not valid for travel on copr

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

A confirmation of permanent residence (copr) is an official document from the canadian government proving you have been approved for permanent residence., table of contents.

• What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (Outside of Canada)?

What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (Inside of Canada)?

What information is contained in my copr, what happens if my copr expires, contact canadavisa and cohen immigration law for assistance.

COPRs provide you with the right to live in Canada permanently. Read on to learn about this document and how it must be used so you can complete your landing in Canada.

What is a Confirmation of P ermanent Residence (COPR) document (Outside of Canada)?

A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is a document that new permanent residents (PRs) receive from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) when their permanent residence application has been approved.

If you are travelling to Canada for the first time to complete your landing as a new PR, you must bring your COPR with you to present to a border official, along with all other necessary documents.

Note that a COPR is not a travel document. Individuals approved for PR who require a visa will also be issued a permanent resident visa with which they will be allowed to travel to Canada and enter the country. Individuals from countries requiring an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to travel to Canada will only need to procure one if they have not received their COPR by the date of their expected landing .

Your COPR is also instrumental in receiving your PR card once you have landed in Canada.

Much like the process for new PRs landing from outside of Canada, successful applicants who receive PR status from within Canada are also given a COPR. However, this version is an e-COPR which new PRs inside Canada will receive through an online portal. Below is a quick breakdown of the virtual landing process for new PRs inside of Canada: 

After your approval for PR, you will receive emails from an email address ending in cic.gc.ca. These emails will serve various purposes, including:

• Requesting confirmation of your email address;
• Asking you to confirm your physical presence in Canada; and
• Providing information about the Permanent Residence Portal and alternative options if you are unable to use it.

Note that the Permanent Residence Portal is separate from your secure account with IRCC. It is important not to create your own account within the portal, as doing so may cause delays in the process. Instead, follow the instructions provided in the email, and an account will be created for you.

Additional information on the Permanent Residence Portal is available here .

It is essential that you inform IRCC if you leave Canada before they grant you permanent resident (PR) status.

Once you become a permanent resident, and are registered in the Permanent Residence Portal, IRCC will make an e-COPR (electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence) available to you through the portal. This document serves as proof of your new status in Canada. Additionally, within the portal, we will request a photo from you to initiate the process of issuing your first PR card. It is not necessary for you to apply separately for your first PR card.

While you await the arrival of your PR card, you can utilize the printed and signed e-COPR to:

• Verify your permanent resident status in Canada.
• Apply for government benefits and services for which you are eligible (e.g., applying for a social insurance number to facilitate employment).

Along with your legal name and photo, your COPR document will include the following information:

• Name Flag (Alias used, not legal name)

Second Row:

• Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
• Place of Birth
• Country of Birth
• Gender at the time of landing
• Marital Status at the time of landing
• Citizenship at the time of landing (Passport used for landing)

Fourth Row:

• Passport Number at the time of landing
• Validity of the Passport
• Country of Issue of Travel Documents
• Family Status at the time of landing (Numeric Immigration Code)

Line 14: Accompanying Family Members (if applicable)

Line 15: Address of the First Residence in Canada and Name of the Host (if applicable)

Lines 16, 17, 18: Government Reference

Date and Signature: Verification of the information provided, including the landing date.

Lines below for Official Use:

• Line 39: Remarks by CBSA Officer
• Line 41: Flight Number (if applicable)
• Line 42: Amount of Money in Possession
• Line 43: Conditions on PR Status
• Line 45: Date of becoming a PR
• Line 46: Place of Landing
• Line 47: Immigration Officer's Signature

For those that want to settle in Canada permanently, it is important to make use of your COPR while it is valid. Generally, a COPR is valid for one year from the time of issue, in which time successful applicants are required to make a landing in Canada and formally complete the PR process.

While IRCC did implement COPR extensions during the COVID-19 pandemic, these measures have been phased out, meaning that any applicants who let the COPR expire without making a formal landing will likely have to re-apply for permanent residence, and begin the entire process again.

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What does the immigration category on my Confirmation of Permanent Residence document mean?

When we approve an immigrant for permanent residence in Canada, we will give them a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. An immigration officer at the port of entry or an IRCC office signs and dates this document when permanent residence is finally granted. Permanent residents use this document to show to provincial and territorial organizations to access services. There is an immigration category printed on this document.

Learn more about the immigration categories used on the COPR .

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COPR-holders can now travel to Canada

By Dane Stewart

Posted on September 15, 2021

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Share article, after more than a year of covid-related travel restrictions, newcomers who have a valid confirmation of permanent residence (copr) are now eligible to enter canada..

There are still special COVID-19 travel requirements in place, but as long as COPR-holders can follow these requirements they can enter Canada, activate their status, and begin what they set out to do in the first place — living and working in Canada.

The new entry allowance for COPR-holders was announced by Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marco Mendicino, during a press conference on June 21. The exemption took effect immediately.

Are you travelling to Canada to activate your PR? Check out our helpful guide on transitioning to the Canadian jobs market and prepare yourself for working in Canada!

The vast majority of COPR-holders have been unable to travel to Canada to activate their status since March 2020. The restrictions on COPR-holders have been deeply criticized as exemptions have been made for other types of immigrants, including international students and various categories of temporary workers. Meanwhile, COPR-holders with plans to immigrate to Canada permanently have been stuck outside Canada for more than a year. 

If your COPR is expired, you cannot travel to Canada until you have your COPR reissued. Those with expired COPRs and travel documents will be contacted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with instructions on how to get their COPR reissued. Full details on this are below .

Quick facts — What is a COPR-holder? A Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or COPR, is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) once an immigration applicant has been approved for Canadian permanent resident status. However, before the applicant officially becomes a permanent resident, they must activate their PR. Activation can be done either by travelling to a Canadian Port of Entry (POE) or through a streamlined process available for applicants who are already in Canada. In the period between receiving their COPR and activating their PR status, a person is known as a COPR-holder.

