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COPR and coronavirus

Mumbai2Canada

Star Member
Feb 19, 2019
124
141
There are travel restrictions in place for international travellers and your CoPR was issued after 18th March, therefore, you are not exempted to travel. Ready to travel is applicable for CoPRs which are expired.
Thank you ! I did feel that was the case but thought I will still clarify it here. Thanks again for clarifying the same.
 

mage

Star Member
Jul 24, 2020
63
39
Hi,

I have been reading a lot about these 'Ready to Travel' webforms. My COPR was issued on Mar 21 and expires on Sep 10. I am actually ready to fly any time now and am not looking at a soft landing either. Does this mean I need to raise a 'Ready to Travel' webform to let IRCC know that I am willing to travel permanently if they let me and then hope that they issue me an authorization letter which can let me bypass the current Mar 18 restrictions or is this only applicable for people whose COPRs have expired already?
I think 'ready to travel' is meant only for those with expired COPRs.
Assuming you're not in US, you are supposed to wait for IRCC to provide guidance on next steps, but if you are ready and have everything sorted out (travel plans, quarantine, etc.) I see no harm in letting them know that you're ready whenever they are.
 
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Waitingforpr2

Member
Aug 26, 2019
10
11
Hi Guys! I am booked on a 29th July Qatar Airways from Delhi. Did anyone receive a call from Qatar call center regarding operational issue of the flight from Doha to Toronto on 30th July? I received a call from them today where i asked them to call back in sometime and i never got a call back only to realize that the aircraft type has now changed on Doha to YYZ sector. Did any of you receive a call related to this?
 

mage

Star Member
Jul 24, 2020
63
39
Hey all, Is there anybody here who has transited/passed-through US recently on their way to Canada. Though I don't see any restriction on transit via US at IATA's site, it'd be nice to hear it straight from the horse's mouth.
I realize that only folks who are in the countries exempted from US travel restrictions can possibly do this.
 

spikyshotgun

Full Member
Jul 26, 2020
28
11
Hi,

I wanted to post my experience doing soft landing/ U turn from USA.

Me and my wife are both on H1B visas in US and are essential workers here and have current US visa stamps on our passports. So, we were confident of being allowed back into the US. To make sure, I did call the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) at the border we planned on crossing to make sure we will be allowed back in which they confirmed.

I called CBSA 3 times over a period of 2 weeks and was told all 3 times that if we entered Canada, we would have to quarantine for 2 weeks. Having already used up our vacations earlier this year and also due to the nature of our jobs, were unable to get time off at this time. So, did not want to do a 14 day quarantine. On the last call the agent told me that it really depends on the border agent if they will allow you to do a U turn.

My plan was to tell the agent that we weren't prepared for quarantine and if that was an absolute must, just send us back from the border without entering Canada. My main fear was if they told us that since we were now at the border, we would be breaking the law by not quarantining.

So, on a Saturday afternoon we decided to take our chances and drove up to the Port Huron/ Sarnia border. There, we found out why Canadians are considered the nicest people in the world!
We were fully prepared with any and every document with us, didn't want to give them a reason to say no.
The border agent asked us the purpose of our visit which we explained was to activate our PR and were hoping to go back today. He then asked why we wanted to go back the same day and we explained that our COPR was about to expire and we were essential workers in US. Without another word, he gave us a form and pointed towards a building asking us to take the form inside.
Inside, an agent greeted us and pretty much asked us the same question of why doing a soft landing during the pandemic. We gave him the same explanation to which he replied "Fair enough" and requested us to wait. 20 minutes to half hour later, came back and asked us to sign the documents and asked what address we wanted our PR cards sent to. I started to give the Canadian address of a friend but he said I will just have it mailed to your US address. Will be convenient for you guys. Didn't even ask for our goods to follow form and said that can be taken care of when you move.

And that's it, we were done. In and out of Canada in about 45 minutes!
 
