COPR and coronavirus

[noopwanii]

Hey everyone!

I had posted my experience in a few groups around but totally forgot to mention it here. A place that helped me out big time. I appreciate everyones input for the past year with all queries. I hope and pray we all cope with these troubling times and reach Canada real soon. I officially landed on the 1st of June. Currently halfway done with quarantine!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*long post alert*

Hey everyone!

Firstly, I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from people on all social media platforms which had made this a very familiar process even before I boarded the aircraft.

On June 1st 2020 I took EK241 from DXB-YYZ.
I figured that it wouldn’t be a full flight and social distancing will be in place so I chose seat 42A online far away from people.

Flight departure was at 0905 AM. They had asked me to be there at least 4 hours before the flight. Now I was in a dilemma as Dubai had movement restrictions and I didn’t want to be flashed by the radar. So I ended up leaving my house after 6AM. I reached the airport at 615 AM (luckily I live in Mirdif).

Walked in to the terminal... there was thermal screening and then I was given the travel hygiene kit and a ‘coronavirus form’ which was a Canadian document.

Right before the check-in there was a document control check point. The gentlemen asked details on my PR status etc. told him I had a COPR. I noticed a lot of people sitting down... apparently I found out that was for re-verification for some work permits etc. I went straight through. Got checked in. And headed into the concourse.

Flight was great, unfortunately they had blocked the back part of the aircraft for the return flight. So I ended up not sitting in a seat I had chosen online; in fact I was so excited I didn’t even notice the seat they assigned me till I got to the gate.

Flight was smooth.

After disembarking the aircraft and walking towards to immigration ... officers were providing a more official coronavirus quarantine form. (I figured I’d do one from scratch). Moving on... it felt like the whole aircraft had COPRs. Initial immigration officer asked a few questions on what I was bringing and told me to go to another counter. There was such a long line that the immigration officers actually had to call in back up. Eventually the whole process didn’t take too long. The officer who dealt with my paperwork wasn’t very enthusiastic. Just literally asked for my address and that’s it. If you have any goods to follow... Make sure you mention it at customs upon exiting.

Now I’m here. In quarantine and hence such a long post. might even end up making a YouTube video with all the time I have now.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! It’s great to be here. stay safe.

Hammad

Thanks for the detailed post Hammad! I plan on doing the same trip. Mind if i DM you? Although it seems that i can't for some reason.

 

[RitzzG]

Yes as it's an immigration ban, not something that's designed with public health interest in mind. Likely exemptions, per precedence, are essential workers, health care workers, and visa holders with US citizen immediate relatives (most likely if you have a spouse who is a US citizen).

Got it. I just wonder whether returning for work makes us an essential worker. Does it?

So considering all of this, it is not at all possible to do a soft landing from USA until immigration ban is lifted. I actually going through the forums to find post from the people who did so in past 1-2 months.

 

[DrBlues]

Travelling with expired CoPR is prohibited. This exemption is made to lessen the impacts of travel restrictions which came into effect on 18th March 2020 on valid CoPR holders.

And I would like to underline once again, that there is still no information on the official WEB-site...

 

[Canadianimmi]

Hey everyone!

I had posted my experience in a few groups around but totally forgot to mention it here. A place that helped me out big time. I appreciate everyones input for the past year with all queries. I hope and pray we all cope with these troubling times and reach Canada real soon. I officially landed on the 1st of June. Currently halfway done with quarantine!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*long post alert*

Hey everyone!

Firstly, I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from people on all social media platforms which had made this a very familiar process even before I boarded the aircraft.

On June 1st 2020 I took EK241 from DXB-YYZ.
I figured that it wouldn’t be a full flight and social distancing will be in place so I chose seat 42A online far away from people.

Flight departure was at 0905 AM. They had asked me to be there at least 4 hours before the flight. Now I was in a dilemma as Dubai had movement restrictions and I didn’t want to be flashed by the radar. So I ended up leaving my house after 6AM. I reached the airport at 615 AM (luckily I live in Mirdif).

Walked in to the terminal... there was thermal screening and then I was given the travel hygiene kit and a ‘coronavirus form’ which was a Canadian document.

