At what point do you become a permanent resident?

[melisa1]

With an outland application, do you acquire Canadian permanent residency while still in your country? Or does it legally happen only in Canada? I'm asking this because apparently it's a crime in my country not to notify the government about your second citizenship/permanent residency. But apparently if you get it when you're already in a foreign country, then it's okay.

 

[scylla]

With an outland application, do you acquire Canadian permanent residency while still in your country? Or does it legally happen only in Canada? I'm asking this because apparently it's a crime in my country not to notify the government about your second citizenship/permanent residency. But apparently if you get it when you're already in a foreign country, then it's okay.

It happens only when you arrive in Canada.