Hi
Thanks very much for the replies.
PMM's response makes me think that perhaps I should have clarified that my husband and I are American citizens, immigrating to Canada, not H visa holders. I don't know whether that would make any difference, however.
We are planning to land within the next 6 weeks and are trying to determine whether we need to - or whether it is advisable to - remain in Canada until we have our PRCs in hand. We would like to return before then to start packing, house-selling and so forth, since we hope to move our household in the fall. But these recent posts have given me pause. It sounds like it may no longer be possible, or advisable, to do that. Does anyone know otherwise?
Shylee
1. You have up to 180 days to give CIC a Canadian address for your PR card, after that you have to re-apply for the card (not Pr) and pick it up in person.
2. Without the PR card, you can cross the border, as long as it is not commercial transportation (thats the official line) with your passport and COPR in the passport.
3. What is worrying CBSA/CIC is those PRs who "land" have their PRCs sent to a friend/relative/whatever and immediately head home to resume their life. Then they attempt to return in the future to Canada, claiming that they have fulfilled their 2/5 years residency in Canada, I believe that it is CBSA/CIC intention to crack down on these people. I could be wrong, but who knows.