, I mean you don’t have to land before you are ready. That said you have to land by a certain date (on your visa).
Hi,
I am moving with my family (myself, my partner and our two young children). We have just received the Confirmation of Permanent Residence.
Do we all need to make a trip to Canada before this expires (as the timeframe is too short for the full move) or is it sufficient that the principal applicant (me, in this case) make the journey?
thank you for any information about this (paying for all four of us to visit would be a big extra expence we’d like to avoid)
I know the main applicant can land alone, before his/her dependants, but I think dependants must still land before their visa expire. You should definitely call CIC to check.
Hi,
I am in Canada and looking forward to visit my home country in December. I am expecting to get PR in November. So can I make landing process when I will come back from my country to Canada or I need Visitor Visa to come back Canada?
I check CIC and as they said that we need PR Card to reenter Canada.
Thanks,
If you do receive your PR before you leave the country, then you can “land” when you reenter after your holidays abroad. You only need the PR card when you have already landed.
Thanks for your quick reply.
But my question is that if I will get PR (NOT PR CARD) in December, then I need to land in Canada right? So, can I visit my country and come back to Canada and land at that time? and do I need TRV visa at that time to enter in Canada or not?
If you want a defined answer, you should contact CIC. I am not an immigration consultant or a lawyer. I can’t guarantee I’m right.
Hi Zhu,
I’m landing in Canada on the 9th. I’ve some confusion on the settlement funds.
I was told I need to have them only till I’ve got my visa but going by your article, it seems I need to have a document showing I’ve the requisite settlement funds at the time of landing in Canada? Is that correct?
If yes, could you let me know the the settlement funds required for a single person? Also, how can I show that I’ve access to those funds? Would a statement from my bank here in my country suffice, or do I need anything additional for the same?
I know that’s a lot of questions but I’ve been getting conflicting answers from people and therefore hope you would be able to clear the confusions.
I believe you will be asked for proof of fund when landing, i.e. when entering Canada (of course this is discretionary so some agents may not ask). Funds for a single person depend on where you land (Quebec vs. other Canadian provinces) and the immigration category you applied in (i.e. no need to show proof of fund if you were sponsored by a spouse/partner).
See here for reference: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/funds.asp
Thanks Zhu,
That clears up a lot. However, that link doesn’t tell what instrument is acceptable as proof of funds? Would a bank state from my bank here in my home country suffice?
Or would I need something else?
Again, thanks for you time!
I’m sorry, I really have no idea. CIC should be able to answer that, I don’t want to just assume 😉
Thanks anyways Zhu. Actually, some were saying a bank statement/certificate would suffice while others said I would need a bank draft payable at Canada.
Will try to find it through the CIC. Again, thanks!
I appreciate you taking out the time.
No worries, I wish I could have helped more but I certainly don’t want to give you a wrong answer!
Hi, Zhu
I live in Canada with a valid work permit (Post graduate). I have applied for PR and I have provided everything they asked for (Medical done, fees paid, and copy of passport submitted) and now the status is “Decision made”. I’m hoping that it is a positive result.
I didn’t understand why other landed immigrants living in Canada have to travel to the US border but I now understand the reason by reading your article.
I’m travelling to Vancouver and Seattle this week so if I receive a letter from CIC before I leave, I think I can get the PR visa when I come back from Seattle.
Thanks for article here. Very useful.
Hi Chris,
Welcome to Canada… officially! I am glad the article helped you. Immigration matters can be incredibly confusing and stressful… I know, I’ve been there! However, once you become a landed immigrant, and then a citizen, life is much easier 😉
Do you know, when you get your answer and they say you are granted permanent residency. How long does the process of submitting your passport take? How long until we can go to Canada?
Do you also know how long the expiry date it, how much time do you have to enter the country to become a permanent resident?
Thanks..
You can submit your passport as soon as the visa is ready to be issued. I got mine back the same day, but really it is a matter of days. You can go to Canada pretty soon!
The visa will have to be validated by a certain date, usually based on the date of your medical exam. It depends when you had it, and how long the process (visa) took.
Thank you for your reply, and insight.
Hi,
How Long After landing as a Permanent Resident, A person could start working?
Is the SIN card necessary?
Thank you.
You need a SIN number (which you can get from Service Canada on the spot). You don’t need the actual card, it will be mailed to you within a few weeks. Meanwhile, just show the temporary paper Service Canada will give you. And yes, you can work right away as long as you have the proper visa (landed immigrant status, work permit, etc.).
Hello,
Please Help me understand!
I am an American citizen married to a Canadian.My application process went. Today I have received my passport back from the immigration office, along with the confirmation letter for the PR. But to my surprise, there was no immigrant visa on passport!? Is that a mistake?? 🙁
I have no idea, too little info! You should have gotten a visa in your passport I think (I did anyway). Contacting CIC is your best bet, you won’t find an answer online for this kind of specific question.
hello, I would like to know what are the requirements when a person lands in canada. Where to land ???? and how to get the PR Card. how to arrange my accommodation on arrival. ??
