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1011 Parsons Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 - CANADA

Office # 6, Second Floor, Blook-D, Spring North Commercial, Phase-7, Bahria Town, Islamabad

1011 Parsons Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 - CANADA

Office # 6, Second Floor, Blook-D, Spring North Commercial, Phase-7, Bahria Town, Islamabad

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Soft Landing as a PR in Canada

Soft landings give new Canadian permanent residents (PRs) the opportunity to better prepare themselves for an eventual permanent move to Canada. Explore what a soft landing is, who can perform one, the pros and cons of the procedure, and much more.

Table of Contents
  • Overview
  • Is a soft landing possible in Canada?
  • Who can do a soft landing?
  • What documents do I need for a soft landing in Canada?
  • What are the advantages of doing a soft landing in Canada?
  • What are the disadvantages of doing a soft landing in Canada?
  • Can I get a PR card during a soft landing?
  • Can I open a bank account during a soft landing?
  • What else can I do when I perform a soft landing in Canada?
  • Can doing a soft landing create problems when I come back to Canada permanently later?

Overview

Understanding Soft Landings for New Permanent Residents in Canada

A soft landing is a process that enables foreign nationals holding a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) to enter Canada before making their permanent move. This opportunity allows incoming permanent residents (PRs) to finalize their immigration procedures and start establishing their new life in Canada.

What is a Soft Landing?
A soft landing permits PRs to visit Canada briefly to complete necessary immigration steps. This can include obtaining essential documents and preparing for their eventual full-time relocation.

Who is Eligible?
Any foreign national with a valid CoPR can perform a soft landing, allowing them to take initial steps toward their new life in Canada without fully committing to the move right away.

Required Documents
To undertake a soft landing, individuals will need several key documents:
Valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR)
Passport
Any additional paperwork requested by immigration authorities

Pros and Cons of a Soft Landing

Pros:
1. Early Preparation: New PRs can get a head start on settling in, exploring their community, and making necessary arrangements.
2. Complete Immigration Processes: This period allows for the completion of immigration procedures, including obtaining a PR card.
3. Establishing Essentials: PRs can open bank accounts, apply for health care, and set up other essential services.

Cons:
1. Time Constraints: The soft landing period may be limited, making it challenging to accomplish everything needed.
2. Costs: There may be financial implications for travel and temporary living expenses.
3. Adjustment Challenges: Newcomers might experience culture shock or homesickness during their initial stay.

Accomplishments During a Soft Landing
During their time in Canada, PRs can:
Obtain their PR card
Open a Canadian bank account
Familiarize themselves with local services and resources

FAQ: Will a Soft Landing Affect Permanent Relocation?
A common concern for incoming PRs is whether a soft landing will create issues when they move to Canada permanently. Generally, it will not, as long as all immigration regulations are followed and residency obligations are maintained.

Conclusion
A soft landing is an advantageous option for new permanent residents, offering a chance to prepare for their new life in Canada while fulfilling immigration requirements. Understanding the process, necessary documents, and potential benefits can help newcomers make informed decisions as they embark on their journey.

Is a soft landing possible in Canada?

A soft landing is a process that allows new immigrants to Canada to make a brief visit before their permanent relocation. This opportunity enables them to finalize their immigration procedures and begin the journey of settling into their new life in Canada.

While we’ll explore in more detail what can be achieved during a soft landing later, it’s essential to understand that this practice is both legal and a right for any foreign national holding a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR).

Who can do a soft landing?

A soft landing can be performed by any foreign national who possesses the following:

  • A valid CoPR
  • A permissible medical test result
  • A valid visa

What documents do I need for a soft landing in Canada?

To carry out a soft landing, foreign nationals need to have the following:

1. Valid CoPR
A valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) is essential for the soft landing process.

2. Valid Foreign Passport and IM-1 Visa (if applicable)
New Canadian immigrants from non-visa-exempt countries will need a single-entry IM-1 visa, which is valid until the one-year anniversary of their medical results.

3. Proof of Funds
For those who qualified through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), proof of settlement funds is necessary upon entry into Canada. This proof can be demonstrated using cash, bank drafts, traveler’s cheques, or an official letter from a bank.

