Receiving PR card

[tamhiker]

Well - after three long years - I finally was approved for Permanent Residency. And I've now passed my three month "waiting period" after approval.

I received my Quebec health card within a week of that eligibility date. Now - three weeks later - still no Permanent Resident Card. The CIC recorded phone information says it could take up to 60 days. That means I cannot travel out of the country until then. And that means my 3 month "waiting period" is actually FIVE months.

Yes - I can apply for a travel waiver - but that costs $400.

This has been one of the longest - most frustrating experiences of my life.

How is it Quebec can do everything in a timely manner - but Canada cannot?

 

[CDNPR2014]

Well - after three long years - I finally was approved for Permanent Residency. And I've now passed my three month "waiting period" after approval.

I received my Quebec health card within a week of that eligibility date. Now - three weeks later - still no Permanent Resident Card. The CIC recorded phone information says it could take up to 60 days. That means I cannot travel out of the country until then. And that means my 3 month "waiting period" is actually FIVE months.

Yes - I can apply for a travel waiver - but that costs $400.

a PR Travel Document does not cost $400. i'm pretty sure it's $150. Where are you getting the $400 figure?

PR cards certainly take longer than 3 weeks. There are many people who wait 6 months or longer. It took me 6 months to get mine. it's just part of the process. Quebec is Quebec, it is not the federal government. it is quite common for provincial agencies to be much more efficient than the federal government. the same can be said for many countries around the world, this is not specific to canada.

 

[tamhiker]

I got the $400 figure from the CIC website.
But even if it is "only" $150 - it is simply outrageous. What exactly was the three month waiting period for if even after that one must wait at least two more months to receive their PR benefits?

And now you tell me it could take SIX months!? Absolutely absurd.

It's not the end of the world - but it is - very - frustrating.

 

[CDNPR2014]

I got the $400 figure from the CIC website.
But even if it is "only" $150 - it is simply outrageous. What exactly was the three month waiting period for if even after that one must wait at least two more months to receive their PR benefits?

It's not the end of the world - but it is frustrating.

6 months is extreme, so it doesn't mean your card will take 6 months to receive. Remember, you are assuming what is said on a CIC recorded message refers to every single person. This is not the case. Of course CIC is going to suggest worst case scenario in recorded or written messages. They don't want people calling every day asking for it. If you are that concerned, then submit a PR card inquiry form and see if that prompts an investigation into it's whereabouts. You can either google it or call the CIC call centre and ask to be transferred to the card processing centre in NS and they will tell you how to find the inquiry form.

I think you need to double check that figure. Most people are reporting it as $150, so you may be looking at the wrong information.

you don't need your PR card to receive "PR benefits". you receive "PR Benefits" at the moment you receive PR status. Your COPR and Passport can be used for pretty much anything a PR card is required for. You should be able to get your sin #, healthcare, driver's license, bank account, etc. BC seems to be the only province that requires the card for some provincial services. A PR card is really only essential for traveling for those requiring visas.

 

[scylla]

I got the $400 figure from the CIC website.
But even if it is "only" $150 - it is simply outrageous. What exactly was the three month waiting period for if even after that one must wait at least two more months to receive their PR benefits?

And now you tell me it could take SIX months!? Absolutely absurd.

It's not the end of the world - but it is - very - frustrating.

You're American - right? You don't need a PR card or TD to return. You can do it on your US passport. Problem solved.

 

[Emmy88]

I would like to know what is the difference in the route I take to get my PR. Either the Academic route or the General route. Reason being, I am registering to do the IELTS test and I am secpnd guessing myself because I am a working professional and would like to work and live in canada BUT I am aslo thinking of going back to school. If I should just apply just for studying purposes would I be able to get a PR and be able to work as well? Please advise.

Thank you