COPR and coronavirus

[gmehta]

Hi all. After much deliberation we've raised our ready to travel webform. Even though the situation is precarious on many fronts, yet staying on and waiting for things to happen did not seem a viable option. Will keep updating as and when we receive any response.

 

[asohal1327]

Hi all,

We contacted the High Commission of Canada in South Africa (embassy/consulate) about a CoPR extension and they have responded. Not sure if anyone else has received this reply but it basically assures us that we will receive an extension once the VO reopens.


Here is the email:


Greetings,

The High Commission of Canada in South Africa acknowledges your request to renew your recently expired immigration documents (Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) and permanent resident visa).

Please take note of the important information below:

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the High Commission of Canada has reduced operations and is providing priority services only. The measures put in place have affected our ability to review and process visa and immigration applications, and we are currently focusing on priority applications like Canadians trying to return to Canada, vulnerable groups, and people who perform or support essential services. We are trying to process these cases as quickly as possible. We continue to work on other applications as well, but processing times will be longer than usual.

The Canada Visa Application Centres (VACs) in South Africa, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe remain closed until further notice as we work on establishing special measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure a safe and secure environment. Applicants will only be able to submit passports for visa issuance or provide biometrics once the VACs have reopened.

Updates on which VACs are reopening will be posted on the IRCC website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc/offices/find-visa-application-centre.html

We also encourage you to visit the website of the relevant VAC to obtain the latest information on safety measures and services available: https://visa.vfsglobal.com. Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions and updates on the website since new health and safety measures will affect service delivery and availability.

As a result, you will only be able to submit your passport(s) for visa re-issuance and extension of your CoPR documents once the VACs reopen.

It is not necessary to send multiple enquiries pertaining to this subject. You will be contacted by our office with further instructions after the VAC reopens.

Please visit the following website to obtain the latest information about how COVID-19 is affecting immigration services: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19.html


Warmest Regards,

Migration Section | Service de migration

High Commission of Canada in South Africa | Haut-commissariat du Canada en Afrique du Sud
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

That's the main problem here, IRCC social media team is releasing different statements and LVO's are following there own set of rules. There is no uniformity regarding extension process of COPR's accross different arms of IRCC. Most LVO's are saying we'll need to submit passports again for new PRV and COPR's.

 

[RT8]

Hey,
Are you sure that your health coverage starts the moment you land in Ontario?
Moreover, health coverage does not include everything.

Thanks

I'm not sure, which is why i asked. I read a couple of posts which said they've waived the waiting period.
You might want to check this out - https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card

 

[crackMBA]

Everthing is available online, can purchase one before travelling.

Good to know. Purchasing insurance is always better.

 

[crackMBA]

I'm not sure, which is why i asked. I read a couple of posts which said they've waived the waiting period.
You might want to check this out - https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card

You may be correct and rules may have changed during pandemic but usually it takes around 90 days for health card in Ontario. Health cards are not given on Aiports(may have changed now). So in that case you need to buy before hand at least for 2 weeks to cover your quarantine period.

Also, health card does not cover everything. For ex- eyes, dental, physio and many more.
Please check it before travelling.

Moreover, it is always advisable to travel with insurance when you are going abroad. It will cover your travel time also.

Let me if you have better idea.

Thanks

 

[crackMBA]

Hi all. After much deliberation we've raised our ready to travel webform. Even though the situation is precarious on many fronts, yet staying on and waiting for things to happen did not seem a viable option. Will keep updating as and when we receive any response.

Cool.
Did you provide every document that were requested?

All the best

 

[whyCorona]

This i already knew ! , and i posted the same earlier, i wanted to know of if the staff is physically present or not

Staff present or not. They cant do anything if commercial flights are not operational. Don't know if they can ship CoPR holders via sea route.

 

[Canaspirant xyz]

They haven't updated it after latest PD instructions. There maybe more clarity by the next week. Meanwhile, do tweet them regarding expired CoPRs.

Thousands of ppl including me have been tweeting ftom time to time.

 

[Canaspirant xyz]

Staff present or not. They cant do anything if commercial flights are not operational. Don't know if they can ship CoPR holders via sea route.

If they extend for a good one year we may travel as per our need and suitability.But if they don't extend it will not give any one opportunity to grab whatever flights available.ETA are good options.Hope they start giving from next month.

 

[NehaGupta19]

Hi all. After much deliberation we've raised our ready to travel webform. Even though the situation is precarious on many fronts, yet staying on and waiting for things to happen did not seem a viable option. Will keep updating as and when we receive any response.

What supporting documents did you send along? As for employment details and place of residence?

 

[DIJ2]

Need help with a question-

I'm driving to Canada from U.S. on Tuesday to move permanently with my COPR document. I need a SIN number asap because my employer in Canada needs it. What's the earliest I can get it?
As far as I know, I will have to quarantine for 14 days, go to SIN office on 15th day and get the number instantly. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I saw an option to apply online as well, which I can do even during quarantine? Is that possible for COPR stamped holders? How long will I have to wait if I apply online to get the SIN number?

Thank you!

 

[BS85]

Staff present or not. They cant do anything if commercial flights are not operational. Don't know if they can ship CoPR holders via sea route.

Sea route , looks like guys here have not done any international travel before, you need valid VISA (not expired COPR) to even use sea route !!
Commercial flights operational not happening, until vaccine comes out !!

 

[wick_sran]

Sea route , looks like guys here have not done any international travel before, you need valid VISA (not expired COPR) to even use sea route !!
Commercial flights operational not happening, until vaccine comes out !!

Vaccine maybe a year or two away. That means forget about Canada for a good 2-3 years. Recession will be followed next.

 

[CountessO]

https://www.cicnews.com/2020/07/holders-of-expired-immigration-visas-may-travel-to-canada-0715184.html/amp

???

 

[crackMBA]

Sea route , looks like guys here have not done any international travel before, you need valid VISA (not expired COPR) to even use sea route !!
Commercial flights operational not happening, until vaccine comes out !!

Not vaccine but at least till cases start going down. This is what I feel.