US-based applicants, let's connect here

[systix]

Can anyone confirm a PO Box would work?

Also, I believe I would fly for the soft landing, coming from California I really don't want to make the drive until I am ready to import my car as well. So it would be that I fly there, fly back, and then drive for the official move. I wonder if flying will complicate things then...

I was also thinking of being able to do the same ... I am not a US citizen, but expecting COPR by Sept, thus planning a move by end of Sept early Oct. I am wondering if I should do what is called a 'SOFT LANDING' via air, fly back to the US and then follow in with car and other goods. I was also thinking of using a friend/relative's address in Canada as PR card address...


Any of our experienced members know more about above?

 

[canada_eagle]

So, do you all have target dates by which you're hoping to be in Canada? I'm hoping by New Years.

I was hoping for August/September so that my kid would have minimal school disruptions. However IRCC opaqueness and Singapore PCC process means no real target.

 

[canada_eagle]

I was also thinking of being able to do the same ... I am not a US citizen, but expecting COPR by Sept, thus planning a move by end of Sept early Oct. I am wondering if I should do what is called a 'SOFT LANDING' via air, fly back to the US and then follow in with car and other goods. I was also thinking of using a friend/relative's address in Canada as PR card address...


Any of our experienced members know more about above?

You don't need the PR card for land journeys. Technically you do not need it for air journeys too if you are from a visa exempt country (like the US), however since visa exempt countries now need preapproval to fly and PRs cannot get pre approvals (since they don't need it), it leads to a situation where you will not be let on a plane if you do not have the PR card.

So land journeys should be fine for air travel, you would need to apply for a PRTD.

 

[salikgilani]

They don't give out H1Bs any more either. Uncertainty plus Trump makes the decision so much more simpler.

 

[BrittanyElaina]

If you have PR status, then you are supposed to present that status to CBSA. Also if CBSA asks what your status is in Canada, then you are legally obligated to tell them you are PR and present your documents. In either case, you can just show validated COPR at the land border.

Do you know what the difference is when flying?

I have to assume that this is not that uncommon for US citizens immigrating from the US to Canada? Especially if I am interviewing for jobs I may even need to fly back and forth more than once. I'm confused why I would be required to present the PR card if I have a COPR and a valid US passport. Seems like the simple explanation of getting things sorted before such a big move would make sense.

 

[canada_eagle]

Do you know what the difference is when flying?

I have to assume that this is not that uncommon for US citizens immigrating from the US to Canada? Especially if I am interviewing for jobs I may even need to fly back and forth more than once. I'm confused why I would be required to present the PR card if I have a COPR and a valid US passport. Seems like the simple explanation of getting things sorted before such a big move would make sense.

This explanation I gave above -> Technically you do not need it for air journeys too if you are from a visa exempt country (like the US), however since visa exempt countries now need preapproval to fly and PRs cannot get pre approvals (since they don't need it), it leads to a situation where you will not be let on a plane if you do not have the PR card.

So before the whole pre approval for visa exempt countries, flying without PR card for visa exempt nationals was possible.

 

[BrittanyElaina]

This explanation I gave above -> Technically you do not need it for air journeys too if you are from a visa exempt country (like the US), however since visa exempt countries now need preapproval to fly and PRs cannot get pre approvals (since they don't need it), it leads to a situation where you will not be let on a plane if you do not have the PR card.

So before the whole pre approval for visa exempt countries, flying without PR card for visa exempt nationals was possible.

What is the pre-approval process? I haven't flown into Canada in over a year, but I don't believe I provided anything other than my passport at the time.

 

[canada_eagle]

What is the pre-approval process? I haven't flown into Canada in over a year, but I don't believe I provided anything other than my passport at the time.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas-all.asp

 

[BrittanyElaina]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas-all.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp?utm_source=slash-eta&utm_medium=short-url&utm_campaign=eta

On this page it states that "New entry requirement now in effect: visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa."

So as a US Citizen I believe I am excepted from this requirement. Meaning I could travel back an forth using my US passport and just disclose my situation to the officer each time upon entry no?

 

[canada_eagle]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp?utm_source=slash-eta&utm_medium=short-url&utm_campaign=eta

On this page it states that "New entry requirement now in effect: visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa."

So as a US Citizen I believe I am excepted from this requirement. Meaning I could travel back an forth using my US passport and just disclose my situation to the officer each time upon entry no?

The problem is getting on a plane. My understanding is you will not be allowed to board a plane if you do not have either a PR card or a eTA. As I understand it if you manage to board the plane you will not be denied entry into canada (because you are a Canadian PR).

If you do manage to board a plane and land successfully do let us know . That would open up options for the rest of us.

 

[BrittanyElaina]

The problem is getting on a plane. My understanding is you will not be allowed to board a plane if you do not have either a PR card or a eTA. As I understand it if you manage to board the plane you will not be denied entry into canada (because you are a Canadian PR).

If you do manage to board a plane and land successfully do let us know . That would open up options for the rest of us.

Hah! Maybe I will follow up with an airline and see what they would require of me. I've never tried getting a hold of the CIC for questions like this but maybe I should.

It's also interesting that as an eTA is valid for 5 years, that would mean that someone from a visa-exempt country could obtain one before becoming a PR, and since it is attached to your passport I don't see how it would become invalid. I suppose the officer could give you a hard time though.

 

[Emilie]

They don't give out H1Bs any more either. Uncertainty plus Trump makes the decision so much more simpler.

The reasons were the same for me. I am landing in 3 weeks now, for good. I don't hav ethe PR yet ( Martch 7th aor), but I got an 2 year open work visa, so it's time to move.

 

[canada_eagle]

It's also interesting that as an eTA is valid for 5 years, that would mean that someone from a visa-exempt country could obtain one before becoming a PR, and since it is attached to your passport I don't see how it would become invalid. I suppose the officer could give you a hard time though.

I think using a eTA when a PR would be (potentially) illegal. So careful with something like that.

 

[salikgilani]

The reasons were the same for me. I am landing in 3 weeks now, for good. I don't hav ethe PR yet ( Martch 7th aor), but I got an 2 year open work visa, so it's time to move.

Honestly, your'e lucky you have the luxury to do that. I have submitted my application as well. You know how the OPT works, so its a race against time. The US has better pay, more jobs, but if you're not going to sponsor, then technically, those weren't 'jobs' for us in the first place. So much for having a US degree and all that.

The job search is a little tricky in Canada, or so I hear, but at least you will have more controllable factors in your hands. Hope it goes well for you and hope I make it in the next month or two as well.

 

[kvin1087]

The problem is getting on a plane. My understanding is you will not be allowed to board a plane if you do not have either a PR card or a eTA. As I understand it if you manage to board the plane you will not be denied entry into canada (because you are a Canadian PR).

If you do manage to board a plane and land successfully do let us know . That would open up options for the rest of us.

What if you have a canadian tourist visa?? You should be able to board the flight right?