P1 received while outside Canada – returning March 9. Travel early or okay to wait?

[hbhalani]

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate guidance from people who have faced a similar situation.

I applied for PR through the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream (non-Express Entry). My application was processed inland. I have now received the Portal 1 (PR Confirmation Portal) email.

At the moment, I am outside Canada. I travelled to India on January 18 for my brother’s wedding, and my return flight is booked for March 9.

The P1 email asks whether I am currently inside Canada and, if not, to provide:

• how long I have been outside,
• my expected return date, and
• the country I am in.

I understand that PR cannot be finalized until I am physically back in Canada.

My questions are:

1. Do I need to fly back urgently, or is it okay to continue my trip and simply inform IRCC that I will return on March 9?
2. Has anyone replied to P1 while abroad for ~3–4 weeks? What happened next?
3. Is there any risk they could transfer the file to a visa office outside Canada because I am currently away?
4. Once I return, will they continue normally with Portal 2 and eCOPR?
5. Did your case experience any major delay because of this?

I plan to reply truthfully and provide my return date, but I am a bit nervous about whether being away for about 24 more days could complicate things.

Would love to hear real experiences.

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[canuck78]

1 indicate that you are in India but will be returning on March 9th
2. Don’t misrepresent that you are in Canada. Why risk your PR by lying at this point
3. Yes depending on what you are instructor to do upon your return the process will continue normally
4 slight delay but things will start back up upon your return.

 

[AnnieBr]

Reply honestly that you’re in India and returning March 9. No need to rush your flight, just give the exact date. Many people get P1 while abroad; IRCC usually waits until you’re back, then continues with Portal 2 and eCOPR. Expect a small delay, but nothing serious. Most important thing is do not misrepresent your location.