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>>>>Canada COPR - Traveling from USA. COVID-19 Pace. 2019/2020<<<< Join here

gabbar0101

Full Member
Jun 26, 2020
46
18
Ok that is really helpful.
So, if I carry test reports from US - will the test at arrival be waived off or will it still be conducted? Also, what are the charges for the test in Canada at arrival?
 

computer_leprechaun

Full Member
Sep 9, 2020
37
15
Ok that is really helpful.
So, if I carry test reports from US - will the test at arrival be waived off or will it still be conducted? Also, what are the charges for the test in Canada at arrival?
The test upon arrival, if the study is still going on, is free and will be offered regardless, but it is optional. It happens after you've cleared immigration. Here's some more info on the study: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/mcmaster-healthlabs-air-canada-and-greater-toronto-airports-authority-to-conduct-a-voluntary-covid-19-study-of-arriving-international-travellers-860714950.html
 

gabbar0101

Full Member
Jun 26, 2020
46
18
So that means there is no COVID testing before immigration?
Also, you mentioned that the test is part of a study - is this still a rapid test with results in 15 mins?
 

computer_leprechaun

Full Member
Sep 9, 2020
37
15
So that means there is no COVID testing before immigration?
Also, you mentioned that the test is part of a study - is this still a rapid test with results in 15 mins?
No, you can't get a test once you arrive in Canada until you've cleared immigration. If they suspect you have COVID, you will be denied entry.

It is not a rapid test. It is sent off to a lab and you get results in about 1-2 days. Both of my results have been within 24 hours.
 

sachinsoman1988

Hero Member
Oct 19, 2015
336
90
Category........
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
2133
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
08-01-2016
Doc's Request.
None
Nomination.....
None
AOR Received.
08-01-2016
IELTS Request
None
Med's Request
Upfront
Med's Done....
24-01-2016
Passport Req..
11-07-2016
VISA ISSUED...
15-07-2016
LANDED..........
26-09-2016
No, you can't get a test once you arrive in Canada until you've cleared immigration. If they suspect you have COVID, you will be denied entry.

It is not a rapid test. It is sent off to a lab and you get results in about 1-2 days. Both of my results have been within 24 hours.
Not completely sure about the process. So, they deny entry and sent back if you have one or more COVID symptoms??
 

computer_leprechaun

Full Member
Sep 9, 2020
37
15
Not completely sure about the process. So, they deny entry and sent back if you have one or more COVID symptoms??
When you're at the airport about to travel, they will verify your documents and take your temperature before letting you on the plane. Once you are in Canada, they will ask about your quarantine procedures. They are not going to let you on the plane if you have a fever, and they're not going to let you into Canada if you don't have a quarantine plan that's acceptable. While they are not specifically screening for COVID symptoms at the airport, persons who are sick with COVID-like symptoms are not admissible right now, unless they have a right to enter (e. g. citizen or landed resident).
 
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sachinsoman1988

Hero Member
Oct 19, 2015
336
90
Category........
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
2133
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
08-01-2016
Doc's Request.
None
Nomination.....
None
AOR Received.
08-01-2016
IELTS Request
None
Med's Request
Upfront
Med's Done....
24-01-2016
Passport Req..
11-07-2016
VISA ISSUED...
15-07-2016
LANDED..........
26-09-2016
When you're at the airport about to travel, they will verify your documents and take your temperature before letting you on the plane. Once you are in Canada, they will ask about your quarantine procedures. They are not going to let you on the plane if you have a fever, and they're not going to let you into Canada if you don't have a quarantine plan that's acceptable. While they are not specifically screening for COVID symptoms at the airport, persons who are sick with COVID-like symptoms are not admissible right now, unless they have a right to enter (e. g. citizen or landed resident).
quarantine plan is just verbal or is there a written undertaking that is submitted?
 

computer_leprechaun

Full Member
Sep 9, 2020
37
15
quarantine plan is just verbal or is there a written undertaking that is submitted?
Written. You will either use the ArriveCAN app (which is what I did), or fill out forms at the airport. They will then ask you about these forms. Public health officials are posted at the airport to determine whether your preparations are sufficient.
 

