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

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

If you’re outside Canada

Prepare for life in Canada

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

Documents to bring with you

You must have the following documents with you

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

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

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

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

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