Received PPR, but was expecting COPR?

[brycewilson012]

Received a PPR email this afternoon and am pleasantly surprised to be at this stage of the process after such a short time (application received 10/18). Applying for PR as a US citizen through family class with a common-law sponsor.

I'm definitely feeling fortunate, but I don't understand why I didn't just receive a COPR. The email is instructing me to send a copy of the photo page of my passport and two 50mm x 70mm photos, which were both included in my original application. Also asking for a self addressed postage paid envelope.

I'm really excited that I'm so near the end, but I also don't want to do something that seems so unnecessary. I was hoping to call an immigration representative and get an explanation but can't find a number that isn't "Canada Only".

Anyone else encounter this same dilemma? Should I just count my blessings and throw more money and time at this process?

 

[northern sunshine]

Congrats on receiving your PPR! You are technically not "approved" yet and this is actually the last stage of your application. They will check your passport (copy) and the photos you send against their records in a final check and then issue your CoPR in the return mail. They will keep one of the two photos and attach the other to your CoPR.

Basically, yes, count your blessings. Everyone has to do this; the only exception is some inland applicants who have to physically go to an interview with their docs. You're pretty much done, and as a US citizen you don't even have to part with your passport. Send the photos and get your CoPR!

 

[brycewilson012]

Well, I guess that makes some sense. Still not sure why I had to include photos in the original application or why I couldn't be told to get more photos for this later step.

I just can't believe that it will cost $30 to get two new photos and about $60 for round trip shipping (FedEx/UPS/USPS or some combo) for a few sheets of paper.

I could send it normal USPS for about $1, but I can't find anywhere that has Canadian postage for the return envelope. And FedEx/UPS is no help at all with creating a self addressed return label anyways. Haha, I feel like I'm ranting like a crazy old man. "If they abolish or privatize the mail service this country is going to riot, I tell ya."

I guess I'll spend my Saturday driving two hours each way to the BC border and get $10 Costco photos and about $5 Canada Post regular/international postage.

Wish I would have researched this sooner, I could have grabbed another set of photos and some stamps when I was in Vancouver a few weeks ago for my medical exam. Which is a different rant for another day.

 

[northern sunshine]

Well, I guess that makes some sense. Still not sure why I had to include photos in the original application or why I couldn't be told to get more photos for this later step.

I just can't believe that it will cost $30 to get two new photos and about $60 for round trip shipping (FedEx/UPS/USPS or some combo) for a few sheets of paper.

I could send it normal USPS for about $1, but I can't find anywhere that has Canadian postage for the return envelope. And FedEx/UPS is no help at all with creating a self addressed return label anyways. Haha, I feel like I'm ranting like a crazy old man. "If they abolish or privatize the mail service this country is going to riot, I tell ya."

I guess I'll spend my Saturday driving two hours each way to the BC border and get $10 Costco photos and about $5 Canada Post regular/international postage.

Wish I would have researched this sooner, I could have grabbed another set of photos and some stamps when I was in Vancouver a few weeks ago for my medical exam. Which is a different rant for another day.

It does feel a little silly, but I would not doubt that they have good reason to do it. You'll also need that paper copy of your CoPR basically forever, so treat it well.

If your PPR email was like mine then they request FedEx, UPS or Purolator for the return mail (but from others' experience, seem to prefer FedEx). I don't know if they'll mail it if you try to use Canada Post. Occasionally folks will be asked to send a new shipping label if they don't like the one you send.

I also don't recommend using USPS (at least not first class) for the forward mail if you're an anxious person. I sent mine via registered mail and it took 19 days to get there, with no tracking updates for 10 days... and it cost almost as much as FedEx ground.

You can generate a return label if you make an account and use FedEx's online tool. There are a few threads/posts around from people who've done it (like this one). If you choose to use FedEx both ways, there is an option somewhere while you're creating your forward shipment label to also generate a return label. Make sure you print all 3 copies of the customs forms for each direction (iirc, one is supposed to go inside with your documents and the other two in an outer pouch). I didn't because I didn't realize you had to, and I think that's part of why my docs got stuck for a few days coming back into the country.

Also, don't stress too much about the envelope. They didn't like the one I sent and supplied a different FedEx envelope.

The folks at the FedEx here were really, super helpful when I was trying to get another package set up, so I'd honestly suggest just going into the store with your documents and having them help you through it if you're unsure. They can help you pick out the right envelope and stuff as well.

Nice that you live that close to the border! I did a ton of research early on, so I nabbed my photos during one of my trips to visit my SO over the summer. I'll be taking some more when I land in a few weeks in case they reject my photos when they get around to my PR card. I suppose that's another thing-- the photos that you send in for your CoPR will be used for your PR card!