Landing, then moving...

[swestenzweig]

I've been searching threads for the answer to this question, but I haven't found exactly what I am looking for.

I just received my COPR this morning. I live just inside the US border and I am planning on moving my belongings to my new Canadian residence over the next couple of months. In Canada, my wife and I are in the process of packing and moving her and the kids to our new Canadian residence, so my address in Canada will be changing on August 1. I am looking to land today to get my PR card processed and begin setting everything up in Canada (SIN, health insurance, etc), while I take the next couple of months to move my possessions from the US to Canada.

1. If I land today and provide the address in Canada we're moving FROM, will I receive my PR card by the time we move on August 1?
2. Once our address formally changes on August 1, do I need to inform CIC? How do I go about doing so?
3. If I land today without any of my belongings, do I need to provide a detailed list of goods to follow indicating all of the possessions I plan to bring across at a later date? I've not inventoried or packed my belongings in the US yet (frankly, the COPR came a lot sooner than anticipated!), so I want to know if I can provide the details later on.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bethanycupcakes]

1) No. The current wait time for a PR Card is 72 days. It may come sooner, But I wouldn't count on it. However, if you put in an address forward, you should still get it because it will be forwarded.

2) I'm assuming yes. You should inform them of any changes.

3) Yes you do. If you are traveling by car, you can land, leave, then come back when your ready with you COPR or PR card. If you are traveling by air, you CANNOT use your COPR and must wait for your PR Card before traveling again.

 

[keesio]

Regarding #1, some government mail comes with a "Do Not Forward" marking. Canada Post will not forward such mail. I *think* PR card mailings fall into this category....

 

[canuck_in_uk]

You can't apply for health coverage until you are actually residing here. If you are landing and going back, you need to wait until you officially establish residence in Canada.

I suggest you give a family member or friend's address for the PR card, as there is no guarantee it will arrive in time.

No point in updating your address with CIC after you land. The PR card will go the address you give CBSA when you land.

If you are traveling by air, you CANNOT use your COPR and must wait for your PR Card before traveling again.

Wrong. OP is visa-exempt and would have no issues boarding a plane without a PR card.

 

[Rob_TO]

1 - Don't count on it
2 - Also don't count on an address change becoming effective in time to receive your new PR card. Most likely it will still go to the address you give CBSA no matter if you try to change it. You are much better off giving CBSA officer at time of landing the address of a family or friend in Canada, and having the PR card delivered there. At least then you'll be sure where it's going.
3 - My understanding is yes, you need to itemize ALL your belongings (or at least the ones that will be subject to taxes/duties) at time of landing and include in your goods-to-follow form. After you've landed as a PR, you should assume that each time you re-cross the border CBSA will make you pay taxes/duties on any items that weren't included in your original goods-to-follow. Perhaps they may give you an exception if you forgot some items, but I wouldn't count on it.