Last edited:

COPR_2020

Newbie
Jul 24, 2020
4
0
Hi Guys! I am booked on a 29th July Qatar Airways from Delhi. Did anyone receive a call from Qatar call center regarding operational issue of the flight from Doha to Toronto on 30th July? I received a call from them today where i asked them to call back in sometime and i never got a call back only to realize that the aircraft type has now changed on Doha to YYZ sector. Did any of you receive a call related to this?
I have booked the same flight and I haven't received any call or email. Please keep us updated if you hear anything.
 

Waitingforpr2

Member
Aug 26, 2019
10
11
I have booked the same flight and I haven't received any call or email. Please keep us updated if you hear anything.
I have booked the same flight and I haven't received any call or email. Please keep us updated if you hear anything.
I got a call from Qatar (+974 code) mentioning some operational issue and a suggestion to re-route us through US. But, I told him that we cannot do it since we don't have visa to transit through US. We called (+974 code) them since we didn't hear them and were informed that there are no changes as of now. The aircraft from Doha to Toronto has changed from A350-900 to B777-300ER but we are unable to select our seats on it as of now and the Executive was also not able to see the seat map. Maybe you can also check your seat selection and see if any changes or able to see seat map. If you don't mind, may I know if you're also booked in Business class?
 

COPR_2020

Newbie
Jul 24, 2020
4
0
I got a call from Qatar (+974 code) mentioning some operational issue and a suggestion to re-route us through US. But, I told him that we cannot do it since we don't have visa to transit through US. We called (+974 code) them since we didn't hear them and were informed that there are no changes as of now. The aircraft from Doha to Toronto has changed from A350-900 to B777-300ER but we are unable to select our seats on it as of now and the Executive was also not able to see the seat map. Maybe you can also check your seat selection and see if any changes or able to see seat map. If you don't mind, may I know if you're also booked in Business class?
No. I am booked on Economy. I will give them a call tomorrow and find out.
 

johnsonjam

Full Member
May 12, 2019
24
20
As of today we are planning to settle here. You are right they just told me that I can't leave without PR card
Hi thanks for sharing the information with us that are thinking to do a soft landing, was it the immigration that actively told you that you are not allowed to leave without the PR card? Thank you so much, this may change how I plan ahead!
 

hinavin

Hero Member
Dec 2, 2010
386
256
Canada
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Mississauga, Ontario Canada
Congrats.

I would love to tag that person who was questioning my comment of its okay to have common kitchen in your quarantine stay if you have no CoVID19 like symptoms. Provided your quarantine stay does not have anyone above 65 years and anyone with underlying medical conditions. Grrr!!!!!!!!
I know right !!! :) And so true.

It would be prudent to considering the spirit of rules rather than simply the letter and assume. Even worse is advise others on these public forums without heed to the potential issues which travelers might face by trusting comments. :)
 

Mutha123

Star Member
Sep 13, 2019
69
60
Hi,

I wanted to post my experience doing soft landing/ U turn from USA.

Me and my wife are both on H1B visas in US and are essential workers here and have current US visa stamps our passports. So, we were confident of being allowed back into the US. To make sure, I did call the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) at the border we planned on crossing to make sure we will be allowed back in which they confirmed.

I called CBSA 3 times over a period of 2 weeks and was told all 3 times that if we entered Canada, we would have to quarantine for 2 weeks. Having already used up our vacations earlier this year and also due to the nature of our jobs, were unable to get time off at this time. So, did not want to do a 14 day quarantine. On the last call the agent told me that it really depends on the border agent if they will allow you do a U turn.

My plan was to tell the agent that we weren't prepared for quarantine and if that was an absolute must, just send us back from the border without entering Canada. My main fear was if they told us that since we were now at the border, we would be breaking the law by not quarantining.