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What does a copr-holder need to do in order to enter canada right now.

COPR-holders have been added to the list of exemptions from Canada’s travel restrictions, meaning that they can now enter Canada whether by air or by driving across the land border from the United States. However, Canada still has special COVID-19 travel requirements in place. These requirements vary depending on whether a person is vaccinated or not.

Unvaccinated / partially vaccinated travellers to Canada: Special travel requirements

If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, please refer below for the instructions that apply to you.

If you are eligible to enter Canada at this time, you will need to follow these special measures:

• Entering by air — Pre-departure negative COVID-19 test:   All travellers over five years of age arriving in Canada by air must show negative test results from a COVID-19 molecular test (note: antigen tests, often called “rapid tests,” are not accepted) obtained no more than 72 hours prior to boarding their flight (or a positive COVID-19 test result from 14 to 90 days prior to boarding). Obtaining test results is the responsibility of the traveller. (Source:  Government of Canada )
• Entering by air — COVID-19 testing upon arrival:   All unvaccinated/partially vaccinated air passengers arriving in Canada are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival (Source:  Government of Canada ). Travellers then must complete their mandatory 14-day quarantine (detailed below). Previously, air travellers had to undergo a mandatory hotel stay, but this requirement ended on August 9, 2021 .
• Entering by land at the U.S. border — COVID-19 testing requirements:  All non-essential travellers crossing the land border into Canada from the United States must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test (antigen tests or ‘rapid tests’ are not accepted) taken in the United States within 72 hours of crossing the border (or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival). Travellers entering Canada at the land border will be required to take a COVID-19 upon arrival, as well as an additional COVID-19 test near the end of their 14-day quarantine period. (Source:  Government of Canada )
• All travellers — mandatory 14-day quarantine:   Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated travellers entering Canada will be forced to enter a mandatory 14-day quarantine. You must prepare an isolation plan in advance of arrival in Canada detailing where and how you will complete your quarantine. This quarantine is being enforced and those breaking quarantine may be subject to fines and jail time. Certain exemptions will be made for essential workers and in  certain compassionate situations  (Source:  IRCC ).
• All travellers — ArriveCAN app:  All those travelling to Canada by air must use the  ArriveCAN app  to submit information regarding their travel/contact info, quarantine plan, and COVID-19 self-assessment. (Source:  Government of Canada ).

Fully vaccinated travellers to Canada: Special travel requirements

If you meet an exemption to the travel restrictions, you still need to follow the steps listed below in order to enter.

In order to be considered a fully vaccinated traveller, you must have received the full series of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines. Canada currently accepts four vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, Johnson & Johnson. If you have been vaccinated using a different vaccine, you are not eligible for this exemption at this time.

• Pre-arrival negative COVID-19 test:  All travellers over five years of age arriving in Canada must show negative COVID-19 molecular test results (note: antigen tests, or ‘rapid tests,’ are not accepted). If arriving by air, travellers must take their test within 72 hours of their flight departure. If arriving at the U.S. land border, travellers must take a test in the United States within 72 hours of arriving at the border. Travellers who have recovered from COVID-19 may instead present proof of a positive COVID-19 test taken within 14 to 90 days of arrival.  Full details on testing requirements are here .
• Proof of vaccination submitted via ArriveCAN app:  Fully vaccinated individuals travelling to Canada must use the  ArriveCAN app  before arriving in Canada to submit information regarding their proof of vaccination and other details.
• On-arrival COVID-19 test (Day One test):  A new randomized testing system is being used for fully vaccinated travellers. Only fully vaccinated travellers who are randomly selected will have to complete an on-arrival COVID-19 test.
• Quarantine plan:  Even though fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from the quarantine requirement, these travellers must still prepare a suitable quarantine plan in case border officers determine they are not eligible for the exemption or they test positive during an on-arrival COVID-19 test.
• Children under the age of 12:  Children under the age of 12 travelling with fully vaccinated parents/guardians can enter Canada and are exempt from quarantine requirements, but will have to follow certain special measures, like avoiding schools, camps, and daycares.  Refer here for details  about requirements for children under the age of 12.

Full details on travel requirements for fully vaccinated travellers are  here .

Are you planning your travel to Canada? COPR-holders might not have health insurance for their first few months in Canada. Make sure you have proper health insurance coverage. Explore your health insurance options with our partner, Cigna. Get started today with a free quote !

COPR-holders: What if your COPR is expired?

If you’re outside Canada and your COPR and permanent resident visa are expired or expiring then you cannot travel to Canada until you get your documents reissued. IRCC will be contacting people with expired COPRs with instructions on how to get their COPRs reissued. People with expired COPRs should not contact IRCC directly, but rather should wait for IRCC to contact them.

People with expired COPRs will go through the following process to get COPRs reissued:

• IRCC will email you about your application;
• You will respond to the email, letting IRCC know you’re still interesting in coming to Canada;
• IRCC may request new medicals and/or updated information
• If you don’t respond, IRCC will close your file and you’ll have to reapply when ready to come to Canada.

Those with expired COPRs should not complete an upfront medical exam before IRCC contacts them. If a new medical is required, IRCC will send new instruction forms to take to the doctor. This will help avoid processing delays.

Those with COPRs valid until October 1, 2021, or later are expected to enter Canada before their COPR expires.

COPR-holders: How to prepare for arrival in Canada

Arriving in your new country can be stressful, but we have prepared a range of resources to help you in your first weeks. From opening a new bank account , to setting up a Canadian phone , to deciding where you’ll live , we’ve got you covered.

We suggest starting with this video on 7 things to do during your first week in Canada .

Remember, although permanent residents do gain access to Canada’s publicly-funded health care system, you may not have access to that system during your first months in Canada. In that case, we recommend exploring your health insurance options with our partner, Cigna. Get started today with a free quote !

About the author

Dane Stewart

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• Nov 22, 2020

How long is my COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) Valid?

