Information for those who want to do Flagpole by crossing USA.
Process:
Validating a Confirmation of permanent residence at a border
Once you have obtained your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5688) and, if applicable, your permanent resident visa, you can proceed towards a Port of Entry in Canada for validation by a Canadian Border Services Officer in order to confirm your new status.
To accomplish this final step in your immigration process, you will have to:
Leave and re-enter Canada,
this can be done by entering the U.S. at a land border, by ferry or by flying out to any other country and back into Canada,
Inform the officer you need to validate your Confirmation of Permanent Residence,
Show the following documents:
passport, travel or identity document (including secure visa counterfoil, if applicable),
Confirmation of Permanent Residence and instructions issued by the visa office,
proof of legal status in Canada, such as:
valid work permit, study permit, temporary resident permit or visitor record, or
proof of implied status, such as:
payment receipt,
copy or printout of paper or online extension application,
proof of mailing or online submission,
etc.,
(if applicable) all temporary resident documents in your possession, whether valid or not, and
(if applicable) CSQ (if you are settling in Québec).
Useful information:
To find the port of entry (POE) closest to you that offers the full range of immigration services, you can visit the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) website.
You can expect to encounter extended delays at the land border POE and/or that some immigration services may not be offered, particularly during weekends and holidays.
It is important to verify in advance if you require a visa to enter the U.S. and to contact CBSA for the POE opening hours.