I am very happy to say --- I have my COPR (I've landed)!
The hardest thing yesterday was finding parking. There is a lot at 200 Catherine St, Ottawa, but the lot was full. I found a lot a couple blocks further but it took coin only (no cards) and I didn't have any coin. The lot is right across from the Greyhound terminal which has a sign saying "ATM inside" but it was out of service. I circled around and found a lot about a block before the CIC office but again it was coin only. I was getting nervous as it was 9:30 by then and I wasn't sure where I would have to park. Fortunately, there was a lot on the other side of the 417 (the Queensway) on Bank St that took credit cards, and was only a 2 block walk back to the office, so I made it in time.
First thing once I got there was they asked for my invitation letter. I was carrying two accordions of documentation but not that letter. I didn't know it was required. However, I knew my UIC number by memory so I provided that and that was okay. We sat in a waiting room that held about 25 people and in front of us were 4 windows, three of them were manned.
I was expecting that a group of us would be called to go elsewhere, where we would hear a small speech and then each be assigned an officer who would interview us in private. It didn't happen that way. As each window became available and some delay, we were called in the order we came in to the next window. I think it was about 20 minutes I waited for my turn. Once there, the officer (behind bullet proof glass) spent some time reading the computer monitor which I imagine had my entire file. He then asked for id from my wife and me, and asked for my passport and PR photos. Finally, he asked my wife, who sponsored me, if she wanted to complete the process knowing she would be financially responsible for me (if I were to go on public assistance in the next 3 years). Then I got 2 questions: had I ever been arrested or charged with a crime in Canada or outside Canada, and did I have any dependents not listed on my application (no, and no).
He then printed off two copies of the COPR form, signed both, turned them over to me to initial next to the questions he asked and sign the bottom. Then he taped one of the PR pictures to one of the forms, stamped my US passport and referenced the COPR number in it, and explained to me some very important facts:
1) Don't ever lose this COPR original document. I will need it for renewing PR cards, citizenship, and when I retire for CPP. This is my "Canadian birth certificate".
2) I would need to wait 24 hours before getting my permanent SIN card at any Service Canada location, and non-expiring OHIP card at any Service Ontario location.
3) I will get my PR card in 4-6 weeks. I should not leave Canada in that time as the COPR itself is not a travel document, though leaving and re-entering Canada by car might be ok depending on the CBSA officer I get at the border.
Then he congratulated me on being a permanent resident!
We were out of there before 10:30am.... such an easy ending to a difficult and frustrating journey. I was prepared for all kinds of questions that were never asked but better to be over-prepared I think.
