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Cross-Border Truck Driver PR Issue – Received eCOPR While in the USA

Alexander95

Newbie
Jun 4, 2024
3
0
I am reaching out to the experts on this forum to ask for your advice regarding my situation.

I work as a long-haul cross-border truck driver in Canada. (Inland applicant.). I received Portal 2 and responded to it on January 9, while being in Canada. I did everything possible to stay in Canada as long as I could (8 days), hoping to receive my eCOPR and avoid violating the landing conditions (Be physically in Canada when eCOPR issued). However, I did not receive the eCOPR and was forced to go to the USA for work. My work schedule is 8-9 days in the USA, 5-6 days in Canada.


As a result, I received my eCOPR almost two months later, while I was in the USA.


I understand that, from a technical standpoint, this is a violation of the landing rules. However, I immigrated as a cross-border truck driver, and IRCC is aware of this. Traveling to the USA is a significant part of my job, and I cannot stop working for 2-3 months while waiting for eCOPR in Canada, as I would simply lose my job. Moreover, I have a family to support, bills to pay, and basic living expenses that cannot be ignored.


Furthermore, just a few days after responding to Portal 2, I sent an email to the same address from which I received Portal 1, explaining my situation in detail. I described the circumstances and my frequent unpredictable trips to the USA, which are impossible to plan in advance. I also asked for instructions on how to proceed in my case to avoid violating the landing rules. However, I never received a response.


On the other hand, many people immigrate as cross-border truck drivers, and I am sure this is a widespread issue in this profession. A good number of them must be receiving their eCOPR while in the USA.

If possible, I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter.

How critical do you think this is? Could there be an exception to the rules for long-haul truck drivers?
And what is the best way to handle this situation?

Should I notify someone (IRCC, the landing office, or CBSA at the border)?

Or should I just leave everything as it is?


(Tomorrow, I will be crossing the Canadian border for the first time as a PR. I will update you on how it goes!)


Thank you very much!
 

Ponga

VIP Member
Oct 22, 2013
10,574
1,556
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Since you have reached out via email, I don't know what more you can do, other than perhaps sending a Web Form, or [gulp*) calling IRCC and hoping you reach a human; a human that can accurately answer your question.

It is possible that IRCC can see that you were not in Canada when the eCOPR was issued, because they do have access to CBSA records. Although CBSA does not generally have `exit' records, your entrance into the U.S. constitutes an exit from Canada.

Good luck!
 

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
58,031
14,282
Wouldn’t worry too much. First you are going through a land border so you should be able to enter with eCOPR. You are also living in Canada and travel is work related and involves going back and forth from Canada to the US. You also were upfront about your situation. The issue is really when people need to fly into Canada or are misrepresenting their location if there is an inland component to their application.