Prepare for arrival
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If you’re already in Canada
If you still work for the same employer you worked for as a temporary worker, you might want to inform them of your new permanent residence status for their records.
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.
You’ll get emails from a mailbox ending in cic.gc.ca
- asking you to confirm your email address
- asking you to confirm that you’re physically in Canada
- with information about the Permanent Residence Portal (and options if you can’t use it)
- If you already have an account in the portal, we'll send you an invite to use your existing account.
- If you don’t have an account in the portal, follow the instructions in the email we send. We’ll create an account for you. Don’t create your own account, as this can delay the process.
Lean more about the Permanent Residence Portal.
You must tell us if you leave Canada before we grant you PR status.
Get your permanent resident card
In the Permanent Residence Portal, we’ll ask you to provide a photo so we can start the process of issuing your first PR card. You don’t need to apply for your first PR card.
While you wait for your PR card, you can use your signed e-COPR to
- prove you’re a permanent resident in Canada
- apply for government benefits and services (such as your social insurance number so you can work)
If you’re outside Canada
Prepare for life in Canada
There are things you can do to prepare for life in Canada
- use free pre-arrival services, which help you
- find out more about living and working in Canada
- take steps to get recognition in Canada for your
- read about living and finding work in Canada
Documents to bring with you
You must have the following documents with you
- your valid passport or travel documents
- 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
- your permanent resident visa counterfoil (if we gave you one)
- proof that you have the funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada
If you need an electronic travel authorization (eTA), we’ll automatically issue one to you and link it to your passport.
Before you travel to Canada, consult the CBSA website to find out what goods you can and cannot bring into the country.
When 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 that 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
- ask you a few questions to make sure you still meet the terms to immigrate to Canada
- 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 convince the officer that you meet the conditions to enter Canada
If the officer finds that you’re not admissible to Canada, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada. If you came by air, you’ll have to take a return flight back to where you came from.
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 permanent resident card
If you change your address within 180 days of arriving in Canada, you must tell us using the web form.
Children under 18 must meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone.
Disclose your funds
If you arrive in Canada with more than CAN$10,000, you must inform the CBSA officer. If you don’t tell them, you could be fined and your funds could be seized.
These funds could be in the form of
- cash
- securities that belong to you (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills)
- bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’ cheques or money orders
After you arrive in Canada
- Find immigrant services in Canada, who will help you settle and adapt to life
- Read the Welcome to Canada guide to help you adjust.