Updated: Jan 5, 2021

#COPR #permanentresidentcanada #canadaresident #immigrationtocanada

If your application for permanent residence in Canada is approved, you will be mailed a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Some of you will also receive a permanent resident visa, if you're from a country that requires a visa, so that you may enter Canada.

Your COPR will have information about who you are, as well as your photograph. We recommend that you first ensure that the information is correct. It should be the same as the information on your passport. If there is a mistake on your COPR, you should contact Canada through your online account so that they may make the necessary changes.

Typically, a COPR is valid for a year from your application approval . However, this varies in some circumstances so be aware of this date. A COPR can not be extended , except under unusual circumstances such as COVID-19 during which a public policy has been created to handle these situations. You should plan to use your COPR before it expires .

If you’re already in Canada when you receive your COPR: The government will contact you and let you know what to do next. You’ll need to have a short interview with an officer. You have two options for your interview. To do this, you may 1. Make an appointment at one of the offices in Canada (best option) or 2. Go to a Canadian “port of entry” (border crossing) , and present:

proof that you have the funds to support yourself and your family

your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and your permanent resident visa (if we gave you one)

The interview process is used to verify and validate information. During the interview the officer will:

make sure all your documents are valid

ask you a few questions to make sure you still meet the terms to immigrate to Canada

confirm your Canadian mailing address, so we can mail your permanent resident card (PR card)

If you change your address within 6 months (180 days) of getting your status, you must update this information with the government.

If you’re outside Canada when you receive your COPR: You will need to come to Canada to complete your PR process and to receive your PR card. Keep in mind that you may not enter Canada for this purpose during COVID-19 because it is not deemed essential travel. Wait for further instructions, even if your COPR is expiring. You will be issued an extension once the border opens.

In the meantime, there are many things you can do to prepare for life in Canada: We recommend:

Seeking work

Planning where you will live and where your children will attend school

Taking advantage of settlement services

Becoming informed about the community in which you will live

When you arrive in Canada:

As of November 1, 2020, you must use ArriveCAN before checking in at the airport or crossing the border to submit your travel and contact information, and to become informed about COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.

Bring your ArriveCAN receipt (electronic or paper) with you to show the border services officer upon arrival.

You must also have your valid passport and/or travel documents, and your passport must be a regular, private citizen passport because you can’t immigrate to Canada with a diplomatic, government service, or public affairs passport.

In addition to your passport you should have your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and your permanent resident visa (if you required one for the country from which you arrived) and proof that you have the funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.

When you arrive in Canada, you’ll meet an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The officer will complete a final check of information before issuing a Permanent Residence Card.

They will make sure you’re entering Canada before or on the expiry date shown on your COPR

They will make sure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada

They will ask to see your passport and other travel documents

They may ask you a few questions to make sure you still meet the terms to immigrate to Canada

Disclosure of Funds and Imports If you arrive in Canada with more than CAN$10,000, you must tell this to the CBSA officer . If you don’t tell them, you could be fined, and your funds could be seized. Before you travel to Canada, it is a good idea to verify what you can and can't bring to Canada. For example, some foods and other products may be prohibited. It is up to you to learn about these things.

To help speed up your entry to Canada, keep your passport and other documents with you at all times. We recommend that you don't pack them where they will be difficult to access. You will not be admitted to Canada in this final step if you:

give false or incomplete information

don’t convince the officer that you meet the conditions to enter Canada

If you’re admissible and there are no problems when you arrive, the officer will:

allow you to enter Canada as a permanent resident

confirm your Canadian mailing address where your permanent resident card will be mailed within 30-45 days

If you require more information about your COPR or Permanent Resident Card please contact us for a one-to-one consultation.

Immigration Station Canada is a dedicated, professional Canadian Immigration firm practicing out of Northumberland County , just east of Toronto , in Canada . We serve clients from Kingston, Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, Oshawa, the GTA, Guelph, Milton, Stratford and St. Catharines and around the world . Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, Anne C. McCaughey (Annie) is an experienced immigration services provider and a fifth generation Canadian who values the immigration process and the unique individuals who immigrate to Canada to become part of the fabric of this wonderful country. If you would like to submit a question to Ask Annie, use the link located at the top right of the page.

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I recevied a CoPR which was only valid for 2 months. I was unable to travel during that time outside of US due to travel restrictions associated with my US immigrant visa. During that time I tried contacting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada authorities through web form multiple times but I did not receive any response. Can you please let me know what course of action I can take now?

I have a question, I received CoPR for me and for my family members on 9th september-2022 and my land by date is 08th May-2023. My dependent child passport expiry date is also 8th May 2023. I plan to do my first landing by end of March-2023 due unavoidable circumstance of his academic year completion.

Can he travel to Canada with one-month validity passport and visa? and get it renewed in Canada once after arrival.

Hi A Ray of Sunshine: I recommend you send an email to [email protected]. Thank you so much for reaching out!

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If your Express Entry application is approved

If we approve your application, we’ll mail you a

• confirmation of permanent residence (COPR)
• a permanent resident (PR) visa (if you're from a country that needs a visa)

Your COPR will have information about who you are, as well as your photograph.

Check to make sure your information is correct. It should be the same as the information on your passport. If there is a mistake on your COPR, contact us through your account.

We can’t extend your COPR, so you should make sure to use it before it expires .

If you’re already in Canada

Make sure you keep your information up to date.

Use the web form if you need to update your contact information or tell us about changes to your family situation (for example, marriage, birth, divorce or death).

You need to confirm your permanent resident status virtually

In most cases, we can confirm  permanent resident (PR) status

• without in-person interviews
• through a secure online portal

You don’t have to do anything until we contact you using the email or phone number you provided.

Confirm your permanent resident status through the Permanent Residence Portal

You’ll get emails from a mailbox ending in cic.gc.ca

• Asking you to confirm your email address
• Asking you to confirm you’re physically in Canada
• Giving you information about the Permanent Residence Portal (and options if you can’t use it)

The portal is separate from your Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada secure account. Don’t create your own account in the Permanent Residence Portal as this can delay the process. We’ll create an account for you. Follow the instructions in the email we send you.

