Complete the permanent residence landing process

Overview

Complete the permanent residence landing process

The final step depends on where the approved applicant is located. An applicant outside Canada normally completes the process at a port of entry; an applicant inside Canada may be confirmed through the Permanent Residence Portal.

Check the approval documents before travel

Confirm the expiry or validity date, passport details, accompanying family information and any instructions attached to the COPR or visa. Resolve errors before relying on the document for travel.

A person outside Canada generally must arrive on or before the validity date.

Answer final questions accurately

At the port of entry or during virtual confirmation, the applicant must still provide current truthful information. Marriage, divorce, a new child, criminal charges, a passport change or another material event may have to be addressed before status is completed.

Do not treat the final step as a ceremony where earlier changes no longer matter.

Understand the in-Canada process

IRCC cannot confirm permanent-resident status through the in-Canada portal while the person is outside Canada.Source [1]

Wait for IRCC's confirmation instructions, use the account it identifies and declare physical presence correctly. Status begins when IRCC completes the confirmation and issues e-COPR, not merely when the portal response is submitted.

Contact the address in the invitation if travel is planned before confirmation is complete.

Record the first days as a permanent resident

Keep the completed COPR or e-COPR, provide the Canadian address and required photograph and note the exact date status began. Use that date for later residency and citizenship records.

Apply for practical documents and services under the applicable federal and provincial instructions.