I shall be grateful if you can help me in these questions.
Regards,
Asad.
You can land wherever you want. Note that if you apply through the Quebec immigration program, you should land in Quebec, and if you applied through the provincial nominee program you should land in the province you agreed to live in. You will receive the PR card by mail at the address you provided when you land. As for accommodation, it depends on where you land and on your situation. If you are coming with your family, you may want to look into renting temporary accommodation, if you are by yourself you can book an hostel or hotel.
Hope that helps!
Hello. I live in Montreal and I am a canadian citizen. My brother and his family are coming to Canada as permanent residents, they are planning to settle in Ontario but since we have no family there, I told my brother to land in Montreal and to stay at my place until he gets their papers ready. They have no intention working or staying in Montreal.
My questions is, will they have a problem being refused by the Quebec immigration officers at the Montreal airport since they applied under the federal immigration? Do they need to fill out the CSQ form? I read something on the internet (not the official canadian immigration website) that it is risky to enter Canada through Quebec if you don’t have the Selection Certificate. I find its ridiculous if Quebec will refuse somebody for that reason alone. Will it be wiser to just arrive in Ottawa then drive to Quebec? I called Canadian Immigration a month ago and they said my brother can land anywhere in Canada, but with the complexity of Quebec immigration, i don’t want to take a chance that my brother will be refused entry. I contacted CBSA and I couldn’t get a hold of any staff.
Thank you and hopefully you can give me some info on this one.
Hi,
Unfortunately, I don’t really have a better answer: technically, you should be able to land anywhere but there is a chance they will get into trouble for not having a CSQ. And the CSQ is not a document you can get easily, as you know, immigrating to Quebec is a whole different process. This is a bit of a grey area, they may be fine or they may face issues. I would advise to land anywhere but in Quebec to avoid potential hassle and stress.
Hello,
I am landing very soon in canada as a permanent resident and I had a question about the interview. I’m only planning to stay there for a few days for my landing and then go back for my work outside Canada. Thus, I won’t have enough time to obtain a PR card. I know that I can always ask for a travel document or enter through a US border by car but if the officer asks me how long I intend to stay in canada can I say that it’s only for a few days which are not enough to have my PR card?
Thanks a lot for your blog and response
Hi,
No you will have no issue. It’s very common for immigrants to “land” and then go home to sort things out before moving to Canada. The officer won’t mind and it won’t affect your PR.
Welcome to Canada!
Merci beaucoup pour ta réponse
Ton blog est d’une très grande utilité pour tout ceux qui sont un peu perdus.
Je te souhaite bien du courage pour le reste de ta vie
et un très joyeux Noël!
“Bienvenu” comme on dit ici! Et bienvenue au Canada aussi 😉 Contente d’avoir pu aider!
I have been traveling monthly to see my wife in Canada. I just received my approval letter yesterday. Yay! But I don’t have time to prepare the B4 form for a list of items I’m bringing into Canada. I already made plan to visit Canada as a visitor in two weeks during Christmas. Do I have to land in two weeks with the filled out B4 form or can I land later in January 2013?
Thanks for your help!
You can land whenever you want, so you can come as a tourist for now and say you will land later time to get things ready. Border officers are used to that!
And congrats on your visa!
Hello.. Thank you for your posts.. It is very informational..
I have a few questions.. My parents are in Canada and completed their medicals in early october 2012. They are here on a tourist visa. I am a canadian citizen and had applied for them. The question is since they are already in canada what is going to happen when the decision is made? Will they be asked to submit their passports? How long would they take to return the passports (what will they send back along with the passports?)
After recieving the passports back they will hate to cross the border and then land? right?
I know it s alot of questions. But I need your help. Thanks a lot.
Where did you apply? From inside our outside Canada?
Inside Canada
Hello! Thanks so much for the helpful information..
I have a question, I am a U.S Citizen and my husband is a Canadian Citizen. He sponsored me in Canada and fortunately I just received a “Confirmation of Permanent Residence” From what i understand I need to Land in Canada. Currently I am in Canada, I will cross the boarder and re-enter, but my question is I was never asked for my passport to be sent out. Please correct me if i’m wrong, I’m assuming since I’m a United States Citizen I don’t need a visa. When i Land do i just show them the Confirmation of permanent residence letter? or would i need a visa ? I’m just confused. please help. Thanks
I’m not sure actually, because when I received the PR I had an actual PR visa in my passport, even though as a French citizen I did not need a visa to travel to Canada. I would call CIC to be sure, I had always thought you had to submit your passport at one point… but maybe it’s different if you applied from within Canada, and policies change fast.