Learn more about the Permanent Residence Portal .

You must tell us if you leave Canada before we grant you permanent resident status.

Permanent resident cards

Once you become a permanent resident, we’ll make an electronic confirmation of permanent residence (e-COPR) available to you in the Portal so that you can provide proof of your new status in Canada. In this portal, we’ll also ask you to provide a photo so we can start the process of issuing your first permanent resident card . You don’t need to apply for your first PR card.

While you wait for your PR card, you can use your printed and signed e-COPR to

• prove you’re a permanent resident in Canada
• apply for government benefits and services for which you’re eligible (for example, to apply for your  social insurance number  so you can work)

If you’re outside Canada

Before you arrive in canada.

There are things you can do to prepare for life in Canada

• find out more about living and working in Canada
• professional licences and certificates
• read about  living and finding work in Canada

When you arrive in Canada

You must have

• Your passport must be a regular, private citizen passport.
• You can’t immigrate to Canada with a diplomatic, government service or public affairs passport.
• your COPR and your permanent resident visa (if we gave you one)
• proof you have the funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada

When you arrive in Canada, you’ll meet an officer from the  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) . The officer will

• make sure you’re entering Canada before or on the expiry date shown on your COPR
• make sure you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada (we may use your biometrics to do this)
• ask to see your passport and other travel documents
• The questions will be similar to the ones you answered when you applied.

To help speed up your entry to Canada, keep your passport and other documents with you at all times. Don’t pack them in your luggage.

We won’t allow you into Canada if you

• give false or incomplete information
• don’t satisfy the officer that you meet the conditions to enter Canada

If you’re admissible and there are no problems when you arrive, the officer will

• allow you to enter Canada as a permanent resident
• confirm your Canadian mailing address where we’ll mail your PR card

If you change your address within 180 days of arriving in Canada, you must tell us using our  web form .

Disclosure of funds

If you  arrive in Canada with CAN$10,000 or more , you must tell the CBSA officer . If you don’t tell them, you could be fined and your funds could be seized.

What you can bring into Canada

Before you travel to Canada, check the  CBSA website  to find out what you can and can’t bring into the country.

After you arrive in Canada

• find immigrant services in Canada to help you settle and adapt to life in Canada
• read the Welcome to Canada guide to help you adjust

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New to Canada and Want to Stay Long Term? Here’s What You Need To Know About COPR

Is your Working Holiday in Canada coming to an end? Would you like to spend more time in Canada?

Perhaps you should consider applying for Permanent Residency (PR) !

This will give you the opportunity to live and work in Canada with no limit on your stay.

In this guide, we take a closer look at PR, how to apply and what to do if you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence document.

Should I apply for a visa through the Express Entry program?

If you would like to stay in Canada long-term, you should first check if you are eligible for any of the Express Entry programs . For example, if you are someone who has

• Already worked in Canada for 12 months as a skilled worker (jobs in the managerial, professional, or technical sector) in the last three years
• Have a good level of English or French

You could be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class immigration program.

Once you know you are eligible, you can go ahead and create your profile, ensuring that you have the documents you need, including your passport, language test results, a written job offer (if it applies to you), etc.

After you create your profile, you may be invited to apply for PR if you are in the pool of candidates that were selected, since it works on a ranking system.

You will further need to provide documents at this stage including medical exams, police certificates, proof of funds, identity photos, etc.

If you are approved, you will then receive an email with a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a PR visa if you require one.

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What is COPR Canada?

COPR is a document, more specifically a one-time entry visa that the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department issues to you once you have been approved for PR in Canada.

Can I enter Canada with COPR?

Essentially yes, you can enter Canada with COPR if you are from a visa-exempt country.

However, if you come from a country where citizens require a visa in order to enter Canada, you will need a PR visa.

In both scenarios, you will need your up-to-date passport and COPR .

You will also need to consider Covid-19 restrictions that are currently in place. There are also different measures to consider whether you are vaccinated or not.

Received your COPR. What’s next?

You are now ready to travel to Canada!

You will have to travel to a port of entry in Canada , where an officer will sign and date your COPR.

Once this is completed, you then become a PR of Canada.

How long is the COPR valid for?

Your COPR can be valid for up to one year . Also, it is important that you travel to Canada before this period ends.

Otherwise, it will expire and you will have to wait for an email from the IRCC to have your documents reissued.

Can my COPR expire? What to do if it’s expired?

Yes, your COPR can expire if you do not use it within the year it has been issued to you.

Once it expires, you will have to postpone your travel, as you will not be allowed into Canada with expired documents.

Your documents will now need renewal but note that you do not have to contact the IRCC . Instead, you can wait for an email from them where you will be asked if you still intend to travel to Canada.

If you are still interested, send an email back to let them know within the timeframe given to you.

Once you confirm, you may need to provide new information, such as medicals, for example.

Subsequently, you will receive your new COPR and visa sticker (if you require one), and you are now ready to book your flights.

If you do not reply to the email the IRCC has sent, your file will be closed, meaning that if you want to travel to Canada as a PR in the future, you will have to reapply.

What should I do if my COPR is lost?

If you lose your COPR, you will need to apply for a Verification of Status (VOS) .

You will be required to complete a form and provide any essential information. You will be asked what happened to your COPR – whether it was lost, stolen, or destroyed, etc.

You will also have to describe how you lost it to the best of your ability and the last day you remember having it.

If you are applying for a VOS, the process can take up to six months, unless you request urgent processing.

Urgent processing can be requested in cases like:

• Urgently needing it for a pension
• Traveling due to a death of family or serious illness
• You need it for Service Canada
• Loss of employment or employment opportunity unless you provide the document

Why is a COPR so important?

