Express Entry Approval: Your Complete Guide to COPR, Visa, Landing, and Becoming a Permanent Resident of Canada

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Congratulations! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved your Express Entry application for permanent residence. This is a life‑changing milestone. But the journey is not over. You still need to understand your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) , the permanent resident visa (if applicable), how to prepare for your arrival in Canada, and what happens when you land.

This guide covers everything you need to know – from checking your COPR for errors to what to say to the border services officer. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Canada.

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On This Page

1. What Happens After Express Entry Approval?
2. Understanding the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
3. The Permanent Resident Visa (If You Need One)
4. Check Your COPR for Errors – Critical Step
5. COPR Expiry Date – Why You Cannot Extend It
6. Travel to Canada Before Your COPR Expires
7. What to Pack and Bring
8. Landing in Canada: At the Port of Entry
9. If You Are Already in Canada (Virtual Landing)
10. After Landing: Next Steps for New Permanent Residents
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
12. Official Resources and Final Checklist

1. What Happens After Express Entry Approval?

Once IRCC approves your Express Entry application for permanent residence, they will:

• Issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) for you and each accompanying family member.
• If you are from a country that requires a visa, they will also issue a permanent resident visa placed in your passport.
• These documents will be mailed to you (or made available for download in your IRCC online account, depending on current procedures).

Note: The COPR is not a travel document. It is a letter confirming your status. You must travel to Canada with either your permanent resident visa (if required) or your valid passport from a visa‑exempt country, plus the COPR.

2. Understanding the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

The Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is a crucial document. It contains:

• Your name, date of birth, and other personal identifiers.
• A unique document number.
• Your photograph (the same one you submitted with your application).
• The date you became a permanent resident (to be filled by the border officer upon landing).
• An expiry date (see section 5 below).

Why is the COPR important?

• You must present it to a border services officer when you arrive in Canada (or when you complete virtual landing if already in Canada).
• After landing, your COPR becomes proof of your permanent resident status until you receive your PR card.
• You will use it to apply for government services, such as a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and health insurance.
• What is the difference between COPR and eCOPR Canada?

Important: Keep your COPR in a safe place. Do not laminate it. It is a legal document.

3. The Permanent Resident Visa (If You Need One)

If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, IRCC will issue a permanent resident visa in addition to your COPR. This visa is placed as a sticker inside your passport.

Key points about the PR visa:

• It is a single‑entry visa. Once you use it to enter Canada, it becomes invalid.
• The visa expiry date will match the expiry date on your COPR. You must arrive in Canada before both expire.
• If you have family members accompanying you, each person will receive their own visa (including children).

Who does NOT need a PR visa?

Citizens of visa‑exempt countries (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia, etc.) do not receive a visa sticker. They simply travel with their valid passport and COPR.

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4. Check Your COPR for Errors – Critical Step

As soon as you receive your COPR, check every piece of information carefully. Compare it to your passport.

Information to verify	Why it matters
Full name (exactly as in passport)	Any discrepancy could cause problems at the border.
Date of birth	Must match your passport exactly.
Gender	Must be correct.
Passport number	If printed on the COPR, must match.
Photograph	Should be a recent, recognizable photo of you.

What to do if you find a mistake

Contact IRCC immediately through your online account (using the web form). Do not travel to Canada with an incorrect COPR. Correcting an error after arrival is much more difficult and could delay your access to services.

Warning: If your name is misspelled or your date of birth is wrong, the border officer may not be able to process your landing. You could be turned away or have to wait for a corrected COPR to be issued.

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5. COPR Expiry Date – Why You Cannot Extend It

Your COPR has an expiry date. This date is based on:

• The expiry date of your medical examination results (usually 12 months from the date of the exam), or
• The expiry date of your passport (whichever comes first).

Important rules about COPR expiry:

• You must arrive in Canada and complete your landing before the COPR expires.
• IRCC will not extend your COPR for any reason (except in extremely rare, exceptional circumstances, such as a documented global travel ban).
• If your COPR expires before you land, you lose your permanent residence approval. You would have to reapply through Express Entry from scratch – paying fees, submitting documents, and competing in the pool again.

What if you cannot travel before the expiry date?

• Try to reschedule your travel plans. This is your only reliable option.
• If you have a serious medical or family emergency, contact IRCC immediately via web form. Do not assume they will grant an extension – they almost never do.

Pro tip: Do not wait until the last week to travel. Allow a buffer of at least two weeks in case of flight cancellations, weather delays, or personal emergencies.