sachinsoman1988

Hero Member
Oct 19, 2015
336
90
Category........
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
2133
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
08-01-2016
Doc's Request.
None
Nomination.....
None
AOR Received.
08-01-2016
IELTS Request
None
Med's Request
Upfront
Med's Done....
24-01-2016
Passport Req..
11-07-2016
VISA ISSUED...
15-07-2016
LANDED..........
26-09-2016
Written. You will either use the ArriveCAN app (which is what I did), or fill out forms at the airport. They will then ask you about these forms. Public health officials are posted at the airport to determine whether your preparations are sufficient.
Thanks for all the information. I was asking for a friend who is planning to travel.
 

ashwin35

Star Member
Jun 14, 2018
79
23
Hi All - Looking for some guidance here:

I currently live in the US. I received my CoPR in June 2019 and completed my landing in July 2019. I have since visited Canada twice to check out places to settle. I now have a job in Canada and am looking to move.

1. In my goods-to-follow list, I had not included my car since I wasn't sure I was going to import it. But now, I plan to import it. Do I have to pay duty on it? I purchased the car in 2016 and have the title in my name - so it's clear that the vehicle has been mine for a few years now.

2. There are a few electronic items (phone, laptop, tablet) that I purchased after my landing - so not included in the goods-to-follow list. Do they exempt such purchases from import duties (I guess not...but thought I'd ask anyway)? They were bought between July 2019 and July 2020.

3. Are there specific port of entries (land) that we should use to drive up or can we go to any of the functioning/open ports of entry?

4. Can I port my US cell number to a Canadian telecom operator? I guess not (?)

5. Can I just get my US drivers license exchanged for ON drivers license or since I didn't do it within the first few weeks of my landing in July 2019, do I not qualify anymore?
 

computer_leprechaun

Full Member
Sep 9, 2020
37
15
Hi All - Looking for some guidance here:

I currently live in the US. I received my CoPR in June 2019 and completed my landing in July 2019. I have since visited Canada twice to check out places to settle. I now have a job in Canada and am looking to move.

1. In my goods-to-follow list, I had not included my car since I wasn't sure I was going to import it. But now, I plan to import it. Do I have to pay duty on it? I purchased the car in 2016 and have the title in my name - so it's clear that the vehicle has been mine for a few years now.

2. There are a few electronic items (phone, laptop, tablet) that I purchased after my landing - so not included in the goods-to-follow list. Do they exempt such purchases from import duties (I guess not...but thought I'd ask anyway)? They were bought between July 2019 and July 2020.

3. Are there specific port of entries (land) that we should use to drive up or can we go to any of the functioning/open ports of entry?

4. Can I port my US cell number to a Canadian telecom operator? I guess not (?)

5. Can I just get my US drivers license exchanged for ON drivers license or since I didn't do it within the first few weeks of my landing in July 2019, do I not qualify anymore?
I can't answer you as to 1 and 2; I don't know enough about how these lists work in your case. With regards to the others:

3. You can show up anywhere that's open, as far as I know. I've gotten advice that it's better to go through more common ports of entry for landings, e.g. Toronto-Pearson, rather than a less-trafficked one.

4. No, you cannot. Also, you have to dial 1 to dial US numbers from Canada, and vice-versa, so update all your contacts. I learned this the hard way, by being unable to call certain people for a day or two until I figured this out.

5. Based on https://www.ontario.ca/page/exchange-out-province-drivers-licence, it's about when you start living in Ontario, not when you land. You have 60 days to do it after you arrive and become resident in Ontario. It shouldn't be an issue.
 
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rebelagain

Full Member
Sep 16, 2020
23
1
@computer_leprechaun

Thanks for ur exp. Few questions:

- If One fills quarantine plan on ArrivCan app, then u might skip quaratine questions at entry in canada?