Right before the check-in there was a document control check point. The gentlemen asked details on my PR status etc. told him I had a COPR. I noticed a lot of people sitting down... apparently I found out that was for re-verification for some work permits etc. I went straight through. Got checked in. And headed into the concourse.

Flight was great, unfortunately they had blocked the back part of the aircraft for the return flight. So I ended up not sitting in a seat I had chosen online; in fact I was so excited I didn’t even notice the seat they assigned me till I got to the gate.

Flight was smooth.

After disembarking the aircraft and walking towards to immigration ... officers were providing a more official coronavirus quarantine form. (I figured I’d do one from scratch). Moving on... it felt like the whole aircraft had COPRs. Initial immigration officer asked a few questions on what I was bringing and told me to go to another counter. There was such a long line that the immigration officers actually had to call in back up. Eventually the whole process didn’t take too long. The officer who dealt with my paperwork wasn’t very enthusiastic. Just literally asked for my address and that’s it. If you have any goods to follow... Make sure you mention it at customs upon exiting.

Now I’m here. In quarantine and hence such a long post. might even end up making a YouTube video with all the time I have now.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! It’s great to be here. stay safe.

Hammad

Greetings, I recently saw your you tube video on your landing and congratulations on that.

May I ask you few questions if you could help us out with it?

a) Did you have a valid UAE residency while checking in?
b) If you did have a valid residency - Did the immigration, document check or check in folks doubt your intention to settle in Canada or bother you with why you had a valid UAE visa while checking in to Canada?
c) Did you have to cancel your UAE residency visa before travelling or boarding to Canada as a COPR?
d) Did any of the airport folks raise a concern about your travel being non essential OR did Emirates do any kind of check with CBSA or Canadian immigration prior to boarding if you had a valid UAE residency visa?
f) Did you have a one way or two way ticket to Toronto / Canada?
g) Do you plan to return to UAE after quarantine? If so how did you manage ICA approval from GDRFA as residents are not allowed to return. Did you have it in advance before you boarded?
**** There is a lot of chatter about COPR holders with UAE valid visa not allowed to board as they deem that non essential travel, so I just wanted to get some clarity with people who have traveled from UAE.

Lastly,
h) How is it on the ground in Canada? Is it as bad as they say it is? Congratulations on making it to the other side.

Thanks and Regards
Mohammed.

 

[pumpkin_latte]

India opening its skies depends on other countries, says Aviation Minister, Puri.. Link

Quote:

Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said that the government will take a decision on resuming commercial international flights only after other countries ease their restrictions on entry of foreign nationals and allow incoming flights.
In a tweet, Puri said: “A decision to resume regular international operations will be taken as soon as countries ease restrictions on entry of foreign nationals. Destination countries have to be ready to allow incoming flights.”

/Quote

 

[silent_assassin]

Yes because the first immigration ban (from April) didn't include people on temporary work visa, but this is likely to change.

People were clever and decided to land in Canada right after the first immigration ban hit and were able to come back.

As to your first question, no, essential workers are likely only seasonal agriculture workers.

I guess it will be more clear by June 10-11, when it is speculated that Trump will announce the bans. Whether H1-B gets affected or not will have to ben seen.

 

[CountessO]

This phrase is from the letter from the office to my mate:



But there is no any official information on their WEB-site ....

OKAY! This is new.

 

[DrBlues]

OKAY! This is new.

Some visas have already expired, but there is still no official information. And if even there is an automatic extension of 90 days, people still don’t know about it, but time goes on ...

 

[Abdulgafar]

Hey everyone!

I had posted my experience in a few groups around but totally forgot to mention it here. A place that helped me out big time. I appreciate everyones input for the past year with all queries. I hope and pray we all cope with these troubling times and reach Canada real soon. I officially landed on the 1st of June. Currently halfway done with quarantine!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*long post alert*

Hey everyone!

Firstly, I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from people on all social media platforms which had made this a very familiar process even before I boarded the aircraft.

On June 1st 2020 I took EK241 from DXB-YYZ.
I figured that it wouldn’t be a full flight and social distancing will be in place so I chose seat 42A online far away from people.

Flight departure was at 0905 AM. They had asked me to be there at least 4 hours before the flight. Now I was in a dilemma as Dubai had movement restrictions and I didn’t want to be flashed by the radar. So I ended up leaving my house after 6AM. I reached the airport at 615 AM (luckily I live in Mirdif).