Anyhow, congrats on the visa!
Since you are from a non-visa country, you won’t have a PR visa, and recently non-visa country applicants stopped having to send in passports, just photocopies. It should be fine!
Thank you or the info! Things changed since I got my PR in 2005.
we sponsored my parents in law and they were already given a visa to go here as permanent resident. i was told by my sister in law that they are not covered by alberta health care on their first three months here and we should buy them their health insurance. is this true? i thought once you have the PR card you will have the same access to health care as other alberta residents. hope you can help. thanks
Yes, it’s true. Many provinces have a mandatory wait period. Ontario is three months, not sure about Alberta. In this case, they must buy a private insurance (or take the risk not to) to cover the waiting period.
My husband and I have applied for PR outside of Canada. He currently lives in Cuba. On Thursday he received a call from the Canadian embassy in Havana, they informed him that he had an appointment in two weeks and that he was to bring his passport and 2 photos. The specs they gave don’t seem to match that of the PR photos. No other information was given. Any idea what this means? Does a picture go on the COPR? Could this be to get his visa? Why would they need two other pictures? His medical has been received, and he has received no other phone calls. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Didn’t they specify what the purpose of the appointment was? That’s strange. Interviews are common so I’m betting on that but really, that’s just my two cents.
My family and I recently passed our medicals and are now awaiting for a request from the Canadian Embassy in London to post our passports in order to have them stamped. We are British and presently in Saudi Arabia and about to go to Canada on vacation. Is it possible to post our passports from Canada to London for the residence stamps or can we simply go to one of the border crossings with the letter from the embassy in London? Thanks.
As far as I know, the permanent residence visas are issued by the processing office, so you can only get them in London where your application was processed.
Hi Zhu,
Thank you so much for this site, it’s great to have all the information simply and concisely displayed.
I’ve moved house and can’t find my certifcat de selection du Quebec but still have my COPR. I worried about arriving into Montreal without the CSQ but I’ve read immigration will have a record of it’s issue on their system. Can I arrive without it? I can’t seem to find anywhere to order a copy. Many thanks in advance.
Best regards,
Jennifer
Ooops! I think you should contact the Quebec immigration authorities because you are indeed supposed to have your CSQ with you wen you land. I’m sure there is a record of it somewhere but the immigration officers at the airport may not have access to it… hard to say. You might want to check this before you land!
Thanks for the response, I appreciate it! I’ve been trying to get in touch with them but no luck so far. allt he best, Jenny
Hello Zhu,
Just like everybody else does, I really want to thank you for the valuable inputs that you give on any asked situation.
My question is just a little confusing (it has been a lot confusing to me). I am a permanent resident living in Saskatchewan. Here is how I got my PR Status:
=> 2009 (I came to Ontario, Canada as an international student)
=> 2010 (Upon finishing my education and getting my work permit, I moved to Saskatchewan in order to look for new opportunities).
=> 2011 (I applied for Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program and prepared to apply for my PR upon getting a successful nomination).
=> 2012 (As you explained in the second scenario, I got my medicals, my passport was called for visa stamping and I also crossed the border and re entered in Canada as a landed immigrant. I have also received my PR Card months back).
So here is my question:
As we say that upon being a Permanent Resident of Canada, an individual can:
1)Live, work or study anywhere in Canada
2)Receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, such as health coverage
3)Be protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
then is it true that moving to a different province could affect my citizenship as I misrepresent myself by not living in SK if at all I chose to relocate?? Roomers have it here that you have to live in SK till you become a citizen which I do not get. I have lived in SK for almost 3 yrs now and have been a healthy tax payer. And if I think I get a better opportunity elsewhere I cannot move?? I have consulted lawyers but all they care about is their 200$ for meeting without giving me a certain answer. I mean I think Canada is united and a free country! Do we not have the charter 6 right? Not that I have a problem living in Saskatchewan, but isn’t the act of not allowing PR holders settle anywhere else nothing but trying to cage individuals just because they worked there, payed taxes and obeyed the immigration law? Where did the Charter 6 Right go then?? I have so many opportunities from other provinces knocking at my door yet I am afraid to take them up as I do not wish to lose my PR Status here and ruin my hopes of becoming a citizen here.
Is it possible for you to put some light on my situation and be able to tell me if the above requirements were true? I would certainly feel blessed if you can. I apologize for taking up your time ad thank you for everything.
Hi Chris,
Well, I’m not an immigration professional and that’s just my two cents. I am not very familiar with the Provincial Nominee Program but my understanding is that you commit to live in the province that welcomes you, Saskatchewan in your case. I’m not sure how long you must live in Saskatchewan but if you signed an agreement, it must be mentioned somewhere, right?
