If your application for permanent residence in Canada is approved, you will be mailed a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Some of you will also receive a permanent resident visa, if you're from a country that requires a visa, so that you may enter Canada.
Your COPR will have information about who you are, as well as your photograph. We recommend that you first ensure that the information is correct. It should be the same as the information on your passport. If there is a mistake on your COPR, you should contact Canada through your online account so that they may make the necessary changes.
Typically, a COPR is
valid for a year from your application approval. However, this varies in some circumstances so be aware of this date. A COPR
can not be extended, except under unusual circumstances such as COVID-19 during which a public policy has been created to handle these situations. You should plan to use your COPR
before it expires.
If you’re already in Canada when you receive your COPR: The government will contact you and let you know what to do next. You’ll need to have a short interview with an officer. You have two options for your interview. To do this, you may 1.
Make an appointment at one of the offices in Canada (best option)
or 2.
Go to a Canadian “port of entry” (border crossing), and present:
- proof that you have the funds to support yourself and your family
- your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and your permanent resident visa (if we gave you one)
The interview process is used to verify and validate information. During the interview the officer will:
- make sure all your documents are valid
- ask you a few questions to make sure you still meet the terms to immigrate to Canada
- confirm your Canadian mailing address, so we can mail your permanent resident card (PR card)
If you change your address within 6 months (180 days) of getting your status, you must update this information with the government.