Walked in to the terminal... there was thermal screening and then I was given the travel hygiene kit and a ‘coronavirus form’ which was a Canadian document.

Right before the check-in there was a document control check point. The gentlemen asked details on my PR status etc. told him I had a COPR. I noticed a lot of people sitting down... apparently I found out that was for re-verification for some work permits etc. I went straight through. Got checked in. And headed into the concourse.

Flight was great, unfortunately they had blocked the back part of the aircraft for the return flight. So I ended up not sitting in a seat I had chosen online; in fact I was so excited I didn’t even notice the seat they assigned me till I got to the gate.

Flight was smooth.

After disembarking the aircraft and walking towards to immigration ... officers were providing a more official coronavirus quarantine form. (I figured I’d do one from scratch). Moving on... it felt like the whole aircraft had COPRs. Initial immigration officer asked a few questions on what I was bringing and told me to go to another counter. There was such a long line that the immigration officers actually had to call in back up. Eventually the whole process didn’t take too long. The officer who dealt with my paperwork wasn’t very enthusiastic. Just literally asked for my address and that’s it. If you have any goods to follow... Make sure you mention it at customs upon exiting.

Now I’m here. In quarantine and hence such a long post. might even end up making a YouTube video with all the time I have now.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! It’s great to be here. stay safe.

Hammad

Hey everyone!

I had posted my experience in a few groups around but totally forgot to mention it here. A place that helped me out big time. I appreciate everyones input for the past year with all queries. I hope and pray we all cope with these troubling times and reach Canada real soon. I officially landed on the 1st of June. Currently halfway done with quarantine!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*long post alert*

Hey everyone!

Firstly, I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from people on all social media platforms which had made this a very familiar process even before I boarded the aircraft.

On June 1st 2020 I took EK241 from DXB-YYZ.
I figured that it wouldn’t be a full flight and social distancing will be in place so I chose seat 42A online far away from people.

Flight departure was at 0905 AM. They had asked me to be there at least 4 hours before the flight. Now I was in a dilemma as Dubai had movement restrictions and I didn’t want to be flashed by the radar. So I ended up leaving my house after 6AM. I reached the airport at 615 AM (luckily I live in Mirdif).

Walked in to the terminal... there was thermal screening and then I was given the travel hygiene kit and a ‘coronavirus form’ which was a Canadian document.

Right before the check-in there was a document control check point. The gentlemen asked details on my PR status etc. told him I had a COPR. I noticed a lot of people sitting down... apparently I found out that was for re-verification for some work permits etc. I went straight through. Got checked in. And headed into the concourse.

Flight was great, unfortunately they had blocked the back part of the aircraft for the return flight. So I ended up not sitting in a seat I had chosen online; in fact I was so excited I didn’t even notice the seat they assigned me till I got to the gate.

Flight was smooth.

After disembarking the aircraft and walking towards to immigration ... officers were providing a more official coronavirus quarantine form. (I figured I’d do one from scratch). Moving on... it felt like the whole aircraft had COPRs. Initial immigration officer asked a few questions on what I was bringing and told me to go to another counter. There was such a long line that the immigration officers actually had to call in back up. Eventually the whole process didn’t take too long. The officer who dealt with my paperwork wasn’t very enthusiastic. Just literally asked for my address and that’s it. If you have any goods to follow... Make sure you mention it at customs upon exiting.

Now I’m here. In quarantine and hence such a long post. might even end up making a YouTube video with all the time I have now.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! It’s great to be here. stay safe.

Hammad

Hi Hammad,

Congratulations on your successful landing. I'm excited and happy for you. If you don't mind, I have a few questions. I am also in Dubai, but my COPR expired in April, so I'm waiting for them to re-issue my COPR. I believe your COPR was still valid by the time you traveled. My question goes thus:

1. In your post, you described the length of the queue at YYZ. Roughly how many minutes/hours did the whole process take. I'm asking because when I eventually travel, I will have a connecting flight from Toronto to Winnipeg, and the cheaper flights might have connecting time might of 2 hours or even less. I just want to have an idea of what to expect, so that I can book the appropriate flight.
2. I will be traveling with my wife and two kids. I keep wondering how the flight will be for the kids. I just wanted to ask if you traveled with a child, or if you noticed other passengers with kids.
3. Did they ask for proof of funds again?
4. Did you provide a contact number that they can reach you on when in quarantine? I'm curious as to how one can get a mobile number immediately after landing. From my other travel experiences, I can only buy a sim card after passing through the immigration section.

