Once your application for Permanent Residence (PR) is approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if needed, a PR visa. Here are the steps to follow after your PR is approved:
- Plan your arrival: You must arrive in Canada before your COPR and PR visa expire. The expiry date is usually one year from the date of your medical exam.
- Prepare for the landing interview: When you arrive in Canada, you will have a short interview with an immigration officer. This is called the “landing process”. You will need to bring your passport, COPR, and other important documents.
- Complete the landing process: During the landing process, the immigration officer will confirm your information, check your documents, and ask you some questions. If everything is in order, the officer will authorize your PR by signing and dating your COPR.
- Receive your PR card: After you land in Canada, IRCC will mail your PR card to your Canadian address. This card is used to prove your status when traveling back to Canada.
- Settle in Canada: Find a place to live, get a job, open a bank account, apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and enroll in the healthcare system. You may also want to enroll in free language classes and learn about life in Canada.
- Maintain your PR status: To keep your PR status, you must live in Canada for at least 2 years in a 5-year period. If you stay outside Canada for too long, you could lose your PR status.
- Apply for Canadian citizenship: After living in Canada for 3 years in a 5-year period, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Remember, becoming a permanent resident is a big step. It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a PR and to take advantage of the many resources available to help you settle in Canada.