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COPR and coronavirus

Adam261

Star Member
Mar 17, 2020
62
36
Hi everyone, I have been checking this for a while and received a lot of helpful tips. Here is my share:

My COPR expires in late May, no dependent, and I am in the situation where the country (UK) hasn't banned travel but I just don't want to risk it, plus the whole 14-day isolation is just not convenient even for a soft landing, especially when we don't know anyone there. I initially booked a return flight on 21st March, planning to do very quick soft landing, basically fly from London to Toronto and back on the same day. However due to the announcement of border shutting down on the same day that I booked my ticket (16th March) I had to cancel my flights.

So I have raised two web forms. One to Ottawa office, received a generic reply. I then raised another form to my visa office in London, UK, asked specifically whether I can get an extension based on my situation, below is their reply:

Dear Sir/Madam,

We have received your enquiry regarding the validity date of your confirmation of permanent residence document (COPR) and visa (if required).

Your application has been updated with notification of your current inability to travel before the expiry of your document.

Please note that your documents will remain valid for travel up until the expiry date shown on the documents, should you be able to travel before that date. Your application will not be closed or refused as a result of not being able to travel within the validity of these documents due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Any extension to the validity of your documents will only be possible after a review of your application by an officer, to determine whether any new assessments, including a new immigration medical examination are required. Once you have met all the requirements to have your documents reissued, you will be instructed as to which documents to submit for reprinting of your confirmation of permanent residence document (COPR), and visa (if required). Do not submit your passport until you are instructed to do so.

Please contact our office using a IRCC Web form when you are able to travel.

While we continue to serve our clients, service disruptions and restrictions due to COVID-19 will have an impact on processing times and we are therefore not able to provide a timeframe for the completion of any assessments and at this time. We will endeavor to review your application as soon as possible.

Please consult IRCC’s web page on how COVID-19 is affecting immigration services and Canada’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak site for the most up to date information.

We trust that this information will be of assistance and thank you for your patience and understanding during these uncertain times.

Sincerely,


So for those who are in the similar situation, please do not worry. Like many suggested, just raise a web form specifying your case, they will be able to extend your COPR. And I am sure the reassessment will not be that complicated, even if it means we have to wait for a few more months. Thinking in a positive way, that might just give us and Canada itself some time to recover from the situation, after all, we don't want to move there and not be able to make a living.

Good luck all.
Thank you so much for sharing that , that's a lot of optimism
My situation is exactly like you , my COPR has expired though

looks like CPC Ottawa sends generic responses only , because that is how they responded to mine too.
 

Nishm14

Member
Apr 8, 2020
19
10
Hi everyone,
I have been following this thread for the last 20 days now. My husband and I got our COPR that expires on 24th April 2020. We quit our jobs, sold our belongings and was all set to move to Toronto on 28th March via KLM airlines. Life had other plans and now we are stuck in India (Mumbai) and are under a lockdown. We havent received any refund from KLM which is extremely frustrating because it is our hard earned money. On top of that, we booked another air india flight for 15th April which flies from Mumbai-Delhi-Toronto. Even that is blocked because our country is under a lockdown until 14th april and it might get extended. We both are very depressed as we dont have jobs, a roof over our heads after 15th april (as lease is expiring), a future, uncertainty of landing in Canada and we are bleeding money as we cannot touch our Canada savings and ended up spending 3 lacs and above on just airline tickets. Please I am requesting everyone to help us out with the following (if not for me, then please reply for my husband who is very depressed and doesnt even eat properly):
1. Since our CoPR is expiring on 24th april, when do we apply for extension?
2. Do we have to do PCC again because I submitted 3 Pccs of 3 different countries and honestly it would be a nightmare to go through that again
3. How can we get medical done again when everything is shut?
4. do u know how long does the copr extension takes and how long is it valid for?
Please help us.
please guide us what to do
My husband and I are very depressed as we gave up everything for Canada, we deserve to reach now.
 

Canaspirant xyz

Hero Member
Aug 21, 2018
963
487
You can also reach out to UBC and ask to defer your son's admission for a semester if that's possible for you and your family. You can delay your arrival then given the extension circumstances and your son can start college next semester or a year later. Unfortunately, colleges usually offer 1 year deferral which might not be suitable for your son or you. But some offer semester-wise, and it's possible UBC, given these circumstances, might consider the situation if you explain the details appropriately to them and offer a semester one. But keep that option in mind as an alternative.