I apologize for asking too many questions.

Thanks, and I wish you all the best.

 

[Gaargi789]

Hey everyone!

I had posted my experience in a few groups around but totally forgot to mention it here. A place that helped me out big time. I appreciate everyones input for the past year with all queries. I hope and pray we all cope with these troubling times and reach Canada real soon. I officially landed on the 1st of June. Currently halfway done with quarantine!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*long post alert*

Hey everyone!

Firstly, I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from people on all social media platforms which had made this a very familiar process even before I boarded the aircraft.

On June 1st 2020 I took EK241 from DXB-YYZ.
I figured that it wouldn’t be a full flight and social distancing will be in place so I chose seat 42A online far away from people.

Flight departure was at 0905 AM. They had asked me to be there at least 4 hours before the flight. Now I was in a dilemma as Dubai had movement restrictions and I didn’t want to be flashed by the radar. So I ended up leaving my house after 6AM. I reached the airport at 615 AM (luckily I live in Mirdif).

Walked in to the terminal... there was thermal screening and then I was given the travel hygiene kit and a ‘coronavirus form’ which was a Canadian document.

Right before the check-in there was a document control check point. The gentlemen asked details on my PR status etc. told him I had a COPR. I noticed a lot of people sitting down... apparently I found out that was for re-verification for some work permits etc. I went straight through. Got checked in. And headed into the concourse.

Flight was great, unfortunately they had blocked the back part of the aircraft for the return flight. So I ended up not sitting in a seat I had chosen online; in fact I was so excited I didn’t even notice the seat they assigned me till I got to the gate.

Flight was smooth.

After disembarking the aircraft and walking towards to immigration ... officers were providing a more official coronavirus quarantine form. (I figured I’d do one from scratch). Moving on... it felt like the whole aircraft had COPRs. Initial immigration officer asked a few questions on what I was bringing and told me to go to another counter. There was such a long line that the immigration officers actually had to call in back up. Eventually the whole process didn’t take too long. The officer who dealt with my paperwork wasn’t very enthusiastic. Just literally asked for my address and that’s it. If you have any goods to follow... Make sure you mention it at customs upon exiting.

Now I’m here. In quarantine and hence such a long post. might even end up making a YouTube video with all the time I have now.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! It’s great to be here. stay safe.

Hammad

Hi, thanks for the details, I have a question- Do we need to get any medical insurance before boarding the flight to Canada?

 

[SithLord]

Hi, thanks for the details, I have a question- Do we need to get any medical insurance before boarding the flight to Canada?

I believe it will take 3 months waiting period before you can be eligible to apply for provincial health insurance. So yes, you will need insurance for the first 3 months of your stay

 

[saad_im]

Hey everyone!

I had posted my experience in a few groups around but totally forgot to mention it here. A place that helped me out big time. I appreciate everyones input for the past year with all queries. I hope and pray we all cope with these troubling times and reach Canada real soon. I officially landed on the 1st of June. Currently halfway done with quarantine!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*long post alert*

Hey everyone!

Firstly, I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from people on all social media platforms which had made this a very familiar process even before I boarded the aircraft.

On June 1st 2020 I took EK241 from DXB-YYZ.
I figured that it wouldn’t be a full flight and social distancing will be in place so I chose seat 42A online far away from people.

Flight departure was at 0905 AM. They had asked me to be there at least 4 hours before the flight. Now I was in a dilemma as Dubai had movement restrictions and I didn’t want to be flashed by the radar. So I ended up leaving my house after 6AM. I reached the airport at 615 AM (luckily I live in Mirdif).

Walked in to the terminal... there was thermal screening and then I was given the travel hygiene kit and a ‘coronavirus form’ which was a Canadian document.

Right before the check-in there was a document control check point. The gentlemen asked details on my PR status etc. told him I had a COPR. I noticed a lot of people sitting down... apparently I found out that was for re-verification for some work permits etc. I went straight through. Got checked in. And headed into the concourse.

