Re-entering Canada - Permanent Resident Card

[v8rush]

Could someone please tell me what I need to do to re-enter Canada. I have a new Permanent Residents card available to collect at the local government office, but because it took so long to be processed I had to leave Canada before it could be processed and I could collect in person (it took 9 months).

I am aware I have 6 months to collect the card and was planning to return to collect it before this expires in the next 2-3months. However all the forms on the Government of Canada site appear to be directed towards Permanent Residents waiting for applications to be processed, in my case I have already been through this process and just need to collect the card in person. Currently I hold a UK passport and as such can freely travel to Canada to collect the card but am concerned when I have an open air ticket or lengthy period between outbound and return flights that this may cause problems at airport immigration. Could someone please advise?

Thanks very much,

John

 

[AllisonVSC]

Is this your first PR card? Does your passport still contain the cancelled sticker from when you landed?

As a UK citizen you do not need a visa to enter Canada. Since you are, in addition, a permanent resident of Canada you should have not problems entering due to carrying an open ticket. I recommend you travel with your COPR and the letter informing you about picking up your PR card. Then explain to the IO if necessary that you left Canada before your PR card was ready.

 

[v8rush]

Hi, Thanks for the reply.

No this is my second PR card and yes I dd have visa stamp in passport.

What does COPR stand for?

I don't have a letter from Immigration office as they contacted by phone, but in the circumstance they might issue a letter once i explain my predicament.

Thanks again,

John

 

[AllisonVSC]

John, a COPR is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence a piece of paper that one gets when landing for the first time. I assumed you were a new immigrant and that you left before your first PR card was ready.

Have you satisfied your residency requirement? If so, and you can prove you were only out of the country for a short time, it is likely that they will allow you to enter with your passport (do you still have your old card or must you submit it with your renewal application?) and the information regarding your new card being ready for pickup. My understanding is that permanent residency status does not expire, but the cards do. If you have satisfied your residency requirement then you are still a resident, even if the card expires, and have the right to enter Canada.

If there is any question about whether you have met the residency requirement, you may have more of a problem on entry. But, your scenario is out of my realm of experience so I hope others will reply with more concrete information and advice.

Good luck, Allison

 

[v8rush]

Thanks Alison for you replies.

Unfortunately my confirmation fell out of my passport and the immgration guys never used to check it, so it fell by the wayside some place.

I fulfilled the residency criteria during the first 5 year period of my card having lived there on and off for over the 2years or so required, hence my new replacement card was issued last December. I still have the old PR card so perhaps just need a piece of paper from the immgration office holding my card confirming so. I guess the computer system would show I'm valid also.

Thanks for your help!

John