Good luck! Hopefully things work out for the best.
Thanks a lot for advice and wishes.yes we have kept this in our mind to request them to defer the admission to January intake if I do not get extension even by August.But the problem is UBC is asking to deposit some amt of fee with our acceptance of the offer before May 1.Now obviously I do not hope to get an approval from ircc that they are giving me ext.That means I have to risk this money if at all I have to accept their offer.This amt is non refundable.But I do not think I have any option.As hopefully I will get an extension I will pay the amt.Then we will ask to defer if not possible before sept.
Anyone can suggest whether ubc is better or western ontario univ.
 

Adam261

Star Member
Mar 17, 2020
62
36
I’ve just received the same response...THE SAME. My CoPR is going to expire on April 21...just waiting a proper confirmation if they will give me an extension. This uncertainty is killing me.
I cant sleep !!
same situation
 

Adam261

Star Member
Mar 17, 2020
62
36
My COPR has expired on april 4th, I have raised webform also sent an email 3 weeks ago. I have received the response today.
"Good day,

Thank you for contacting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

We have received your enquiry concerning your Confirmation of Permanent Residence document that has expired or will soon expire. We are currently making additional verifications in order to respond to your request.

The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and any impacts on IRCC clients. All our efforts are dedicated to answering your concerns as the situation evolves. However, it may take some time before a response is sent to you.

In an effort to reduce duplicate requests, please refrain from sending your enquiry multiple times. Rest assured that we will communicate with you as soon as we have more information.

In the meantime, we invite you to visit our website regularly to obtain the most up-to-date information.

We thank you for your patience in this difficult time"
I have received the same exact response , looks like it is a copy and paste.
 

Athar_In

Newbie
Apr 21, 2019
8
5
Hi everyone,
I have been following this thread for the last 20 days now. My husband and I got our COPR that expires on 24th April 2020. We quit our jobs, sold our belongings and was all set to move to Toronto on 28th March via KLM airlines. Life had other plans and now we are stuck in India (Mumbai) and are under a lockdown. We havent received any refund from KLM which is extremely frustrating because it is our hard earned money. On top of that, we booked another air india flight for 15th April which flies from Mumbai-Delhi-Toronto. Even that is blocked because our country is under a lockdown until 14th april and it might get extended. We both are very depressed as we dont have jobs, a roof over our heads after 15th april (as lease is expiring), a future, uncertainty of landing in Canada and we are bleeding money as we cannot touch our Canada savings and ended up spending 3 lacs and above on just airline tickets. Please I am requesting everyone to help us out with the following (if not for me, then please reply for my husband who is very depressed and doesnt even eat properly):
1. Since our CoPR is expiring on 24th april, when do we apply for extension?
2. Do we have to do PCC again because I submitted 3 Pccs of 3 different countries and honestly it would be a nightmare to go through that again
3. How can we get medical done again when everything is shut?
4. do u know how long does the copr extension takes and how long is it valid for?
Please help us.
please guide us what to do
My husband and I are very depressed as we gave up everything for Canada, we deserve to reach now.
Hey...

Even I am in a similar situation, and tagging a 2 year old too along. Mine is expiring on 22 Apr and already bboking dine in 3 flights with so sign or refunds coming soon.

1. I am writing them every week and getting generic responses. Still you should drop webforms to inform them of your situation. Make sure to drop one just a few days before expiry and one immediately afterwards in case you are unable to fly.

2. for the countries you have already left and not gone back, the PCC is valid for life (as per discussion with an immi lawyer when I was doing my docs). For Indian PCC it is up to discretion of the officer reviewing if they need a fresh copy or not.

3. There will be a time when hospitals will open. Still it will be up to officer's discretion if they need medicals redone or not. Most probably you will have to re do the medicals, which will result in CoPR date till the expiration f new medicals.

4. Again will depend on the officers, when they will pick up the case and how long it will take for them. My CoPR came 2 days after 6 month period ended. A friend of mine's medical expired in Nov 2019 and was asked to do again. CoPR came just a week after the medicals were redone and his CoPR now ends in Nov 2020
 

whyCorona

Champion Member
Mar 17, 2020
1,016
994
I cant sleep !!
same situation
You don't need to feel stressed thats all I can say. Sleep or No sleep! Situation right now cant be changed by that and you are not alone. IRCC is well aware of things happening with this virus all around the world. It's just the fact that you are ready to board a flight to Canada but flights right now are not ready for you.