You can argue that the Charter, etc. but if you signed an agreement you must respect it. PR holders can live wherever they want in Canada BUT if you made an agreement with Saskatchewan, well… you have to abide by it.
hi i m from spain i m origunally from nepal but last 12 years i m in spain i got a spanish permanent residence i woulk like to settle in canada i mean to work in canada please may i have some adsvice thanx
Head to http://www.cic.gc.ca, all you need to know is there.
Hi Zhu,
My boyfriend came to Canada in Nov 20120 on (2x) 1 year work permits (returned to his home country (England) for two weeks in between the two work permits). He was unaware that he could extend his stay as a temporary worker while waiting for his permanent residence application to process.
He applied for PR under Canadian Experience Class roughly at the end of Oct 2012. Once his work visa expired in Nov 2012 he went back to England again. When he returned to Canada two weeks later he entered as a visitor. Since his status is visitor he is aware that he cannot work. I believe the Nova Scotia processing office received his application after he was back in Canada as a visitor.
Will him leaving the country after mailing his application and re-entering as a visitor affect his application (possibly putting it at risk to be rejected)? Or would his application not be affected if the processing office received his application after he was back in Canada as a visitor? If you could provide me with any sort of direction at this point it would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
This is just my two cents but I doubt his application will be affected as long as he abides by the visitor status (i.e. no work!). However, in could be questioned upon entering Canada as border officer will see that he has a PR application in process, and sometimes officers can get picky because there are chances he won’t leave the country after his visitor status expires. But that’s about it!
My wife arrived from India back in Feb 2011 she did not declare anything as she did not understand at the time you needed to, now it’s been two years and she wants to bring her finances over is this still possible?
No idea, you should contact CIC.
Hello Zhu,
I heard that people who get their permanent residence while staying in Canada, now donot require to go to US border.
Is it Correct??? I heard from some of my friends saying that.
What is your opinion
Sunny
I heard the same, you can “land” in a few selected CIC offices apparently now.
I have a question please: is it compulsory for all applicants of PR to land in person? My daughter is 17 years old and in her final year of schooling. It is very difficult for her to miss a whole week of school, which is roughly how long it will take for us to travel to Canada and back home again! Is it possible for parent to land on behalf of a child? Thanks, will appreciate your feedback on this.
I have never heard of that, so no, I don’t think it is possible. I know that not all members of the family are required to land together, the main applicant can land first, but you have to land in person as far as I know.
I applied as common law spouse Permanent Resident inside Canada almost 2 years ago. I needed to leave Canada to go back to Australia for my daughters wedding before my PR has been finalized. When I return to Canada can I arrive as a visitor still or do I need something else to get back in?
I don’t know, you should contact CIC to check with them.
i have just one question
i am outside canada,never contacted canadian immigration before, i am going to apply for Permanent residency (as offcourse i am eligible), but i have only one confusion
bank statement is really mandatory for getting through that thing?if its mandatory then of what exact amount? i have clean bank history and i dont want to vague it by taking some loan or doing all weird things!
i want to apply naturally ! so please tell me that bank statement of amount ______ that we can easily get from the bank with bank manager sign??
I’m not sure how it works, things have changed since I moved to Canada. Normally you can find a template on CIC’s website but you should communicate with them to be sure.
I’m an international student came to study here in Canada.I worked very hard in school but the result is not coming and my parents are the one sponsoring me and they are not happy with me .Right now I am on academy suspension , they are not even sending me money again and I am not allow to work in Canada without a work permit .I want to apply for permanent resident so that I can work and support my self but I am not eligible and I like Canada.Please I need advice.
There isn’t much to do if you are not eligible. You can check http://www.cic.gc.ca to see your options.
Hi there,
My Husband and I are Canadian Citizens and are in the U.S. for a family trip for 2 months. We have bought our nanny a ticket to come join us and is due here tomorrow. She just had her permanent residence hearing today and is under the impression that she can leave Canada (with her plane ticket) but in order to re-enter Canada she must enter via a car (with friend or employee). We are not sure of the process and do not want to jeopardize her future here. Can you guide us? She has a return plane ticket and we want to know if she can re-enter Canada using it. She will be with us for 3 weeks.
Thank you,
L
I have never heard of such a thing, entering/leaving the country by land or by air is the same as far as I know. You may want to call Citizenship & Immigration to clear it out though.
I have Canadian pr but with Indian passport living and working in Oman and since my payroll was from Canada I was paying tax for 2 years and bought 2 condos as well but now I got a new job but they cannot pay me in CAD so won’t be able to pay tax as well also I don’t intend to move there for another few years but later I would want to settle there and till then my pr will also expire….what can be done as I am really confused now and don’t want my pr to get rejected when I renew it….please help….thanks.
Well, I’m confused too. Your best bet is to contact Citizenship & Immigration!