What's the max length of time from approval to entering the country?

[Laura22]

Hey all,

I haven't been able to find the answer to this anywhere else, sorry if it's been covered. We applied October 2013 and have started receiving some requests for more info, payment and medical checks this week.

If that's all cleared within the next 60 days, then we send our passports and the visas are issued - how long do we have to enter Canada? We actually don't want to leave right away and would like to delay as long as possible due to work situations. Want to plan how long we have until we have to pack up and go.

Thanks!

 

[zardoz]

Hey all,

I haven't been able to find the answer to this anywhere else, sorry if it's been covered. We applied October 2013 and have started receiving some requests for more info, payment and medical checks this week.

If that's all cleared within the next 60 days, then we send our passports and the visas are issued - how long do we have to enter Canada? We actually don't want to leave right away and would like to delay as long as possible due to work situations. Want to plan how long we have until we have to pack up and go.

Thanks!

You must "land" as an immigrant by the date on your COPR documents. This might be from as short as a few days to almost a year, depending on the exact timing of your application and the medical examination. Every case is different.
However, just because you "land" does not mean that you have to "settle" by then. You could remain outside Canada, tidying up loose ends etc for up to nearly three years, and still meet the Residency Obligation.

Many people, including myself, are doing exactly this.

 

[raagaa]

Validity of COPR mainly depends upon:
1. 1 year from the date of medical examination.
2. Validity of your passport.
Whichever is earlier of the two.
As mentioned in the previous post, you could complete landing formalities anytime during this period. You could choose to leave at any point (even immediately after landing)
PR status is good as long as you meet the mandatory stay requirement during the 5 year validity of the status.
Hope this helps.

 

[iamroth]

Normally the dates are 1 year from your Medical exam date. So if you did Medicals on 12th May 2014, your Visa's will be valid till May 11th, 2015.

 

[Laura22]

Thanks all, that clears it up. I guess we're planning a snow trip next winter then!