As you can tell by now, keeping your COPR in a safe place is important, not only because as a newcomer it will give you a record of when you landed in Canada as a PR, and that it may take a long time to have one reissued once it’s lost, but also because it can be used time and time again.

If you do not already have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) , it can be used to obtain one. This is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada, get paid from your employer, and pay taxes.

Read Also: What To Do If You Have Lost Your Canadian SIN

Additionally, although a pension may seem like a topic you do not need to think about yet, your COPR can also be used to apply for a pension.

Bottom line is, keep it safe .

Is COPR the same as a PR card in Canada?

There can be a lot of confusion due to all the documents you need. However, note that the COPR is not the same as a PR card .

As mentioned before, your COPR is a one-time entry visa. This is an official record of when you become a PR in Canada.

Whereas, a PR card is used to prove that you are a PR on your return to Canada, by either train, plane, bus, or boat.

Your PR card is sent to your Canadian address. As a newcomer, you will be asked for an address once you arrive in Canada.

If you cannot provide an address then, you are required to within 180 days. Your PR card will be sent to the address provided. Note that it cannot be sent to an address outside of Canada.

Need more help?

If you would like more information as someone who would like to go on a working holiday in Canada or is already on a working holiday , there are many aspects that we can help you with lots of information on:

• Accommodation
• Canadian SIN
• Tax refunds
• Cell Phone providers
• Exploring Canada

Need help applying for your Canadian working holiday visa?

Applying for your visa can often be stressful and complicated.

That’s why Visa First, a group of trusted global specialists, can help you with the application process and increase your chances of success.

All you must do is complete a form online providing the right documents and the rest will be taken care of.

You can find out more information on their Canadian Working Holiday Visa Page .

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Home » Immigration Q&A » eCOPR – Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence in Canada

eCOPR – Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence in Canada

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed many changes to the Canadian immigration system. eCOPR is one of those changes. Of course, eCOPR is a PDF file that you receive confirming your permanent residence in Canada. Let’s explore who receives this document and how.

• Defining COPR

The traditional processing of a COPR

Who are inland applicants, ecopr is for those applicants who are inside canada.

• Can I use eCOPR as a PR card?
• Let us help!

What is a COPR?

If IRCC approves your PR application, you will receive a COPR . The acronym stands for Confirmation of Permanent Residence . A typical COPR indicates you have become a permanent resident of Canada . Nonetheless, it includes essential personal information about you. Take the following into consideration:

• The form number of a COPR is either IMM 5292 or IMM 5688. The number appears on the lower left side corner of the form.
• You receive the COPR in hard copy on paper.
• COPR replaced the Record of Landing form (IMM 1000) in 2002.
• COPR is an important document. However, you still need a valid PR card to travel to Canada.

Before discussing eCOPR let’s focus on the traditional COPR . In the past, you always received a raw COPR. Thus, you had to travel to Canada with the help of a PR visa . Then you could validate your COPR at the port of entry . Of course, if you were from a visa-exempt country , you could travel without a visa but with the help of an eFoil . The same applied to those who were visa-exempt because of their passports . Luckily, the process for outside Canada applicants remains the same today.

For those applicants who resided in Canada, they could take one of the following options:

• Validate their COPR at an inland IRCC office .
• Travel abroad and on their way back validate their COPR. However, for this option, they needed a valid TRV or eTA .

The introduction of eCOPR has changed the process for inland applicants.

Some immigration applicants reside inside Canada while applying for a PR. However, exceptions apply. The typical inland applications are the following:

• Spousal or common-law sponsorship inside Canada
• TR to PR Pathway ( a one-time option so far)
• Majority of Canadian Experience Class applicants under the Express Entry system

On top of that, some of the following groups are inside Canada while they are waiting for their PRs:

• Many PNP applicants (especially those with work or study experience in the province)
• Some FSWC and FSTC applicants under the Express Entry system
• A group of Agri-Food Pilot applicants

Of course, these lists are not exhaustive. You may have applied for immigration with another outside Canada process. However, you may be inside Canada when they finalize your application. An example is receiving a work permit , study permit , or TRV despite dual intent .

If you are inside Canada, then you may qualify for an eCOPR. If you do, IRCC will contact you by email. They will let you sign up for an online PR profile when you reply. Consequently, you may verify you are in Canada and upload your immigration photos. You may go through the process via the existing profile if you already have a PR profile. However, your representative may not use their portal for the eCOPR process. If everything goes right, you will receive a validated eCOPR. Therefore, you do not need to leave Canada, flagpole , or visit an inland office to validate your COPR.

The process of eCOPR is evolving and subject to change. Nonetheless, at this time, it assists inside Canada applicants to become permanent residents quickly. If you have a representative , you are almost on your own in this part of the process. However, you may undoubtedly ask questions from your representative.

Relevant article : Online confirmation of permanent residence in Canada

Does eCOPR replace a PR card?

A PR card allows you to travel to Canada while boarding an airplane. It is also a picture- ID that shows you are a permanent resident of Canada. Therefore, a PR card is the best document to show you are a permanent resident. The landing papers such as COPR, eCOPR, or IMM 1000 show that you became a PR at one point in time. However, they do not go beyond that. For example, they do not have an expiration date or hold your picture. Consequently, you may not use these documents in lieu of a PR card. Of course, some exceptions apply.

Can we assist you with the eCOPR process?

We usually cannot assist you with the eCOPR process. However, please fill out our assessment form if you intend to immigrate to Canada. Alternatively, you may book a consultation session with me or fill out the following contact form.

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Disclaimer: This article provides information of a general nature only. Considering the fluid nature of the immigration world, it may no longer be current. Of course, the item does not give legal advice. Therefore, do not rely on it as legal advice or immigration advice. Consequently, no one could hold us accountable for the content of these articles. Of course, if you have specific legal questions, you must consult a lawyer. Alternatively, if you are looking for immigration advice, book an appointment.

