Canadian Immigrant visa issued, US green card too, will one be forced to land?

[Horus333]

Hi - If someone was granted a Canadian Immigrant visa, but is not ready to complete landing procedures yet, but that person (nationality requires a visa to enter Canada) has a US green card (therefore usually exempt from Canadian visa requirement for pleasure trips), can that person still go to Canada as a "visitor" (visit friends, etc.) by presenting his/her US green card and non-US passport? Or will that person be forced to complete the landing procedures?

Thank you for any input.

[tigermom250]

It is my understanding that the first time you enter Canada with a Canadian visa that will count as activation, you do not have a choice as to when the visa will be activated.

But I would always check with a lawyer

[PMM]

Hi

It is my understanding that the first time you enter Canada with a Canadian visa that will count as activation, you do not have a choice as to when the visa will be activated.

But I would always check with a lawyer

No it doesn't have to activated on the first entry.  If the OP was from a Non Visa Waiver country, s/he would, but is a green card so doesn't have to.