Prepare for arrival

Be prepared and know what to expect if your application is approved.

On this page:

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

If you’re already in Canada

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 PR status through the Permanent Residence Portal

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)

The portal is separate from your IRCC secure account. Don’t create your own account in the portal as this can delay the process. Follow the instructions in the email we send and we’ll create an account for you.

Learn 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

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 that 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

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
    • work experience
    • professional licences/certificates
• Read about living and finding work in Canada.

What 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 or your valid permanent resident visa (if we gave you one)
• proof that you have the funds to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada

Before you travel to Canada, check the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website to find out what goods you can and can’t bring into the country.

When you arrive in Canada

When you arrive in Canada, you’ll be greeted by an officer from the CBSA.

The officer will

• make sure you’re entering Canada before or on the expiry date shown on your visa
• ask to see your passport and other travel documents
• check your identity to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada (we may use your biometrics to do this)
• 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 in 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 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 you must tell us using our web form.

Disclose your funds

If you arrive in Canada with more than CAN$10,000, you must tell the CBSA officer. If you don't, 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

Once you arrive in Canada

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