Flight was great, unfortunately they had blocked the back part of the aircraft for the return flight. So I ended up not sitting in a seat I had chosen online; in fact I was so excited I didn’t even notice the seat they assigned me till I got to the gate.

Flight was smooth.

After disembarking the aircraft and walking towards to immigration ... officers were providing a more official coronavirus quarantine form. (I figured I’d do one from scratch). Moving on... it felt like the whole aircraft had COPRs. Initial immigration officer asked a few questions on what I was bringing and told me to go to another counter. There was such a long line that the immigration officers actually had to call in back up. Eventually the whole process didn’t take too long. The officer who dealt with my paperwork wasn’t very enthusiastic. Just literally asked for my address and that’s it. If you have any goods to follow... Make sure you mention it at customs upon exiting.

Now I’m here. In quarantine and hence such a long post. might even end up making a YouTube video with all the time I have now.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! It’s great to be here. stay safe.

Hammad

Hey, congratulations on your landing. I'm doing the same trip in 2 weeks. I just have a question.
Was your UAE residence visa still valid at the time you departed? I have a one way ticket and I am not planning a soft landing. But some people are saying that people with valid UAE residence visas are not deemed as essential travel?

 

[Rahil Lakhani]

Hey everyone!

I had posted my experience in a few groups around but totally forgot to mention it here. A place that helped me out big time. I appreciate everyones input for the past year with all queries. I hope and pray we all cope with these troubling times and reach Canada real soon. I officially landed on the 1st of June. Currently halfway done with quarantine!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*long post alert*

Hey everyone!

Firstly, I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received from people on all social media platforms which had made this a very familiar process even before I boarded the aircraft.

On June 1st 2020 I took EK241 from DXB-YYZ.
I figured that it wouldn’t be a full flight and social distancing will be in place so I chose seat 42A online far away from people.

Flight departure was at 0905 AM. They had asked me to be there at least 4 hours before the flight. Now I was in a dilemma as Dubai had movement restrictions and I didn’t want to be flashed by the radar. So I ended up leaving my house after 6AM. I reached the airport at 615 AM (luckily I live in Mirdif).

Walked in to the terminal... there was thermal screening and then I was given the travel hygiene kit and a ‘coronavirus form’ which was a Canadian document.

Right before the check-in there was a document control check point. The gentlemen asked details on my PR status etc. told him I had a COPR. I noticed a lot of people sitting down... apparently I found out that was for re-verification for some work permits etc. I went straight through. Got checked in. And headed into the concourse.

Flight was great, unfortunately they had blocked the back part of the aircraft for the return flight. So I ended up not sitting in a seat I had chosen online; in fact I was so excited I didn’t even notice the seat they assigned me till I got to the gate.

Flight was smooth.

After disembarking the aircraft and walking towards to immigration ... officers were providing a more official coronavirus quarantine form. (I figured I’d do one from scratch). Moving on... it felt like the whole aircraft had COPRs. Initial immigration officer asked a few questions on what I was bringing and told me to go to another counter. There was such a long line that the immigration officers actually had to call in back up. Eventually the whole process didn’t take too long. The officer who dealt with my paperwork wasn’t very enthusiastic. Just literally asked for my address and that’s it. If you have any goods to follow... Make sure you mention it at customs upon exiting.

Now I’m here. In quarantine and hence such a long post. might even end up making a YouTube video with all the time I have now.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! It’s great to be here. stay safe.

Hammad

Hi, many congrats on your landing..

How did you manage the police permission? Did u receive it late or u went without one?

 

[noopwanii]

Hey, congratulations on your landing. I'm doing the same trip in 2 weeks. I just have a question.
Was your UAE residence visa still valid at the time you departed? I have a one way ticket and I am not planning a soft landing. But some people are saying that people with valid UAE residence visas are not deemed as essential travel?

I plan on travelling in two weeks as well; but for the purpose of a soft landing ....

 

[saad_im]

I plan on travelling in two weeks as well; but for the purpose of a soft landing ....

So do you have a return ticket and ICA approval?

I called Emirates Airlines and the agent told me that as long as you are permitted to enter Canada, the airline will not deny you boarding.

Especially since Emirates is selling return tickets, I don't think that should be a problem.