PR Card process. Confused! Help pls

[papgust]

Hi All,

I received my COPR in February and I am planning to make a visit to Canada soon to complete the landing formalities. I do not intend to immigrate permanently at this point of time. So my intention is to go there on a vacation and finish all formalities to return back a year or two later.

I have been browsing through cic.gc.ca and the internet to understand what I am expected to complete before/after landing. I must admit that I am confused with the whole process altogether.

The documents/cards that i need to obtain as a permanent resident (as i understand): 1. SIN card and 2. PR card. I believe SIN card is a pretty straightforward process and there is no confusion here for me. But the confusing part is the 2nd one.

Applying for PR card:

I came across couple of options -
1. Applying for a new PR card,
2. Applying for a Travel doc.

Option #2, if i understand correctly, is for the residents who do not have a PR card and who want to re-enter Canada. The keyword is "re-enter".

Option #1 is for the residents who are applying for first time or renewing or obtaining a new one for lost card. This requires completing application forms IMM 5444 and 5455.

Am i right in assuming that the applicable option for me is #1?

If yes,
1. In which stage option #1 has to be done - Whether before landing itself or after landing?
2. Whether the whole application process can be done from outside of Canada before landing? (Except for asking them to mail the card to a local address)
3. Whether the completed forms (5444 & 5455) must be carried and handed over to the border while landing? Or should it be handed over in person inside the border in an office?
4. Is it sufficient to only give a Canadian mailing address for the immigration to mail the PR card?

Any information you think i have missed out, please let me know.


Pradeep

 

[akbardxb]

For first timers, there is no application for PR card. When you land you will be asked if you have made arrangements for a stay and how long will this address be your home. The first PR cards will be mailed to this address. They are not sent to overseas addresses. You don't have to fill any more forms except the custom declaration that you will receive on the plane and the list of goods you are carrying and to follow.

If you arrive before 2100 hrs, the SIN can be done at the airport or you go to the Service Canada office on the next working day. They don't send out cards any more. You will only receive a print out with the number, on the spot.

 

[papgust]

For first timers, there is no application for PR card. When you land you will be asked if you have made arrangements for a stay and how long will this address be your home. The first PR cards will be mailed to this address. They are not sent to overseas addresses. You don't have to fill any more forms except the custom declaration that you will receive on the plane and the list of goods you are carrying and to follow.

If you arrive before 2100 hrs, the SIN can be done at the airport or you go to the Service Canada office on the next working day. They don't send out cards any more. You will only receive a print out with the number, on the spot.

Thanks a lot akbar for your response.

So to sum things up, I just need to carry my passport with visa stamped, COPR to land in Canada and a valid canadian address. Once landed, I can request the border office for processing PR card and SIN card (if arrived before 2100 hrs).

Please clarify if i have missed anything here.

 

[SanRoque]

You just present the documents in the port of entry and just wait whatever the immigration asks you to answer. All will be in place upon entry, nothing to worry about buddy. As they say, just go with the flow.

Good luck!