Keep a clear head and think positive.
 
Last edited:
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Nishm14

Member
Apr 8, 2020
19
10
Hey...

Even I am in a similar situation, and tagging a 2 year old too along. Mine is expiring on 22 Apr and already bboking dine in 3 flights with so sign or refunds coming soon.

1. I am writing them every week and getting generic responses. Still you should drop webforms to inform them of your situation. Make sure to drop one just a few days before expiry and one immediately afterwards in case you are unable to fly.

2. for the countries you have already left and not gone back, the PCC is valid for life (as per discussion with an immi lawyer when I was doing my docs). For Indian PCC it is up to discretion of the officer reviewing if they need a fresh copy or not.

3. There will be a time when hospitals will open. Still it will be up to officer's discretion if they need medicals redone or not. Most probably you will have to re do the medicals, which will result in CoPR date till the expiration f new medicals.

4. Again will depend on the officers, when they will pick up the case and how long it will take for them. My CoPR came 2 days after 6 month period ended. A friend of mine's medical expired in Nov 2019 and was asked to do again. CoPR came just a week after the medicals were redone and his CoPR now ends in Nov 2020
Thank u so much for the detailed response! It gives me hope! God bless! Please lets pray together!
 
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saad_im

Hero Member
Jan 27, 2019
279
202
Canada
Hi everyone,
I have been following this thread for the last 20 days now. My husband and I got our COPR that expires on 24th April 2020. We quit our jobs, sold our belongings and was all set to move to Toronto on 28th March via KLM airlines. Life had other plans and now we are stuck in India (Mumbai) and are under a lockdown. We havent received any refund from KLM which is extremely frustrating because it is our hard earned money. On top of that, we booked another air india flight for 15th April which flies from Mumbai-Delhi-Toronto. Even that is blocked because our country is under a lockdown until 14th april and it might get extended. We both are very depressed as we dont have jobs, a roof over our heads after 15th april (as lease is expiring), a future, uncertainty of landing in Canada and we are bleeding money as we cannot touch our Canada savings and ended up spending 3 lacs and above on just airline tickets. Please I am requesting everyone to help us out with the following (if not for me, then please reply for my husband who is very depressed and doesnt even eat properly):
1. Since our CoPR is expiring on 24th april, when do we apply for extension?
2. Do we have to do PCC again because I submitted 3 Pccs of 3 different countries and honestly it would be a nightmare to go through that again
3. How can we get medical done again when everything is shut?
4. do u know how long does the copr extension takes and how long is it valid for?
Please help us.
please guide us what to do
My husband and I are very depressed as we gave up everything for Canada, we deserve to reach now.
Hey, as far as the refund from KLM is concerned, I'll also share my experience here in case it can help anyone.
I was also booked to fly with KLM from Dubai to Calgary on 21 March. On 16th, after the Canadian PM announcement about border closure, I didn't wait and immediately cancelled my booking the next day. KLM call center wasnt attending any calls. But, that day, the website had no option to request a voucher so I filled in a refund request. KLM actually ended up cancelling the flight itself. A few days later, KLM website was updated with a new link to request a voucher. Once again I filled up the voucher request, TWICE, with few days gap. 3 weeks had passed and I did not hear back from them. I decided to call KLMs local office once again and this time somebody answered. I informed them that I had been waiting since 3 weeks so they checked in the system and immediately sent me a voucher for the full amount.

I don't think a refund is possible.
 

CountessO

Star Member
Oct 28, 2019
119
100
Guys yesterday my son who had applied for computer science in UBC got an offer.Now I do not know I should be happy or I cry as my copr has expired .Now if they reject my extension (which should not happen though)It would be the biggest loss for my poor child and us.As I can not afford to send him on student visa and I do not want to miss this golden opportunity either.Really stressed.Any one who thinks they might reject the extension.May be I am getting too impatient but this admission news has made me really insecure.God pls do the best.,,
You should be happy. I don't think your application will be rejected.There might be some hitches but not rejected. Everything will definitely work out fine.
 
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Lmac4

Star Member
Jan 23, 2018
67
27
Hey all, called the specific land border to which I will be crossing (in New York) on Friday and spoke with an agent who reported that they are processing COPRs, if you're coming from USA (not from Canada for purpose of activating status). I asked if we cross, and stay for the mandatory 14 day quarantine, everything will be processed?

