Securing your Permanent Residence (PR) approval is a milestone if you’re planning to move to Canada from overseas. However, aligning this achievement with your current commitments abroad requires careful timing and understanding of the involved deadlines. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you navigate through this transition period effectively.
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Timeline Considerations After PR Approval
CoPR Expiry Awareness:
Post-approval, you will receive aConfirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR). The expiry date on this document is pivotal in planning your move. Typically, this date corresponds with the one-year validity of your medical examination results. For instance, medical tests conducted in June 2023 would set your CoPR expiry around June 2024. Note that if your passport’s expiry precedes your medical expiry date, your CoPR will expire alongside your passport.
Arrival and Landing Protocol:
Ensure your arrival in Canada happens before the CoPR expiry. This requirement also applies to dependents listed in your PR application; they must arrive either with you or before you. For current residents in Canada, you can affirm your permanent resident status via the IRCC online portal.
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Initial Steps After Arrival
Securing Your PR Card:
Once you’ve arrived, promptly applying for your PR card is wise. This card is crucial for future re-entry into Canada. Keep in mind, PR cards are not sent to addresses outside Canada. If you’re yet to secure a permanent address in Canada, consider having the card sent to your immigration lawyer or arrange to pick it up once it’s ready.
PR Card Processing Duration:
Anticipate a wait of over three months for your PR card to be processed. If you need to travel back to your home country during this time, securing a PR travel document is essential to ensure your smooth return to Canada.
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Upholding Your Permanent Resident Status
Meeting Residency Requirements:
Post-landing, maintaining your PR status necessitates being physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within any five-year timeframe. If your plans include time outside Canada after your arrival, it’s crucial to balance your absences to meet these residency norms.
Understanding Residency Exemptions:
There are scenarios where you might be exempt from these residency conditions, like accompanying a Canadian citizen family member or working full-time for a Canadian employer. Detailed information about these exemptions and meeting your residency duties is available on the Residency Obligations page.
In essence, while transitioning to your new life in Canada with a PR status requires diligent planning and adherence to certain timeframes, a clear understanding of these parameters can ensure a seamless and worry-free relocation. From your pre-move preparations to fulfilling your residency duties, every phase is integral in laying a solid foundation for your new chapter in Canada.
