Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is an official document issued by the Canadian government that confirms your approval for permanent residence in Canada.
The COPR is an essential document for finalizing your permanent residence process in Canada. New permanent residents can refer to the information below to understand what a COPR is, how to use it, the details it includes, and its expiration timeline.
 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?
What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (Outside of Canada)?
A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to new permanent residents (PRs) upon the approval of their permanent residence application.
If you are traveling to Canada for the first time to complete your landing as a new PR, it’s essential to bring your COPR along with all other required documents to present to a border official.
Keep in mind that the COPR itself is not a travel document. Those approved for PR who need a visa will also receive a permanent resident visa, which allows them to travel to Canada. Individuals from countries that require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) will need to obtain one if they have not received their COPR by their expected landing date.
Additionally, your COPR is crucial for obtaining your PR card once you have successfully landed in Canada.
What is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (Inside of Canada)?
Similar to the process for new permanent residents (PRs) arriving from outside Canada, individuals who receive PR status while already in Canada will be issued an e-COPR through an online portal. Here’s a brief overview of the virtual landing process for new PRs in Canada:
After your PR approval, you will receive emails from an address ending in cic.gc.ca. These emails will serve several purposes, including:
Confirming your email address
Requesting confirmation of your physical presence in Canada
Providing information about the Permanent Residence Portal and alternative options if you can’t access it
It’s important to note that the Permanent Residence Portal is distinct from your secure IRCC account. Do not create your own account within the portal, as this may lead to delays. Instead, follow the instructions in the email, and an account will be set up for you.
For more details about the Permanent Residence Portal, click here.
Make sure to inform IRCC if you leave Canada before receiving your PR status.
Once you are registered in the Permanent Residence Portal, IRCC will provide you with an e-COPR, which serves as proof of your new status in Canada. You will also be prompted to upload a photo for your first PR card, which you do not need to apply for separately.
While you wait for your PR card, you can use the printed and signed e-COPR to:
Verify your permanent resident status in Canada
Apply for eligible government benefits and services, such as a social insurance number to facilitate employment.
What information is contained in my COPR?
Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document will include essential information to verify your identity and status. Here’s a breakdown of the details included in the COPR:
Personal Information
First Row:
Surname
Given Name
Name Flag (Alias, if applicable)
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
Additional Information
Accompanying Family Members: Listed if applicable
First Residence in Canada: Address and name of host (if applicable)
Government Reference
Various lines for government use, including remarks by CBSA officers and specific details about your landing.
Verification
Date and Signature: Verifies the information, including the landing date.
Official Use
Lines for CBSA officer remarks, flight number, amount of money in possession, conditions on PR status, date of becoming a PR, place of landing, and immigration officer’s signature.
This document is crucial for your immigration process and should be kept safe as you complete your landing in Canada.
What happens if my COPR expires?
For those looking to settle permanently in Canada, it’s essential to utilize your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) before it expires. Generally, a COPR is valid for one year from the date of issue. During this time, successful applicants must land in Canada to complete the permanent residency process.
It’s important to note that while IRCC provided extensions for COPRs during the COVID-19 pandemic, these measures have since been phased out. As a result, applicants who fail to land before their COPR expires will likely need to re-apply for permanent residence and restart the entire process.
To avoid complications, ensure that you plan your travel to Canada within the validity period of your COPR.
Contact The Millennium Immigration for Assistance
If you need assistance with Canadian immigration, The Millenium Immigration is a reputable firm with extensive experience. They have over 60 professionals dedicated to helping individuals navigate the immigration process, whether it’s skilled worker immigration, family sponsorship, work or study permits, or citizenship matters. With a strong online presence through themillenniumimmigration.com, they are a trusted resource for many seeking to achieve their immigration goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help!