Update regrading the soft-lading with expired CoPR and AL:
We did a soft landing through the land border at Fort Frances Bridge. Initially we were thinking about crossing through Grand Portage, MN/ Pigeon River, but after reading a post in Ask Kubeir Post PPR group, decided to go to International Falls, MN/Fort Fran Bridge.
Canadian border post:
With the Ontario lockdown and travel ban for non-essential travels, the border was free from traffic. There was one lorry in front of us and it got cleared within 5 mins. As we proceeded to the booth, we were greeted by an officer and wanted to see our passports and reasons for the visit. Told him about the PR and the plan to return to US once we finalize the process here. He took around 10~15 min to go through the expired visas, expired CoPRs, ALs; then asked us to pull over in front and wait in the vehicle for someone to come (kept all the documents with him). Two officers came shortly after and were asking about email address, phone number, address, any firearms/alcohol/tobacco etc. Then a lady officer came and informed us that she will be processing our paperwork for permanent residency and this is her first time of doing so. We were instructed to stay in the vehicle, and she went back to the office. Took about 3 hrs to finish the whole process including goods to follow (GTF). At the end we were asked to sign the CoPRs, GTF and welcomed as permanent residents. As we are going back on the same day, she said quarantine rules are not applicable, but reminded-not to visit anywhere in Canada and it is best if we return to US from there itself. Told her that is exactly what we were looking for. Made a turn to enter US after thanking her for the help. All the officers were super friendly, and the process was smooth.
US Border Post:
Similarly, no traffic. There was one car in front of us and it got cleared in about 10 mins. We were asked about the documents. Handed over valid passports, expired passports with expired visas, i20s and most recent i94s. As a backup I kept the printouts from the travelstateusa.gov and CBP websites regarding automatic visa revalidation rules but didn’t have to present it. The officer went inside to discuss with someone probably and came back to ask about questions like.….how long we have been living in US, when did we go to Canada, How long we are planning to stay in US, when we are moving to Canada permanently, Questions around my studies, Jobs etc. After that he returned all the documents and said welcome to US. I checked the passports and observed there is no entry stamps. Asked about the same and he confirmed that we won’t be needing any, it is checked and validated in the SEVIS itself. We thanked and took off. Overall process was done within 15 mins.
All the best. I hope this helps.
Disclaimer: Although I hope that it works for everyone, it is not guaranteed. Please do some research on your own and decide for yourself whether taking the risks. I just wanted to share our experience and provide details around it, so you have some idea about what to expect.