Travelling to Mexico using COPR

[vikramviks95]

Hi,

I have been waiting for my PR card for over 45 days now. I called CIC and they said that the current status is "waiting to scan pictures for PR card". He said he will write a request to expedite the process.

My wife and I are planning a vacation to Mexico on 30th Aug and I am nervous about not receiving the cards on time. I am aware that Canadian PRs dont need a tourist visa to Mexico.

Can i travel to Mexico using the COPR? I dont have any problems coming back as I will use my Canada work permit.

Anyone encounter similar situation?

Thanks for your help.

 

[scylla]

No - the CORP won't be accepted. You need to show your PR card to enter Mexico.

Note that your work permit was canceled when you landed and became a PR. So without a PR card you will need a Travel Document to board the plane and return to Canada.

 

[vikramviks95]

Thanks Scylla.

I recently travlled to the US and didnt have my PR Card. I used my work permit and work visa before boardingg the flight in the US. Didnt face any issues.

 

[vikramviks95]

Any other options that i can look at?

 

[maniac2403]

Thanks Scylla.

I recently travlled to the US and didnt have my PR Card. I used my work permit and work visa before boardingg the flight in the US. Didnt face any issues.

Yes, because US, Saint Miquelon are the exception, and that too by road.

In your earlier case, did you already land before you traveled to the US by air? Did you also return by air to Canada? If no to both then you just used your CoPR to enter Canada.

But you can just use your Work Permit to board a flight, risky, but doable.

 

[vikramviks95]

I landed as a PR by road on 1st July and then flew back into Toronto using my COPR on 18th July.

The CBSA officer asked for my PR card and I told him I am waiting for it. He accepted by COPR.

 

[maniac2403]

I landed as a PR by road on 1st July and then flew back into Toronto using my COPR on 18th July.

The CBSA officer asked for my PR card and I told him I am waiting for it. He accepted by COPR.

You really got lucky!
As per CIC http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=064&t=10, you need a travel document to re-enter Canada by air.

 

[vikramviks95]

Thats what i thought

But i heard from a friend too that the officers dont really ask for the TD and so i decided to try it.

 

[vikramviks95]

I did some research and sharing it here:

1. Called the airline and they confirmed that they will let me board the airplane to Mexico using the COPR.

2. I was going through the Mexico Immigration website and found this note:

"All foreign visitors, regardless of nationality, travelling to Mexico for tourism or business reasons or in transit to another destination, are exempt from presenting a Mexican visa as long as they have a valid visa issued by the government of the United States."

Apparently, I am visa exempt as I have a US visa.

 

[jsm0085]

People from visa exempt countries can re enter canada with the COPR if they are awaiting the PR card.

But if you are trying to visit a country that doesn't provide your gome country with visa exempt status, you will have issues getting in amd getting back to canada.