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Travel to USA without PR card

Viktoriia12345

Star Member
Aug 27, 2024
59
57
Hi friends!

I am in Canada right now, holding an open WP. I also have a multi-entry visa in my passport. Several months ago I submitted EE application and I am about to get a PR status (received P1 email on Sep 27). I know that at some point IRCC will cancel my visa due to a change in my status and it is not safe to travel abroad as I won't be able return to Canada.
However I am planning to travel to USA by land (my personal car) in late November.

So my questions are:
1. If I'm not be able to get eCOPR till that time Will it be possible to do? Do I need to inform IRCC/ask for a travel document to cross USA-Canadian border?
2. Am I allow to cross the border having only eCOPR and foreign passport (or another ID) if I manage to receive confirmation by that time?

In case if it matters I am not USA citizen or greencard holder.

Thanks you everyone!

P.S. apologies if I choose wrong forum
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,241
8,861
Hi friends!

I am in Canada right now, holding an open WP. I also have a multi-entry visa in my passport. Several months ago I submitted EE application and I am about to get a PR status (received P1 email on Sep 27). I know that at some point IRCC will cancel my visa due to a change in my status and it is not safe to travel abroad as I won't be able return to Canada.
However I am planning to travel to USA by land (my personal car) in late November.

So my questions are:
1. If I'm not be able to get eCOPR till that time Will it be possible to do? Do I need to inform IRCC/ask for a travel document to cross USA-Canadian border?
2. Am I allow to cross the border having only eCOPR and foreign passport (or another ID) if I manage to receive confirmation by that time?

In case if it matters I am not USA citizen or greencard holder.
So assuming that you have a currently-valid USA visa, and a currently valid Canadian multi-entry visa:

-Note I've no idea about your USA visa, your problem.
1) If you have a currently valid Canadian visa, you'll be let back in. (Caveat: with the usual "CBSA has the right to decide blah blah blah" at the border. But no reason to believe you wouldn't be readmitted).
2) If you have the eCOPR and your foreign passport, you'll be let back in. It won't matter that your current visa has been cancelled, you'll be admitted on basis that you are a PR. This time there are no caveats as above, it's simply as long as they can identify you-the-passport-holder as you-the-eCOPR-holder, you WILL be admitted. (With the eCOPR the primary restriction is that you wouldn't be able to board a plane on the strength of the eCOPR, you'd need the PR card).
 

Viktoriia12345

Star Member
Aug 27, 2024
59
57
So assuming that you have a currently-valid USA visa, and a currently valid Canadian multi-entry visa:

-Note I've no idea about your USA visa, your problem.
1) If you have a currently valid Canadian visa, you'll be let back in. (Caveat: with the usual "CBSA has the right to decide blah blah blah" at the border. But no reason to believe you wouldn't be readmitted).
2) If you have the eCOPR and your foreign passport, you'll be let back in. It won't matter that your current visa has been cancelled, you'll be admitted on basis that you are a PR. This time there are no caveats as above, it's simply as long as they can identify you-the-passport-holder as you-the-eCOPR-holder, you WILL be admitted. (With the eCOPR the primary restriction is that you wouldn't be able to board a plane on the strength of the eCOPR, you'd need the PR card).
Thank you for your input! Yes, I have both visas (Canadian and USA) valid.
 

armoured

VIP Member
Feb 1, 2015
17,241
8,861
Thank you for your input! Yes, I have both visas (Canadian and USA) valid.
Is your trip to USA for very long?

There is one small wrinkle, which is that it's not good for you to become a PR on a day while you are outside Canada. I've not really been following the virtual landing mechanics so I'm not best placed to comment.

Anyway, since you got P1 already and your trip in late November, hopefully there is plenty of time and you'll be done with the process and already have your ecopr/be a PR before you leave on your trip.
 

Viktoriia12345

Star Member
Aug 27, 2024
59
57
Is your trip to USA for very long?

There is one small wrinkle, which is that it's not good for you to become a PR on a day while you are outside Canada. I've not really been following the virtual landing mechanics so I'm not best placed to comment.

Anyway, since you got P1 already and your trip in late November, hopefully there is plenty of time and you'll be done with the process and already have your ecopr/be a PR before you leave on your trip.
No, it's just for a weekend and if I won't get eCOPR before leaving I probably should cancel the trip. I would rather be on the safe side then getting questioned by CBSA :)

I should be able to get eCOPR by the end of Nov, not sure about getting PR card though. Their timeline now around 25 days + shipping time + time to get eCOPR

Thank you, it's been really helpful!
 
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