Can I enter Canada on work permit while waiting for COPR

[Jackleberry]

I have just received the final request letter to send in photos and photocopy of passport in order to get the COPR letter (I'm from a visa exempt country). I have submitted the documents in the UK to the London office. It's possible that my LMIA application will come through soon (before I receive the COPR). Is it possible for me to go to Canada before getting the COPR? What happens when I do get the COPR and I am in Canada already?

 

[Pipis Husband]

I have just received the final request letter to send in photos and photocopy of passport in order to get the COPR letter (I'm from a visa exempt country). I have submitted the documents in the UK to the London office. It's possible that my LMIA application will come through soon (before I receive the COPR). Is it possible for me to go to Canada before getting the COPR? What happens when I do get the COPR and I am in Canada already?

Yes you can land and process your COPR here at any port of entry.

 

[Jackleberry]

I don't have the COPR yet, my question is if I arrive in Canada with the LMIA and get a work permit at the port of entry, is it ok that I will later on get the COPR in the UK, have it couriered to me in Canada and make an appointment to "land" within Canada even though my application is outland not inland?

 

[Jackleberry]

Just incase someone else has this issue. I phoned immigration and they said that I could go into Canada on a work permit while waiting for this letter, however the problem is that when coming in, you have to convince the border officer of what your intent it, i.e. how long you intend to stay. If you are coming on a work permit you would intend to come temporarily but they can also see that you have an almost finalised PR visa in your case file which means you intend to come permanently so they have the right to refuse you entry. He couldn't offer me any advice either way except that there have been cases of people not being allowed in.