So, on a Saturday afternoon we decided to take our chances and drove up to the Port Huron/ Sarnia border. There, we found out why Canadians are considered the nicest people in the world!
We were fully prepared with any and every document with us, didn't want to give them a reason to say no.
The border agent asked us the purpose of our visit which we explained was to activate our PR and were hoping to go back today. He then asked why we wanted to go back the same day and we explained that our COPR was about to expire and we were essential workers in US. Without another word, he gave us a form and pointed towards a building asking us to take the form inside.
Inside, an agent greeted us and pretty much asked us the same question of why doing a soft landing during the pandemic. Pretty much gave him the same explanation to which he replied "Fair enough" and requested us to wait. 20 minutes to half hour later, came back and asked us to sign the documents and asked what address we wanted our PR cards sent to. I started to give the Canadian address of a friend but he said I will just have it mailed to your US address. Will be convenient for you guys. Didn't even ask for our goods to follow form and said that can be taken care of when you move.

And that's it, we were done. In and out of Canada in about 45 minutes!
Amazing and unbelievable. Many congrats...
 
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hinavin

Hero Member
Dec 2, 2010
386
256
Canada
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Mississauga, Ontario Canada
Hi,

I wanted to post my experience doing soft landing/ U turn from USA.

Me and my wife are both on H1B visas in US and are essential workers here and have current US visa stamps our passports. So, we were confident of being allowed back into the US. To make sure, I did call the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) at the border we planned on crossing to make sure we will be allowed back in which they confirmed.

I called CBSA 3 times over a period of 2 weeks and was told all 3 times that if we entered Canada, we would have to quarantine for 2 weeks. Having already used up our vacations earlier this year and also due to the nature of our jobs, were unable to get time off at this time. So, did not want to do a 14 day quarantine. On the last call the agent told me that it really depends on the border agent if they will allow you do a U turn.

My plan was to tell the agent that we weren't prepared for quarantine and if that was an absolute must, just send us back from the border without entering Canada. My main fear was if they told us that since we were now at the border, we would be breaking the law by not quarantining.

So, on a Saturday afternoon we decided to take our chances and drove up to the Port Huron/ Sarnia border. There, we found out why Canadians are considered the nicest people in the world!
We were fully prepared with any and every document with us, didn't want to give them a reason to say no.
The border agent asked us the purpose of our visit which we explained was to activate our PR and were hoping to go back today. He then asked why we wanted to go back the same day and we explained that our COPR was about to expire and we were essential workers in US. Without another word, he gave us a form and pointed towards a building asking us to take the form inside.
Inside, an agent greeted us and pretty much asked us the same question of why doing a soft landing during the pandemic. Pretty much gave him the same explanation to which he replied "Fair enough" and requested us to wait. 20 minutes to half hour later, came back and asked us to sign the documents and asked what address we wanted our PR cards sent to. I started to give the Canadian address of a friend but he said I will just have it mailed to your US address. Will be convenient for you guys. Didn't even ask for our goods to follow form and said that can be taken care of when you move.

And that's it, we were done. In and out of Canada in about 45 minutes!

Both of you get hugs and kisses for calling us the politest people in the world! Thank you! We take pride to be as such.

Big Congratulations - And Bigger Thank You for Your Service! (nevermind that it is to our southern breatherens - think at the moment they quite need it).

Now, for our readers and members here on the forum - if I may strongly suggest not to assume the same allowances if you are not an essential worker couple such as this wonderful couple!

Please also do your research - if required call in. Remember, the poster here arrived fully prepared to be refused entry and PR confirmation.

Officer discretion is a real thing. Applause to our Border Officers for seeing the sensibility in returning a small favour for this brave couple who have been providing essential services in these hard hit times, in one of the hardest hit country!

Well Done @spikyshotgun and once again Thank you for your Services!.
 

wondergirl88

Member
Jul 19, 2020
13
1
Yes, you can travel from US to Canada. There are two conditions that you need to be aware of:

1. Your travel should not be optional or discretionary. If you're moving there with intention to settle, this condition is satisfied. See 'All Other Foreign Nationals' here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/travel-restrictions-exemptions.html

2. You should not have symptoms of COVID-19, when you're entering Canada (clearing immigration check). Check under 'Foreign Nationals' here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html
Thanks Mage :)
 

Srh11

Full Member
Jun 1, 2020
37
27
Hi my copr expires today and I have already informed them a month ago my inability to travel. Now my query is within how many days I have to inform my ability to travel or they will contact me themselves.
 
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