4. Forms B4 & B4A
These forms help newcomers avoid paying duties on personal belongings brought from their home country. The B4A form is particularly important for soft landings, as it must list all items intended for entry into Canada during both the soft landing and the eventual permanent move.

What are the advantages of doing a soft landing in Canada?

Performing a soft landing before making a permanent move to Canada offers numerous advantages.

One key benefit is the opportunity to obtain your PR card before your full immigration. Additionally, since there’s no time limit on how long you can stay during a soft landing, newcomers can use this period to explore their new community. Whether it’s finding the right neighborhood or getting to know the city you plan to call home, a soft landing allows you to better prepare for your future in Canada.

Moreover, since a soft landing involves returning to your home country, it allows newcomers to maintain their current employment while seeking job opportunities in Canada from abroad. This arrangement enables you to continue earning an income, helping to bolster your savings for when you eventually move.

Returning home with your PR card and Social Insurance Number (SIN) can also enhance your appeal to potential Canadian employers. Many companies in Canada prefer candidates who are already permanent residents or citizens, making your job search more effective when you’re ready to transition to your new life in Canada.

What are the disadvantages of doing a soft landing in Canada?

While a soft landing offers several advantages, it can also come with significant upfront costs for newcomers. Instead of making a single flight to Canada for a permanent move, you’ll need to book an additional round-trip flight back to your home country. This adds to your travel expenses, along with accommodation, food, and other essentials during your stay.

Moreover, it’s important to consider the implications for residency requirements. To maintain PR status, immigrants must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within a five-year period. Additionally, to apply for Canadian citizenship, PRs need to reside in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years leading up to their application. A soft landing can complicate meeting these residency requirements since it necessitates a return to your home country before your permanent relocation.

Can I get a PR card during a soft landing?

The processing time for a PR card can vary, but it typically starts after the newcomer completes their landing interview. This means it’s possible to receive your PR card before leaving Canada at the end of a soft landing. Since there’s no limit on how long you can stay during a soft landing, it’s advisable to remain in Canada until your PR card arrives.

If staying isn’t feasible, newcomers can arrange for trusted friends or family members in Canada to receive the card on their behalf and then send it to them in their home country.

Important: Newcomers who cannot remain in Canada until they receive their PR card must ensure that it is shipped to them, as possession of the PR card is required for their return to Canada for a permanent move.

Can I open a bank account during a soft landing?

For newcomers to Canada undertaking a soft landing, it’s possible to open a bank account using a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) as a form of government-issued identification instead of a PR card. This is beneficial because it facilitates the process of transferring funds from your home country into Canada when you’re ready for your permanent move. Having a local bank account can help streamline your financial transition and make settling into your new life easier.

What else can I do when I perform a soft landing in Canada?

Here’s a list of additional tasks that new Canadian permanent residents can complete during a soft landing, beyond getting a PR card and opening a bank account:

Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN): Essential for working in Canada and accessing government services.
Obtain a Driver’s License: Allows you to drive legally and establishes residency.
Get a Canadian SIM Card: Helps you stay connected and facilitates communication.
Register for a Health Card: Ensures access to provincial healthcare services.
Build a Professional Network: Connect with local professionals to enhance job prospects and integrate into the community.

Can doing a soft landing create problems when I come back to Canada permanently later?

Incoming permanent residents can feel confident that a soft landing will not jeopardize their eventual permanent move to Canada. It should not cause any issues at the border, as long as they present their PR card upon arrival. If any questions arise from the immigration officer, they can simply explain that they have completed a soft landing previously.

Contact The Millennium Immigration for Assistance

Are you in need of assistance with Canadian immigration?

The Millennium Immigration is a premier Canadian immigration law firm with over 11 years of experience. Our team consists of more than 60 skilled immigration lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals dedicated to helping individuals achieve their Canadian immigration goals. We offer support in various areas, including skilled worker and business immigration, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, citizenship, and addressing inadmissibility issues.

TheMillenniumImmigration.com serves as our online platform, providing valuable resources for anyone navigating the Canadian immigration process. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance—we’re here to help!

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