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6. Travel to Canada Before Your COPR Expires

Once you have your COPR and, if needed, your PR visa, you can travel to Canada. You do not need to wait for a separate “landing appointment.”

For applicants outside Canada:

• Book a flight to any Canadian airport that handles international arrivals (most major airports: Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal‑Trudeau, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax, Winnipeg, etc.).
• You can also arrive by land (from the United States) at an official port of entry.
• You do not need to travel with your entire family at the same time, but dependents who are accompanying you must travel with you or later with their own COPR and visa. However, it is simpler for everyone to land together.

What to tell the airline check‑in agent:

Show your permanent resident visa (if you have one) or your COPR + passport (if visa‑exempt). The airline needs to confirm you have the correct documents to board. Some airlines may be unfamiliar with COPR, so carry a printed copy of IRCC’s official guidance (available on the IRCC website).

Travel to Canada from the US:

If you are driving or taking a bus or train, you will present your COPR and passport at the land border crossing. The process is similar to arriving by air.

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7. What to Pack and Bring

In addition to your COPR and passport, bring:

• Proof of funds – If you are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after arrival. Bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from your bank are acceptable. Even if you already have a job offer, it is wise to carry proof.
• List of personal belongings – For customs purposes, prepare a list of goods you are bringing with you (including serial numbers for electronics) and a separate list of goods that will arrive later (if shipping). This can help avoid duties.
• Important documents – Birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational credentials (original or certified copies), and reference letters from employers (even if you already submitted them to IRCC).
• Settlement funds – At least enough for a few months’ expenses. A Canadian bank account is not required before arrival, but it helps.

Do not bring: Prohibited items such as firearms (unless you have proper licenses and declarations), certain foods, or large amounts of undeclared cash (over CAD $10,000 must be declared).

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8. Landing in Canada: At the Port of Entry

When you arrive at a Canadian airport or land border crossing, you will go through primary inspection with a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.

Step‑by‑step landing process:

1. Primary inspection – The officer will scan your passport and ask basic questions about your trip, goods, and purpose of travel. Tell the officer: “I am here to land as a permanent resident. I have my COPR.”
2. Secondary inspection – You will be directed to a secondary area where immigration officers process new permanent residents. This is where the actual landing takes place.
3. Officer reviews your documents – The officer will examine your COPR and passport. They may ask:
   • “Is the information on your COPR correct?”
   • “Have you ever been convicted of a crime in any country?”
   • “Do you have any dependents not listed on your application?”
   • “Do you have enough funds to support yourself?”
4. Signing the COPR – The officer will ask you to sign the COPR. Do not sign it beforehand. You will sign in their presence. The officer will also keep one copy for IRCC and return the other copy to you. This returned copy is your official proof of permanent residence.
5. Confirmation of address – The officer will ask for a Canadian mailing address. Your permanent resident card will be mailed to this address within about 60 days. If you do not have an address yet, you can provide it later via the IRCC web form.
6. Customs declaration – You will declare any goods you are bringing into Canada. As a new permanent resident, you are generally allowed to bring your personal belongings duty‑free. You may also be allowed to bring goods that arrive later (e.g., shipped furniture) without paying duties, provided you declare them now.

After landing:

• The officer will stamp your passport (if needed) and return your COPR.
• You are now a permanent resident of Canada. You can leave and re‑enter Canada using your PR card (once issued) or a Permanent Resident Travel Document (if you leave before receiving the card).

Important: Do not lose your COPR. You will need it to apply for government benefits, health insurance, and your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

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9. If You Are Already in Canada (Virtual Landing)

If you were already in Canada as a temporary resident (worker, student, or visitor) when your Express Entry application was approved, you may not need to travel to a port of entry. Instead, IRCC will:

• Send you a virtual landing invitation through your online account.
• You will attend a brief online interview (by phone or video) with an IRCC officer.
• You will confirm your address and upload a photo for your PR card.
• Your COPR will be made available for download in your account.
• You are considered landed on the date of the virtual interview.

Do not leave Canada until you receive your PR card, unless you have a valid visa to return (e.g., eTA for US citizens). Leaving Canada without a PR card may require you to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document to return.

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10. After Landing: Next Steps for New Permanent Residents

Immediate steps (within days of landing):

Action	Why it matters
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)	You need a SIN to work, pay taxes, and access government benefits. Apply at any Service Canada office or online. Bring your COPR.
Apply for provincial health insurance	Each province has a waiting period (up to 3 months). Apply immediately. In the meantime, purchase private health insurance.
Open a Canadian bank account	To receive paychecks, pay bills, and build credit. Bring your COPR and passport.
Find a family doctor	Register with Health Care Connect (in Ontario) or equivalent in your province.
Update your address	Use the IRCC web form if you provided a temporary address at landing but now have a permanent one.