- The IRCC website mentions soft landing is not permitted. I wish to do soft landing, quarantine for 15 days and fly back to US. Whats ur thought and how can I do this? Would they ask Q during COPR validation on showing them proof for permanent landing

- While flying back to US, would I be asked any questions by CBP on why I went to Canada during Covid? Any ans I should give them?
 

computer_leprechaun

Full Member
Sep 9, 2020
37
15
@computer_leprechaun

Thanks for ur exp. Few questions:

- If One fills quarantine plan on ArrivCan app, then u might skip quaratine questions at entry in canada?
Yes, they'll read a confirmation code from your app and double-check it. They might still ask some questions, but the app makes things go faster.

- The IRCC website mentions soft landing is not permitted. I wish to do soft landing, quarantine for 15 days and fly back to US. Whats ur thought and how can I do this? Would they ask Q during COPR validation on showing them proof for permanent landing
Soft landings aren't allowed; if they ask you why you're coming, you can't lie to them. You need to be able to give an honest answer to the question "Why are you coming to Canada now?" that the guard will accept, or you need to hope you won't be asked. I didn't get asked. I don't know if my answer would have been sufficient; as a US citizen, I am somewhere between a truly "hard" and a truly "soft" landing because of the frequency with which I will travel back and forth. It would have been down to the guard's discretion.

Any proof you have of permanent ties to Canada - home or apartment purchases/leases, a new job, or other evidence of long-term plans - can help you, but it is not a guarantee. You are taking a gamble by coming now for a soft landing. You can try it, but know that you may be in violation of IRCC's guidelines and if they catch you out, they won't let you in. (Unless you lie to them, you will probably still be able to come in later.)

- While flying back to US, would I be asked any questions by CBP on why I went to Canada during Covid? Any ans I should give them?
I don't know much about this yet; I am still in Canada. If you're a US citizen, you enter the US by right and it's unlikely they'll give you much of a hard time. I am not anticipating any trouble when I do eventually return. They may ask the usual do-you-have-any-symptoms questions, but beyond that, I'm not sure.

But when you say "any ans I should give them" - don't make a habit of answering immigration/border protection the US or Canada with the answer they want to hear if it isn't true.
 
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Surbhi9146

Member
Sep 19, 2020
19
0
When I spoke to IRCC officer, I was told 'as of today if you're traveling from USA with COPR, we're good. He also said visa-free nonvisa-free doesn't apply if you're traveling from USA to Canada!


Travelling from the US
You can travel to Canada from the United States to settle and live in Canada as a permanent resident if

  • we approved your application and
  • we sent you a CoPR
Hello - Can we drive to Canada from US on expires COPR and PRV in July and already got the extension letter in June saying raise the web form when ready for travel but now not getting any reply for the web form for the next steps as we are ready to travel now ? Please advise
 

Surbhi9146

Member
Sep 19, 2020
19
0
If you haven’t applied to immigrate to Canada yet
We’re still accepting most permanent resident applications. Unfortunately, our ability to review and process them is being affected by COVID-19. We can’t currently estimate any processing times.
We’re currently focusing on priority applications like

  • Canadians returning to the country
  • vulnerable groups
  • people who perform or support essential services.
We’re trying to process those as quickly as possible.
If you apply, you still need to submit a complete application. This means you must include all the supporting documents we ask for. If you can’t get some of these documents right now, you should wait to apply until you can get them.

If you already applied for a document but it’s delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can send proof that you’re trying to get it (like a receipt). Include a letter to tell us why you don’t have the document and when you’ll get it. Send us the document as soon as you have it to avoid more delays.
If you get your language test results or educational credential assessment report by email or electronically, we’ll accept them as part of your application.
Express Entry applicants
Because of COVID-19, you now have 90 days to submit your Express Entry application after you’ve received your invitation to apply.
Permanent residence applications that we’re still processing
Due to the impacts of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we can’t
  • process applications normally
  • provide accurate processing times
We’re prioritizing some applications, including
  • Canadians trying to return to Canada
  • vulnerable people
  • people who perform or support essential services
If you are missing documents due to COVID-19 (such as police certificates, biometrics, passports and medical exams)
  • we won’t close or refuse any applications in progress
  • we’ll automatically give you an extra 90 daysto send us the documents from the deadline in the request letter
    • this applies even if the letter says you only have 30 or 90 days
  • we’ll keep extending the deadline for another 90 days until you can get the documents
  • you don’t have to contact us to get this extension
  • once you’re able to, send us the missing documents as soon as possible to avoid further delays
Some steps you may not be able to complete right now include
  • submitting your passport or supporting documents, such as a police certificate
  • completing an immigration medical exam
If you get your language test results or educational credential assessment report by email or electronically, we’ll accept them as part of your application.



