Traveling after you've landed, but before you have received your PR card...

[samahoney87]

I've read the FAQ regarding the subject, however I think I have a bit of a different situation so I'm curious if anyone has any ideas/input.

I work in the airline industry and I'm a US citizen. So right now I'm back and fourth between the USA and Canada every month. Once I land in Canada, I'm not supposed to leave Canada until I have my PR card. This is obviously an issue if you're job requires you to go back and fourth. Driving/private vehicle is not an option.

I'm starting to think my only option is a leave of absence until I get my PR card, but I'm not sure.


What to do, what to do.

 

[computergeek]

Sorry, but ENF 4 covers this topic.

Verifying permanent resident status
The permanent resident card is the only valid proof of permanent resident status in Canada.
The following documents are satisfactory indicators of permanent residence:
• the original Record of Landing:
• a certified true copy of a Record of Landing document issued by CIC National Headquarters;
• a letter issued by CIC National Headquarters verifying permanent residence;
• a passport duly stamped showing the date on which permanent residence was granted, if the
person was granted permanent resident status before 1973; and
• a Confirmation of Permanent Residence document [IMM 5292B].

So even though it says "PR card is the only valid proof of PR status" it then goes on to describe alternatives.

The next section (11.3) goes on to say:

BSOs at ports of entry have the discretion to authorize the entry of permanent residents, even in
the absence of documentation. If documentary evidence is not available, the BSO at Immigration
Secondary must establish the person’s permanent resident status through questioning and
checking the person’s status in FOSS. The status of persons who became permanent residents
before 1973 has to be verified by contacting the Query Response Centre at National
Headquarters at: QRC@cic.gc.ca.
Once a BSO is satisfied that a person is a permanent resident, the examination should be
concluded and the person should be allowed to enter Canada without delay.

So this describes how to verify PR status in the absence of any documentation - and once the border officer is satisfied you're a PR they should allow you in (you have a legal right of entry as a PR).

I cannot imagine you're going to have problems crossing the border, other than perhaps having to show them your COPR indicating that you have landed.

 

[samahoney87]

Nice, makes me feel a bit better about it. Thanks!

 

[Sweden]

you should be fine, also because you are from a visa-exempt country, so I don't think they'll ask you for anything at the border... it's more an issue if you needed a visa, you would need to obtain some proofs to be allowed in the country, but I'm pretty sure that if you have your COPR with you in case, you'll be fine.
good luck!
Sweden