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How to get your expired Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) extended

If you’ve been approved as a Permanent Resident (PR) in Canada but due to COVID-19 restrictions, you haven’t been able to start your new life, the good news is that as of June 21, 2021, individuals approved for Permanent Residency may now enter Canada . Some travel restrictions to Canada are still in place, although quarantine requirements have been eased for fully-vaccinated travellers . 

However, if in waiting for border restrictions to ease, your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) has expired, here’s what you need to do to extend your CoPR, so you can travel to Canada.

In this article:

What is a CoPR?

• What should you do if your CoPR has expired?

Getting ready to travel to Canada

A CoPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) is a document issued to newly approved Permanent Residents by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) . For newcomers, a CoPR is usually issued before travelling to Canada and your landing date will be added to it at your port of entry in Canada. If you are already in Canada on a work permit or a study permit when your Permanent Residence application is confirmed, you will receive an email with instructions on how to confirm your CoPR online through the IRCC’s Permanent Residence portal . Your CoPR is proof of your status in Canada and is a record of the date you officially became a Permanent Resident. 

How long is a CoPR valid?

A CoPR is usually valid for up to one year and is tied to the expiry of your medical exam, visa sticker, and passport. Newcomers to Canada need to use their CoPR and travel to Canada before it expires. 

Depending on which country you arrive from, you may also require a permanent resident visa as part of your application . 

What should you do if your CoPR has expired?  

If you could not arrive in Canada due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and your CoPR has now expired, the Canadian Government has stated that individuals should not book flights or attempt to travel . You cannot travel to Canada on expired travel documents and you and your family may risk being refused entry if you attempt to do so. 

Under normal circumstances, any individual who doesn’t use their CoPR before it expires would have to reapply for permanent residence. Given the travel restrictions due to COVID-19, Canadian Immigration and Citizenship had made exceptions for people who weren’t able to travel because of the pandemic. However, those exceptions have now been removed.

Exceptions for CoPR due to COVID restrictions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC had been working with applicants who were exempt from travel restrictions to Canada to reissue a valid CoPR to these individuals. The government contacted most people with an expired CoPR with instructions on what to do next.

IRCC sent expired COPR holders an email from IRCC about their application, asking whether they still wanted permanent residency. Individuals who were still interested in moving to Canada were sent  further instructions on what to do next.

However, as travel restrictions were lifted, the government deemed that individuals whose COPR was valid up to or after October 31, 2021, would be able to travel to Canada without further COPR extensions.

New documents required for a CoPR extension

If your CoPR has expired and you have not yet heard from IRCC, you are advised not to contact them, as this will cause more delays for everyone who wishes to settle in Canada. Instead, the IRCC is asking people to wait for further instructions by email. 

• Medical exams
• Police certificates

If IRCC advises that you or your family requires an updated medical examination, do not arrange for one until you have received further instructions from immigration. IRCC will provide new instruction forms to take to a doctor for the updated medical exam. 

You’ll also be asked to confirm if anything has changed with regards to your family situation, such as marriage, divorce, or birth of a child. Depending on your family circumstances, you may have to provide additional documents to IRCC, such as a birth certificate. IRCC should provide you with instructions on which additional documents they require, based on your circumstances. 

What if my CoPR and visa are still valid?

The IRCC expects that individuals and families with a CoPR and permanent resident visa that is still valid until October 1, 2021 or after that date, will have enough time to arrive in Canada before their immigration documents expire. If your CoPR is valid till or after October 1, 2021, be sure to plan your travel accordingly as further extension will not be granted.

Once you have received your email from IRCC and been advised of any documents that might need to be updated, the next step in getting ready to travel to Canada is having your CoPR extended, as you cannot travel on expired documents. As of November 1, 2021, individuals with expired CoPRs will need to reapply for Canadian permanent residence if they still wish to come to Canada.

Your documents will be reissued by the IRCC and they will send you the valid documents you need to travel to Canada: 

• A re-printed CoPR
• A new visa sticker for your passport (if you require one) 

Once you have received your updated documents from IRCC, you can begin booking your flights to Canada.

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IRCC provides new instructions to expired COPR holders

The federal government has released details on the process for allowing approved permanent residents to travel to Canada if their documents have expired.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have released instructions to expired Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) holders on how they can renew their documents so that they can travel.

Canada does not accept expired documents at the border, this has been true since before the pandemic. Coronavirus-related travel restrictions forced many COPR holders to have to wait for the border to reopen to them, which happened on June 21 . During the wait, many saw the expiry date on their documents pass by. IRCC has now come out with instructions for these people.

A COPR is a document that is issued to candidates who were approved to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. This means that the candidate must have met the program criteria, paid their fees, and passed health, security and criminality screenings. Without a COPR, candidates are unable to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.

Discover if You’re Eligible for Canadian Immigration

How to come to Canada with an expired COPR

Once again, you will not be able to travel to Canada with expired documents . IRCC says if you hold an expired COPR, someone from the department will email you about your application. If you still want to immigrate to Canada, answer the email and indicate that you still wish to come.

IRCC may then ask for new medicals or other updated information. If you choose not to respond, your file will be closed. This means that should you wish to come to Canada in the future as a permanent resident, you will have to reapply.

The government says most people with expired COPRs that were issued on or before March 18, 2020 have been contacted already. If you have already been asked by IRCC to do a new medical or to submit new documents, follow these instructions, and wait to be contacted. The department says there is no need to contact them again.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, holders of expired documents would have had to reapply for permanent residence. However, IRCC is making exceptions for those who weren't able to travel due to the restrictions that were in place.

What new documents might I be asked to submit?

When you receive an email from IRCC, you will be asked if your family situation has changed. This includes if you got married, divorced or had a new child. If there has been a change, IRCC will update your application and ask you for relevant documents.

You may also be asked to submit new documents if the ones you submitted before have expired. This includes police certificates and medical exams.

It is important to note that you should wait for instructions before doing your medical exam. IRCC will provide you with instruction forms to take with you to the physician after you reply to their email.

