Passport request and PR card

[gerry19]

I just received a leter from immigration requesting my passport to stamp that I have been confirmed as a Permanent resident.
I have 30 days to get the passport to them. I cannot be without my passport and so I noted that on Tuesdays and Thursdays I can bring it in to the Buffalo office between 8am - 10am. The problem is there is no guaranty that I will get back my passport the same day.
Any suggestions??, I tried calling and I got referred to their website which does not answer the question.

Also I saw that there is a PR card which can be issued.
If they will stamp my passport do I need a PR card?
If so do I take the completed application form for the PR card with me on my visit to Buffalo? What is the charge for the PR card?

Thank you.   

[scylla]

Be at the Buffalo office by 7:30 (before it opens) and you should have no trouble getting it back the same day.

The PR card application will be automatically submitted for you when you first cross into Canada with your PR visa and land (this does not happen in Buffalo). Yes - you need a PR card. It's mandatory and your passport is not sufficient proof that you are a permanent resident of Canada. If you have already paid for your right of permanent residence fee, then you have already paid the PR card fee.

[gerry19]

Thanks very much for your response.
I did pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee so I anticipate receiving the card once my passport is stamped.
I will take your advice and get to their Buffalo office for 7:30 am.

One more question, I have been asked to bring 2 passport photos, I have 2 left over from the batch I took upon sending
in the application last February 2011, are these ok to take or should I take a fresh set?

I appreciate your assistance, it helped me tremendously.

[scylla]

Thanks very much for your response.
I did pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee so I anticipate receiving the card once my passport is stamped.
I will take your advice and get to their Buffalo office for 7:30 am.

One more question, I have been asked to bring 2 passport photos, I have 2 left over from the batch I took upon sending
in the application last February 2011, are these ok to take or should I take a fresh set?

I appreciate your assistance, it helped me tremendously.

I would take new photos since the old ones are almost a year old. I believe the instructions ask for 'recent' photos. I have no idea how they define that. But better safe than sorry.

[gerry19]

"The PR card application will be automatically submitted for you when you first cross into Canada with your PR visa and land (this does not happen in Buffalo).

Regarding the PR card, after I get my visa stamped in my passport in Buffalo, I am returning to Canada on the Greyhound bus. I need you to clarify how the bus driver will handle my situation in getting the PR card. Would this not delay the bus as I get the card on entry to Canada?

[scylla]

You won't be issued the PR card on entry to Canada.

When you arrive at the border by bus, everyone will have to get off and go through immigration individually. When it's your turn, you should tell the immigration officer that you are landing as a permanent resident in Canada. Once you finish your landing, you will get back on the bus and continue to Canada. Your PR card will be mailed to you 7-9 weeks after you land to the address you specify in Canada.

You cannot apply for the PR card before you enter Canada and land as a PR. The creation of the PR card is something that is triggered when you land.

Someone landing by bus can delay the bus somewhat. But so can someone who is stopped by immigration and sent to secondary inspection. Many people land by bus so what you're planning on doing is by no means unusual.