Within the first few months:

• Receive your PR card – Mailed to your Canadian address. It typically takes 60‑90 days. Use the PR card to re‑enter Canada without needing a visa.
• Register children in school – Public education is free and mandatory for children aged 5‑18.
• Look for employment – Update your resume to Canadian standards. Use job banks, settlement agencies, and networking events.
• Enroll in language classes – Free LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes are available if needed.
• Apply for a driver’s license – Exchange your foreign license (if from a reciprocal country) or take the written and road tests.

Long‑term obligations:

• Residency obligation – To keep your permanent resident status, you must live in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5‑year period. This does not have to be consecutive.
• File taxes – You must file a Canadian tax return every year, even if you have no income, to receive benefits like the GST/HST credit and Canada Child Benefit.
• Apply for citizenship – After living in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 3 years (1,095 days) in the last 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. You will also need to file taxes for at least 3 years and pass a citizenship test.

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11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I travel to Canada before my COPR expires, even if my visa‑exempt passport is valid?

Yes. If you are visa‑exempt, you only need your valid passport and COPR. You do not need a separate visa sticker.

Q2: What if my passport expires before my COPR?

Your COPR expiry date cannot be later than your passport expiry. If your passport expires soon, renew it before you submit your Express Entry application. If you already have your COPR and your passport expires earlier, you cannot extend the COPR. You must travel before the earlier of the two dates.

Q3: Can I land in Quebec if I applied under a federal Express Entry stream (FSW, CEC, FST)?

Yes, but you must intend to live outside Quebec. If you land in Quebec, the border officer may question whether you plan to settle there. It is better to land in another province if you are not a Quebec‑selected applicant.

Q4: I have a dependent who cannot travel before the COPR expires. What can I do?

Contact IRCC immediately via web form. In very rare cases, they may allow the principal applicant to land first and the dependent to land later with a new COPR. But this is not guaranteed. The best solution is for everyone to travel before the expiry.

Q5: How long after landing will I receive my PR card?

Usually 60‑90 days. You can check processing times on the IRCC website. If you need to travel before receiving it, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at a Canadian visa office abroad.

Q6: My COPR has an error. Should I still travel?

No. Contact IRCC immediately to request a corrected COPR. Traveling with an incorrect COPR could result in refusal of landing or delays.

Q7: Can I work immediately after landing?

Yes. You do not need a work permit. Once you have a SIN, you can work for any employer. However, some regulated professions (e.g., doctors, lawyers, engineers) require provincial licensing before you can practice.

Q8: What happens if my COPR expires while I am in transit (e.g., on a flight to Canada)?

You must have landed before the expiry date. If your flight lands after midnight UTC (or local time at the port of entry), you may be refused entry. Always schedule your arrival at least a few days before the expiry.

Q9: I am already in Canada as a worker. Can I just go to a port of entry to land?

If you have a valid work permit and study permit (or visitor status), you may be able to complete your landing by leaving Canada and re‑entering (called “flagpoling”). However, flagpoling is discouraged at many ports of entry due to long waits. Virtual landing is the preferred method for in‑Canada applicants. Check with IRCC.

Q10: Where can I find my COPR number?

The COPR number is a unique identifier printed at the top of the document. You will need it for some government applications.

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12. Official Resources and Final Checklist

Resource	Link
IRCC – After you apply (Express Entry)	canada.ca/immigration/express-entry/after-apply
Confirmation of Permanent Residence	canada.ca/copr
Apply for SIN	canada.ca/social-insurance-number
Provincial health insurance	Links available on province’s website
PR card processing times	canada.ca/pr-card-processing

Final Checklist Before You Travel

• COPR is correct – no errors.
• PR visa (if needed) is affixed to passport.
• Passport valid for entire duration of stay.
• Travel booked to arrive before COPR expiry date.
• Proof of funds (bank statements) packed.
• List of personal goods (for customs) prepared.
• Canadian mailing address ready for PR card.
• Copies of all documents stored separately (in case originals are lost).

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Bottom Line

Your Express Entry approval is a monumental achievement. But the COPR is a time‑sensitive document. You must land in Canada before it expires – no exceptions.

• Check your COPR immediately for errors.
• Book travel early to avoid last‑minute problems.
• Present your COPR and passport to the border officer.
• After landing, apply for SIN, health card, and PR card.

Follow this guide, and you will transition smoothly from approved applicant to landed permanent resident. Welcome to Canada!

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