Canada COPR Explained: Everything You Need to Know Before Landing in Canada

Issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is an official document confirming that the permanent residence application has been approved. It is an important official document for completing your PR process in Canada. 

A COPR is necessary for a smooth landing and for the successful completion of your permanent residence process in Canada. Hence, it is essential to understand your COPR and how to use it correctly.

COPR Expiry: What You Need to Know

It is necessary to use COPR before it expires if you want to become a permanent resident in Canada. COPR is valid until the expiry date printed on the document. During this time you must travel to Canada and complete the PR process.

If your COPR expires before you complete the landing process you will have to contact IRCC for further instructions. In some cases you may have to submit a new application for Canadian permanent residence and start the process from the beginning.

Important Details on Your COPR

Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence Canada contains key personal and immigration details.

• Full Name; Photograph
• Date; Place of Birth; Country of Birth
• Gender; Marital Status; Citizenship at the time of landing
• Passport number at the time of landing; Passport validity; Country of issue of documents
• Family status at the time of landing (numeric immigration code); Height; Eye colour
• Accompanying Family Members (if applicable)
• Address of the First Residence in Canada and Name of the Host (if applicable)
• Government Reference
• Date and Signature: Verification of the information provided, including the landing date.
• Remarks by CBSA Officer
• Flight Number (if applicable)
• Amount of Money in Possession
• Conditions on PR Status
• Date of becoming a PR
• Place of Landing
• Immigration Officer's Signature

The applicant is advised to verify the details on the COPR Canada carefully and ensure its accuracy before travel and completion of landing process. If there are errors, then the applicant must contact IRCC immediately to have them corrected before completing landing.

What is a COPR for Applicants Inside Canada?

When IRCC approves a permanent residence application for applicants already in Canada, they receive an electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (eCOPR). 

The eCOPR inside Canada is issued through IRCC's Permanent Residence Portal after you complete the virtual landing process.

After your PR application has been approved, IRCC will send you emails from an address ending in cic.gc.ca. Through these emails you will be asked to confirm your email address, confirm that you are currently in Canada, and you will also be provided information on accessing the Permanent Residence Portal or alternative options if you cannot use the portal.

The Permanent Residence Portal is not the same as your IRCC secure account. You should not create a new account on the portal unless instructed to do so, as doing so may delay the process. You have to refer to the instructions given in the email, and IRCC will create your portal account. In an instance where you are leaving Canada before the official confirmation of PR status, then you must notify IRCC of your change in circumstances.

What Is a COPR for Applicants Outside Canada?

Applicants who are outside Canada when their permanent residence application is approved will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you are outside Canada and travelling for your first landing as a new permanent resident, you must carry your COPR along with any other required documents to present to a border officer upon arrival. A COPR itself is not a travel document. Visa-required applicants receive a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV), while visa-exempt applicants follow IRCC's travel instructions.

After you complete your landing, your Canada COPR also plays an important role in the process of receiving your first PR card.

Conclusion

COPR is an important document that confirms the approval of Canadian permanent residence and helps the applicant complete the PR process in Canada. 

At ImmiLaw Global we make sure that applicants understand their responsibilities after receiving their Canada COPR. We will guide them through COPR review, landing guidance, document preparation, eCOPR and Permanent Residence Portal support, PR card guidance, expiry-related concerns, and post-landing assistance. We will make them well-prepared for a smooth transition to life in Canada.