Problem herein lies if they ask if we are staying permanently (which we aren't). We plan on quarantining for the 14 days and returning back to the USA as I am on a work visa here, and obviously want to continue having a job during this time.... tough to say if they'll allow us to do this, but until they ask I won't divulge added/ extra information.

Just thought I'd let everyone know with all the conflicting answers from land borders. I also researched the direct number to call the actual land border you plan on crossing at and calling them.
 
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CountessO

Star Member
Oct 28, 2019
119
100
Hi everyone,
I have been following this thread for the last 20 days now. My husband and I got our COPR that expires on 24th April 2020. We quit our jobs, sold our belongings and was all set to move to Toronto on 28th March via KLM airlines. Life had other plans and now we are stuck in India (Mumbai) and are under a lockdown. We havent received any refund from KLM which is extremely frustrating because it is our hard earned money. On top of that, we booked another air india flight for 15th April which flies from Mumbai-Delhi-Toronto. Even that is blocked because our country is under a lockdown until 14th april and it might get extended. We both are very depressed as we dont have jobs, a roof over our heads after 15th april (as lease is expiring), a future, uncertainty of landing in Canada and we are bleeding money as we cannot touch our Canada savings and ended up spending 3 lacs and above on just airline tickets. Please I am requesting everyone to help us out with the following (if not for me, then please reply for my husband who is very depressed and doesnt even eat properly):
1. Since our CoPR is expiring on 24th april, when do we apply for extension?
2. Do we have to do PCC again because I submitted 3 Pccs of 3 different countries and honestly it would be a nightmare to go through that again
3. How can we get medical done again when everything is shut?
4. do u know how long does the copr extension takes and how long is it valid for?
Please help us.
please guide us what to do
My husband and I are very depressed as we gave up everything for Canada, we deserve to reach now.
I am sorry you are going through this and I pray and hope everything will be worth it at the end of the day. I see a lot of Indian applicants really unhappy about the lockdown till the 14th of April and then the additional "It might get extended" is still very much on probability . Yes, it might be extended but maybe you should be patient till the 14th to see how it goes..
I understand the whole situation, a lot of applicants from all over are also in the same boat but no need to get worked up yet.Let it be announced first.. so just put your mind at ease at least till then.
 

ryeCatcher

Hero Member
Apr 21, 2019
470
107
Hey all, called the specific land border to which I will be crossing (in New York) on Friday and spoke with an agent who reported that they are processing COPRs, if you're coming from USA (not from Canada for purpose of activating status). I asked if we cross, and stay for the mandatory 14 day quarantine, everything will be processed?

Problem herein lies if they ask if we are staying permanently (which we aren't). We plan on quarantining for the 14 days and returning back to the USA as I am on a work visa here, and obviously want to continue having a job during this time.... tough to say if they'll allow us to do this, but until they ask I won't divulge added/ extra information.

Just thought I'd let everyone know with all the conflicting answers from land borders. I also researched the direct number to call the actual land border you plan on crossing at and calling them.
This is similar to what I've been told by CBSA every time I have called (either the main helpline or the specific border POE).

I do think its unclear/uncertain what to say if they ask specifically "how long will you stay" or "will you be staying permanently" but I guess they don't usually ask such a direct question?

I have read in previous threads of those doing soft landing (before the pandemic started) that they would respond in general statements to questions, like "I will return to the US to wrap up my home at some point in the next few months" instead of saying "I will return later to the US this evening/tomorrow/in-one-week".

About returning to the US, have you confirmed with CBP that you can return on your work visa? I have an H1 visa and got differing answers, when I called the US POE specifically they said that I can travel back to the US on H1, but the CBP helpline said that I cannot :(

Anyway, good luck, keep us posted!
 
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niko80

Hero Member
Apr 21, 2014
689
70
Hey all, called the specific land border to which I will be crossing (in New York) on Friday and spoke with an agent who reported that they are processing COPRs, if you're coming from USA (not from Canada for purpose of activating status). I asked if we cross, and stay for the mandatory 14 day quarantine, everything will be processed?

Problem herein lies if they ask if we are staying permanently (which we aren't). We plan on quarantining for the 14 days and returning back to the USA as I am on a work visa here, and obviously want to continue having a job during this time.... tough to say if they'll allow us to do this, but until they ask I won't divulge added/ extra information.

Just thought I'd let everyone know with all the conflicting answers from land borders. I also researched the direct number to call the actual land border you plan on crossing at and calling them.
It seems that it is better by flight than land, but not sure.