When can I travel to Canada?

You will have to wait to receive confirmation from IRCC in writing that they have re-issued your documents, and that they have sent you a new COPR, and a new visa sticker in your passport if needed.

If IRCC reissues your COPR, someone from the department will send you the documents you need to travel.

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Know About Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) Canada

• 7 September 2023, 10:06 AM EDT 7 September 2023, 10:06 AM EDT
• Canada Immigration News , PR (Permanent Residence)

Last Updated On 7 September 2023, 10:06 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is a piece of paper that shows your application for permanent residency in Canada has been approved by the IRCC .

However, it is not a ticket or a travel document. Individuals or families with COPR still need to finish the process of becoming permanent residents and get their permanent resident card.

Table of Contents

When do you get confirmation of permanent residence (copr).

Canada applicants get COPR after applying for permanent residence through one of the immigration programs, such as Express Entry , the Provincial Nominee Program , Family Sponsorship , etc.

You must have submitted your application online or by mail, paid all the applicable fees, and submit all the papers and details (if asked by IRCC).

If your application is accepted, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send you a welcome message with directions on how to confirm your permanent residence online.

You will need to make an account on the IRCC website and submit a copy of your passport or other travel document, a photo of yourself, and your present address in Canada or abroad.

After you agree online, IRCC will send you an email with a COPR document. You should write it down and put it somewhere safe.

You will need it later to finish the process of becoming a permanent resident and get your card. What to do when you get COPR?

If you are outside Canada

To get into Canada, though, you also need a legal visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA if you are from one of the eligible countries) .

Once your permanent residency application is approved outside Canada, you get Canadian visa stamped on your passport.

When you get to Canada, you will need to show the border services agent your COPR paper and your passport or other travel document.

The officer will look at your papers and ask you some questions to make sure you are who you say you are and that you are eligible.

If everything is fine, the officer will stamp your paperwork and welcome you to Canada.

Your COPR paper is good until the date on it runs out or until the date on your visa runs out, whichever comes first.

Before your COPR ends, you should try to go to Canada. If you can’t use it before it ends, you’ll have to explain to IRCC why didn’t you travel within prescribed timeframe.

They may ask you to reapply or ask you to get a new COPR.

If you are inside Canada

You don’t need to move outside Canada to finish your landing process. You can do it on the website for the IRCC.

You will need to submit a copy of your COPR document and a picture of yourself. The IRCC will look at your papers and confirm that you are a permanent resident.

What’s the next step?

You will become a permanent resident of Canada once you prove your permanent residence online or at the port of entry.

This means that you have the right to live, work, study, and get health care and social benefits in Canada.

You also have to do things like pay taxes, follow the law, accept Canadian values and society, and so on.

Furthermore, you will be eligible for free employment and settlement services for newcomers to help you set up for success in Canada.

Canada Immigration Check – Know Here What Happens At Airport

You will also get a permanent resident card in the mail within 90 days of entering Canada as a permanent resident.

Your permanent resident card is a legal document that shows who you are and what your standing is in Canada.

You should put it somewhere safe and always bring it with you when you go outside of Canada.

You can also apply to become a Canadian citizen after staying there as a regular resident for at least three years.

When you become a Canadian citizen, you get more rights and perks, like being able to vote, run for office, hold a Canadian visa, and so on.

What is COPR?

COPR is very important piece of paper that shows you have been approved to become permanent resident of Canada.

You need to to prove your status online or at the border to get your permanent resident card.

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What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence?

Table of Contents

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A Confirmation of Permanent Residence ( IMM 5292 OR IMM 5688 ), which is often abbreviated COPR, is a document that new Permanent Residents receive from Immigration Refuges and Citizenship Canada either before they travel to Canada or when they land in Canada. It is proof of both your permanent resident status in Canada at the time of landing and the date you landed in Canada. COPR documents have been issued to new Permanent Residents since July 2002, when the IMM 1000 Record of Landing was discontinued .

What information is contained in my Confirmation of Permanent Residence?

The COPR you were issued when you came to Canada contains information that identifies it as a unique document, information related to your application, information about you and so forth.

The information below information is included on the IMM 5292 (the IMM 5688 documents may be slightly different):

The top your COPR contains your Client ID (UCI) – unique to you – and the document number unique to your COPR.

Tip : Having difficulty with the jargon? Click here for the definitions’ lookup . 

Below the title of Confirmation of Permanent Residence , COPR documents list the following personal information:

• your surname
• your given name
• your “name flag” (the term IRCC uses for an alias you use that isn’t a legal name)
• your date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
• your place of birth
• your country of birth
• your gender at the time of landing
• your marital status at the time of landing
• your citizenship at the time of landing (if you have more than one, the citizenship of the passport you were using to land in Canada)
• your passport number at the time of landing
• the validity of that passport
• the country of issue of any travel documents (often left blank)
• your family status at the time of landing (a numeric immigration code)
• your height
• your eye colour.
• Line 14 is the large blank space right below all that information which contains your accompanying family members, if applicable. Below the list of family members, there is a line indicating whether or not you have any other dependants not with you.
• Line 15 contains the address where you first lived or stayed in Canada and, if applicable, the name of the person whose house it was.
• Lines 16, 17 and 18 are for government reference.

Below this area is a date and signature attesting the truthfulness of the above information. The date is the date you landed.

The lines below this are for official use, and include numerical codes and dates related to your Permanent Residence application.

Below that is information about your arrival:

• Line 39 is for any remarks the CBSA officer made
• Line 41 is your flight number (if applicable)
• Line 42 indicates the amount of money in your possession
• Line 43 indicates whether or not your PR status has any conditions imposed on it
• Line 45 is the date you became a PR
• Line 46 is the place you landed
• 47 is the signature of the immigration officer

COPR documents should be stamped NOT VALID FOR TRAVEL as they are not usable as a travel document.