COVID-19: Changes to biometrics

Biometrics collection services are unavailable at some sites.

Find out what to do if there’s a service disruption at the site closest to you.

Biometrics at Service Canada locations
To keep everyone safe, Service Canada has temporarily stopped collecting biometrics until further notice.
  • All biometrics appointments have been cancelled.
  • You’ll have to reschedule your biometrics appointment when Service Canada locations return to normal operations.
  • If you can’t give your biometrics at a Service Canada location, don’tgo to another location like
    • a Canadian port of entry
    • an Application Support Center in the United States or
    • a visa application centre
Language testing organizations
Some language testing organizations have started scheduling tests again.
You may be able to take a language test depending on the:
  • designated testing organization
  • region where you want to take your test
  • language you’re being tested for
Language tests we accept:
Make sure you check the latest information about testing in your region.
English
French
Find more information about language testing.
To withdraw your application
If you’re affected by the travel restrictions and want to withdraw your permanent residence application, use the Web form to let us know.
We’ll give you a refund if
  • you withdraw your application within 24 hours of submitting it
  • we haven’t started processing
How financial benefits affect family sponsorship
If you collect the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), you’re still eligible to sponsor your spouse, parent, grandparent, child or other relative as long as you meet all the requirements to be a sponsor.
CERB isn’t considered social assistance. Collecting CERB won’t make you ineligible to sponsor.
EI and CERB won’t cause you to default
If the person you sponsored collects Employment Insurance (EI) or the CERB during the undertaking period, it will not cause you to default.
However, if the person you sponsored collects social assistance during the undertaking period, you have to repay the amount. If you don’t, you’ll be in default of your undertaking.
If we already approved your permanent resident application
If you’re outside Canada
If you come to Canada, make sure you’re exempt from the travel restrictions. You won’t be allowed to enter Canada right now if you’re travelling for reasons like:
  • tourism
  • recreation
  • entertainment
  • to finalize your permanent residence application but not settle here yet
These are not valid reasons to come to Canada right now.
If you’re travelling by air, you need to pass a health check conducted by the airline before boarding a flight. If you show symptoms of COVID-19, you won’t be allowed to board.
Quarantine plan
You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive. This is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. If you don’t have a plan or the ability to quarantine as soon as you arrive, you shouldn’t travel to Canada.
We don’t give you with a place to quarantine when you arrive. You need to make your own arrangements in advance.
Travelling from any country other than the US
If we issued your confirmation of permanent residence (CoPR) on or before March 18, 2020, you
  • are exempt from the travel restrictions and
  • can travel to Canada with your CoPR to settle and live in Canada as a permanent resident
Check the issue date in the Application Details section of your CoPR to see if this applies to you.
Travelling from the US
You can travel to Canada from the United States to settle and live in Canada as a permanent resident if
  • we approved your application and
  • we sent you a CoPR
Provincial and territorial travel restrictions
Provinces and territories may have their own travel restrictions. Before you travel, check the official website of your province or territory of destination.
Hello Folks- Our COPR and PRV visa expired in July and we got the extension letter in June saying when you are ready to travel raise the web form for next steps. We want to settle now in canada for good and already raises multiple web forms in last 30 days but not getting any instructions for new visa or any authorization letter which we can use to travel. Do you know or did anyone travel to Canada for PR via flight or car on the expired COPR recently? Please Please advice on this asap! Thank