Prepare for arrival

On this page

• If you’re already in Canada
• If you’re outside Canada

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

1. asking you to confirm your email address
2. asking you to confirm that you’re physically in Canada
3. with information about the Permanent Residence Portal (and options if you can’t use it)
   1. If you already have an account in the portal, we'll send you an invite to use your existing account.
   2. 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
    • education
    • professional licences/certificates
• 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.

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.

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.