Why Does IRCC Issue Confirmation of Permanent Residence Documents?

COPR documents are issued so that you have proof of your PR status and your date of landing. They record your entry into Canada.

If you are outside of Canada, people are often by issued COPR documents before they travel to Canada, and these will be checked and completed by the officer at the port of entry.

If you are already in Canada, the COPR may be sent to you, so you can “land.”

If neither option applies to you, you will receive it at the port of entry.

Why Do I Need My Confirmation of Permanent Residence Once I land in Canada?

It’s important to keep your Confirmation of Permanent Residence document in a safe place . You’ll need it to apply for Canadian Citizenship , if you’re interested in becoming a citizen. However, if you do not have a PR Card, or do not renew it, you will also need your COPR to prove your permanent residence status in Canada. You’ll also need it to collect your Old Age Security , in order to prove your date of landing in Canada. Learn more .

What is the Difference Between COPR and Permanent Resident?

A COPR records your arrival in Canada as a permanent resident. COPR documents are proof of your landing in Canada with information about you as shown above and the date you landed. A permanent resident, on the other hand, is someone with legal status who can live, work, and study in Canada but who does not have all the rights of a citizen (for example: the ability to vote or hold a Canadian passport). So a COPR gives important information about who you are and when you landed in Canada .

How do I Get a Copy of My COPR?

You can no longer get a copy of a COPR or a copy of a Record of Landing documents . What you instead have to do is apply for what is called a Verification of Status (VOS) that gives the same information contained in your COPR.

Can I Replace My Confirmation of Permanent Residence?

You can no longer replace your COPR , but you can get a Verification of Status which will serve the same function. Learn more .

How Long does it take Immigration Officials to Send Me My PR Card After Receiving My Confirmation of Permanent Residence?

If you have just landed in Canada, then the first thing you should is send your mailing address (or home address if it’s the same as your mailing address) to immigration authorities. You will then be sent a PR Card when they receive your mailing address, usually within a few weeks. See our next FAQ just below on validating COPR documents. However, if you don’t send them your mailing address within 180 days of landing in Canada, you will have to apply for one which will take just over 3 months.

If you have informed immigration authorities of your mailing address when you arrive in Canada but for some reason you don’t get your PR Card within 180 days, then you’ll have to apply for one.

How do I Validate my Confirmation of Permanent Residence?

As of April, 2022, all in-person landing appointments are suspended until further notice. However, you can now confirm your permanent residency online at the Permanent Residence Portal. You’ll receive an email ending in @cic.gc.ca and with the following subject matter: “ IRCC – Permanent Residence Portal (PR Confirmation) / Portail de résidence permanente (Confirmation de la RP “. You then respond by declaring you are in Canada; confirming your mailing address; and submitting a recent photo you upload and which will be used for your PR Card.

This is a separate portal from your IRCC Secure Account . An account at the Permanent Residence Portal will be created for you and you’ll be sent another email with your temporary account details. Your uploaded photo will be reviewed and once it is approved, you’ll be sent a PR Card within a couple of weeks.

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What happens if my COPR has expired?

• Post Author: Maria Reisdorf
• Post published: January 21, 2022
• Post Category: Permanent Residence

The most common methods of obtaining permanent residence in Canada are through Family Sponsorship or the Express Entry system. Once you’ve applied, and if you are approved for permanent residence, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (“COPR”).

What is COPR?

A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Form IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) is a document that new Permanent Residents receive from the immigration authorities. A COPR officially documents your legal status in Canada (i.e., it proves that you are a Permanent Resident), as well as your time and date of landing in Canada.

If you are outside of Canada when you are granted Permanent Resident status, your COPR will likely be issued to you before you travel to Canada. You will have to show it to the border authorities when you arrive. If you are already in Canada, your COPR will be sent to you here so that you can formally “land” in Canada. If you are not in Canada, and your COPR wasn’t issued to you prior to travel, it is sometimes possible to receive your COPR at the Port of Entry.

In addition to requiring your COPR to enter Canada, it is also helpful to have if you ever intend to apply for Citizenship, a Social Insurance Number, or Old Age Security Pension. If you physically lose your COPR, you will need to apply for a Verification of Landing document.

What should I do if my COPR has expired?

The COPR processing time is currently about three months. Typically, a COPR is valid for one year from the time your application is approved. If you have an expired COPR, you will not be allowed to come to Canada as you cannot enter Canada with expired documents. Instead, you will have to apply for a new one and wait for it to be issued to you again.

As such, you should plan to travel to Canada within one year of being approved for permanent residence. While foreigners are currently allowed to travel to Canada, there could be new travel restrictions in the future. For example, non-essential travel to Canada was banned from March 18, 2020 to June 21, 2021. Travelling to Canada to take up permanent residence before your COPR expired was not considered essential travel. Thus, thousands of people had their COPRs expire before they could come to Canada and take up permanent residence.

In general, COPRs cannot be extended. While it is possible that in the future the authorities will create a blanket policy to extend COPRs for anyone delayed in travelling to Canada (for example, due to the COVID-19 pandemic), this is not what happened after the non-essential travel bans were lifted this past summer. Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) reached out to all those with expired COPRs with instructions on how to get their COPR re-issued. IRCC gave applicants 10 days to respond if they were still interested. If an applicant did not respond within 10 days but still wanted permanent residence, they would have to reapply in the future.

Conclusion:

A qualified and experienced immigration lawyer can help you if you are applying for permanent residence, especially if you have a complicated situation. Consulting with an immigration lawyer is particularly important to ensure that you are in fact qualified to apply, and to make sure that your application is prepared, filed and processed properly.

At the Law Office of Matthew Jeffery, we are experts on Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, and all other types of permanent residence applications. We have years of experience successfully assisting our clients to navigate Canada’s complex immigration system.

You can use our FREE Express Entry CRS Calculator and our FREE Family Sponsorship Assessment Form , or CONTACT US today to see whether we can assist you with your immigration matters.

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