After you arrive in Canada as a permanent resident, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). This document is very important as it confirms your status as a permanent resident and allows you to apply for a Permanent Resident Card (PR card).
In this article, we will explain what COPR is and how to use it. So, let’s dive in!
What is a confirmation of permanent residence used for?
Confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that proves an individual has met all the requirements for permanent residency.
The COPR gives new permanent residents the right to live and work in Canada permanently. It also allows them to apply for a Permanent Resident Card (PR card), which is needed to re-enter Canada if they leave the country.
What information is included in my confirmation of permanent residence?
Your confirmation of permanent residence document will show:
- Your name.
- Your date of birth.
- Your photograph.
- Your sex.
- Your marital status (if married or in a common-law relationship).
- The number of family members who are accompanying you to Canada (if any).
- Whether you have requested that a representative be notified of any changes to your immigration status.
- The date that you became a permanent resident of Canada.
- The period during which you are authorized to remain in Canada (this will be five years from the date that you became a permanent resident unless you received a shortened authorization).
- Any conditions placed on your permanent residence (for example, if you are not authorized to work in certain jobs because of security reasons).
- The office that processed your application.
- The date your document was issued
If you are accompanying family members, their names and dates of birth will also be included on your document. If you have dependent children who are not accompanying you to Canada, their names and dates of birth will be noted in the remarks section of your document.
However, your COPR can not be used for travel purposes. You will need a valid Permanent Resident Card (PR card) to return to Canada after traveling outside the country. If you do not have a PR card, you can apply for one at a Canadian visa office.
Confirm the date and time of your arrival in Canada
Your COPR is a written record of your arrival in Canada. You may be issued a COPR document before you travel, which will be completed upon your arrival.
It will include any notes the CBSA officer has made, your flight number, and how much money you had with you when you arrived. This document is not a valid travel document, so don’t be alarmed if you see that stamped on your COPR.
Detail your immigration pathway
COPR details the immigration pathway used to gain entry into Canada. An officer at the port of entry or a CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) office signs and dates this document. It is used by permanent residents to show provincial and territorial organizations their immigration category.
The immigration category is printed on this document. The immigration category printed on this document tells them what kind of immigrant they are. For example, economic immigrants generally fall into the skilled worker category and family-class immigrants are sponsored by relatives in Canada.
COPR can serve as proof of status for citizenship and receiving public benefits
Your COPR is proof that you are a permanent resident of Canada. You can use it as proof of your status when dealing with government agencies, such as Service Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency. It can also be used as proof of eligibility for some social benefits, such as health care insurance.
Your COPR can also be used as proof of your status when applying for old-age security benefits. Old age security is a monthly benefit available to seniors aged 65 or over who live in Canada and who meet certain residency requirements.
How is COPR different from a PR card?
Although a COPR is an important document, it should not be confused with a PR card.
A COPR is only issued once when you first become a permanent resident of Canada. You can use this document until you receive your PR card, which will be issued to you automatically after you arrive in Canada.
A time frame of 180 days is given for you to receive your PR card in the mail. You need to provide your Canadian address to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) so they know where to mail your PR card.
If you failed to provide a Canadian address, you need to apply for a PR card and pay the applicable fee.
However, a PR card is required for all re-entries into Canada after traveling outside the country. The PR card is valid for five years, or less if there are conditions on your card, such as a need to renew your card more often because you frequently travel outside Canada.
If you do not have a PR card and need to travel outside Canada, you can apply for a Travel Document. A Travel Document is also required if your PR card has expired and you need to return to Canada. You can apply for a Travel Document at a Canadian visa office.
Do I need an electronic travel authorization if I have a COPR?
No, you do not need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) if you have a valid Canadian immigration document, such as COPR. You also don’t need an eTA if you are a citizen of visa-exempt countries and have a valid passport.
An eTA document is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Canada. It is similar to a visa but does not require applicants to undergo an in-person interview at a consulate or embassy.
To apply for an eTA, eligible foreign nationals must have a valid passport from a participating country, a valid credit, an email address, and meet certain other requirements. It also costs CAD 7 to apply for an eTA and it is valid for up to five years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Once approved, applicants will receive an email confirmation with their eTA number. Applicants are then able to print out this confirmation or keep it electronically on their device to present to authorities upon arrival in Canada.
Can I replace my confirmation of permanent residence?
If you lose your COPR, you can’t replace it. However, Verification of Status (VOS) is a document that can be used as proof of permanent resident status in Canada.
VOS is issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) upon request. To obtain a VOS, you need to complete the application form and pay the applicable fee.
This document serves the same purpose as a COPR and can be used for the same things, such as proving your status when dealing with government agencies or applying for social benefits.
Express Entry can help you make sense of the ins and outs of permanent residency
You now have a basic understanding of what a confirmation of permanent residence document is and how to go about getting one. If you want more detailed information, or need help with the process, be sure to visit our website at Express Entry PR.
With the right guidance, applying for permanent residency in Canada can be a smooth and easy process. Express Entry PR is here to help you make sense of the visa application process so that you can begin your journey to citizenship. We also provide resources for those who are interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in Canada.
Don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our website for more information on how we can help you realize your dreams of living in Canada.