Hey everyone,
Just wanted to post an update for those interested. First a little background—
A. There are two paths after an IP2 status. Traditionally, people receive a PPR (Passport Request), where they have to first mail their passport and two photos to a designated IRCC office before going in for a landing interview. IRCC is currently conducting a pilot programme where applicants are invited for a CoPR interview where their passport is verified, photos taken and landing interview conducted all in one step at their local IRCC office.
B. You
cannot choose between a CoPR interview and a PPR. The choice by the agent handling your file will depend on a variety of factors including if there is a local IRCC office participating in the pilot programme
Highlights of the CoPR interview/things to know—
1. Your local IRCC office to which your file info was forwarded will schedule you for the
interview 1-3 weeks from the time they receive your file.
2. Your local office will directly send you an
email titled, "Confirmation of Permanent Residence Interview - (and same in French)." Don't be too concerned like I did. This is probably a genuine email.
3. In the email, there will be an attached pdf file. The first page will contain your application details and a
list of documents to bring to the interview, all in original. The list will include the pdf
file itself, your
passport +
current permit allowing you to stay in Canada,
photos per the specifications, and
proof of payment of the RPRF fee. The second page will contain photo specifications for your photographer.
4.
@[URL='https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/members/hannahacls88.805371/']hannahacls88[/URL]: If your permit has expired and you have applied for a BOWP but not received it yet, make sure you also bring proof that you've applied (confirmation of application received, and proof of payment). This is
proof of your implied status.
5. Make sure to arrive
at least 30 minutes ahead of time and you certainly do not want to be late for one of the most important days of your life.
6. You will be allowed into the main room in batches. Applicants in the same batch
share the same scheduled hour. The interview does not actually last that long. Not even close.
7. Once in, applicants will be in a line waiting to
submit their printed pdf file to a receiving agent. The agent will also do a
quick visual check of your photos and that they are preliminarily acceptable. After that, you will take a seat and wait. One of the most painfully exciting waits you'll ever have in your life. Your heart will beat faster as you approach the moment.
8. Once your
name is called, you have to walk up to a window with an agent and the process begins.
9. The agent will ask you for all your documents (listed above). She will also ask
three questions: a) Have you ever been convicted of crime anywhere.. etc.? b) Have you ever been refused admission to Canada? c) Have you ever been asked to leave Canada?. The answer to each of these questions should ideally be '
No.'
10. The agent will
print your Confirmation of Permanent Residence on a long sheet where you will be asked to
check your details,
initial in some spots, and
sign below. Your agent will also sign the document. At the same time, she'll get your initials and signature for a copy they keep with a photo. The other photo is taken and sent for the PR card.
11.
You are now a PR. Yay! The agent give you a little information about your next steps that you must undertake following your updated status — PR — in Canada. These include getting a new SIN with no expiry date that does not start with a 9, and update your health coverage with your provincial health authority.
@[URL='https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/members/hannahacls88.805371/']hannahacls88[/URL]: If you do end up applying for a BOWP but haven't received it yet, you can
withdraw your BOWP application *only after* your are officially a PR. But withdraw as soon as you become a PR. If your file has not been opened yet, you will likely receive a full refund for the amount you paid.
The above was my CoPR experience. It was straightforward, smooth and super quick. My whole batch was done and out with their PR in 20 minutes or so. In my opinion, the CoPR interview path is far better/quicker/cheaper than the PPR path, and I hope you all receive a CoPR interview instead of a PPR.
Hope you find this description helpful. If you have any questions about my experience, I'll be happy to share. All the best everyone!
Regards,
O_O
