Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

Table of Contents

• Overview
• What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (Outside of Canada)?
• What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (Inside of Canada)?
• What information is contained in my COPR?
• What happens if my COPR expires?
• Contact CanadaVisa and Cohen Immigration Law for Assistance

Overview

COPRs provide you with the right to live in Canada permanently. Read on to learn about this document and how it must be used so you can complete your landing in Canada.

What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (Outside of Canada)?

A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is a document that new permanent residents (PRs) receive from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) when their permanent residence application has been approved.

If you are travelling to Canada for the first time to complete your landing as a new PR, you must bring your COPR with you to present to a border official, along with all other necessary documents.

Note that a COPR is not a travel document. Individuals approved for PR who require a visa will also be issued a permanent resident visa with which they will be allowed to travel to Canada and enter the country. Individuals from countries requiring an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to travel to Canada will only need to procure one if they have not received their COPR by the date of their expected landing.

Your COPR is also instrumental in receiving your PR card once you have landed in Canada.

What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (Inside of Canada)?

Much like the process for new PRs landing from outside of Canada, successful applicants who receive PR status from within Canada are also given a COPR. However, this version is an e-COPR which new PRs inside Canada will receive through an online portal. Below is a quick breakdown of the virtual landing process for new PRs inside of Canada: 

After your approval for PR, you will receive emails from an email address ending in cic.gc.ca. These emails will serve various purposes, including:

• Requesting confirmation of your email address;
• Asking you to confirm your physical presence in Canada; and
• Providing information about the Permanent Residence Portal and alternative options if you are unable to use it.

Note that the Permanent Residence Portal is separate from your secure account with IRCC. It is important not to create your own account within the portal, as doing so may cause delays in the process. Instead, follow the instructions provided in the email, and an account will be created for you.

Additional information on the Permanent Residence Portal is available here.

It is essential that you inform IRCC if you leave Canada before they grant you permanent resident (PR) status.

Once you become a permanent resident, and are registered in the Permanent Residence Portal, IRCC will make an e-COPR (electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence) available to you through the portal. This document serves as proof of your new status in Canada. Additionally, within the portal, we will request a photo from you to initiate the process of issuing your first PR card. It is not necessary for you to apply separately for your first PR card.

While you await the arrival of your PR card, you can utilize the printed and signed e-COPR to:

• Verify your permanent resident status in Canada.
• Apply for government benefits and services for which you are eligible (e.g., applying for a social insurance number to facilitate employment).

What information is contained in my COPR?

Along with your legal name and photo, your COPR document will include the following information:

First Row:

• Surname
• Given Name
• Name Flag (Alias used, not legal name)

Second Row:

• Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
• Place of Birth
• Country of Birth

Third Row:

• Gender at the time of landing
• Marital Status at the time of landing
• Citizenship at the time of landing (Passport used for landing)

Fourth Row:

• Passport Number at the time of landing
• Validity of the Passport
• Country of Issue of Travel Documents

Fifth Row:

• Family Status at the time of landing (Numeric Immigration Code)
• Height
• Eye Color

Line 14: Accompanying Family Members (if applicable)

Line 15: Address of the First Residence in Canada and Name of the Host (if applicable)

Lines 16, 17, 18: Government Reference

Date and Signature: Verification of the information provided, including the landing date.

Lines below for Official Use:

• Line 39: Remarks by CBSA Officer
• Line 41: Flight Number (if applicable)
• Line 42: Amount of Money in Possession
• Line 43: Conditions on PR Status
• Line 45: Date of becoming a PR
• Line 46: Place of Landing
• Line 47: Immigration Officer's Signature

What happens if my COPR expires?

For those that want to settle in Canada permanently, it is important to make use of your COPR while it is valid. Generally, a COPR is valid for one year from the time of issue, in which time successful applicants are required to make a landing in Canada and formally complete the PR process.

While IRCC did implement COPR extensions during the COVID-19 pandemic, these measures have been phased out, meaning that any applicants who let the COPR expire without making a formal landing will likely have to re-apply for permanent residence, and begin the entire process again.

Contact CanadaVisa and Cohen Immigration Law for Assistance

Do you require Canadian immigration assistance?

Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience. Cohen Immigration Law is comprised of over 60 Canadian immigration lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals. We are dedicated to helping people achieve their Canadian immigration goals. We assist in areas including skilled worker and business immigration, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, citizenship, and inadmissibility. CanadaVisa.com was founded in 1994 as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law. CanadaVisa has since blossomed into the one of the world's most trusted resources on Canadian immigration. Please reach out for assistance. We're happy to help: