You don’t have to move to Canada right away once your application for Canadian Permanent Residence is approved. However, you must land in Canada before the expiry of your CoPR visa. After you have landed and confirmed your permanent residence status, you can take your time with the moving process.

If you are crossing the border as a temporary resident, you must ensure you have the proper documentation required for your entry. Many countries require a visa to enter Canada, while some countries are visa-exempt. As well, ensure you have the necessary identification documents. When crossing the border to become a permanent resident, there are certain protocols you must follow. Ensure you have the following essential documents:

• Canadian immigrant visa (unless coming from a visa-exempt country)
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member travelling
• Valid passport or other travel document for each family member travelling
• Two Copies of:
  • A detailed list of all the personal or household items you’re bring with you
  • A list of items that are arriving later and their money value.

Do not pack these documents. Keep them with you and your family members at all times. When entering Canada to become a permanent resident, you must disclose funds if you’re carrying more than $10,000 CAD.

When you arrive in Canada, you will need to have a place to live. Some newcomers choose to find accommodations before arriving in Canada. However, we do advise caution when arranging accommodations in advance as there does exist some fraud on the rental and housing market. Many newcomers choose to stay temporarily in a hotel or with friends or relatives when they first arrive. This gives them time to search, in-person, for accommodations. Once you’ve decided where you’d like to live, be sure to check with Newcomers Canada to see if they have resources with which they can support you.

All Canadian citizens and permanent residents have access to Canada’s healthcare system and social services. Consult with Newcomers Canada to learn more about how to access these services. Temporary residents, including workers, students, and visitors, should ensure they have access to health insurance during their stay in Canada.

The Canadian government believes that the integration of newcomers is essential to their success in Canada. For this reason, Canada offers a wide range of services to assist those who are new to Canada. These services can provide guidance regarding housing, schooling, employment, language training, transportation, and many other areas. To learn more about these services, simply check the Newcomer Services section of the Canadian government website.