The main difference between COPR and eCOPR Canada is that the former requires the involvement of a qualified immigration representative, while the latter does not. COPR stands for Confirmation of Permanent Residence and is issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). It confirms an individual’s eligibility to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident. An applicant must have met all requirements as per their immigration category in order to receive a COPR. A COPR is required when an individual arrives in Canada, and it also serves as proof of legal status in the country.
eCOPR stands for Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence, and it grants electronic access to landing documentation instead of physical documents like paper. Unlike COPR, eCOPR does not require a qualified immigration representative to submit the application. It is available to applicants who qualify under certain immigration categories such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program. The applicant must provide valid identification documents in order to obtain an eCOPR. In addition, an eCOPR document automatically expires one year after it was issued. After that time period, an applicant can apply for a physical COPR document if required. Both types of documents serve the same purpose: providing evidence of legal status in Canada that allows a permanent resident to live and work in the country on a permanent basis. However, they differ in teh way the application is presented and submitted. An eCOPR allows an applicant to apply electronically, while a COPR requires the involvement of an immigration representative. Both documents are necessary for permanent residence in Canada.
Once the eCoPR is issued, you are a Permanent Resident of Canada. You can thereafter apply for the following documents with your eCoPR document:
- Social Insurance Number:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/apply.html
- Health card:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-cards.html
- Driver’s licence:
- Provincial identity card:
Visit you provincial website to find more information on obtaining your provincial ID card.
You can go to Service Canada to request a social insurance number after receiving your eCoPR document.
You will need to keep your eCoPR document safe throughout your life. With it, you will be able to claim your Old Age Security benefits upon retiring. Even if you become a Canadian citizen, the Government of Canada may request your eCoPR document.
Your eCoPR is not a valid document for travelling, you need to wait for your PR card before leaving Canada for travelling.
Here’s a comparison of COPR and eCOPR:
- Format:
- COPR: Paper-based document issued by IRCC.
- eCOPR: Electronic version of the COPR, accessible online.
- Accessibility:
- COPR: Mailed to the applicant or given at the port of entry.
- eCOPR: Sent via email or accessible through the applicant’s IRCC online account.
- Processing time:
- COPR: May take longer due to mailing times and manual processing.
- eCOPR: Faster, as it eliminates the need for mailing and can be accessed online.
- Environmental impact:
- COPR: Uses paper, contributing to a larger environmental footprint.
- eCOPR: Paperless, more environmentally friendly.
Both the COPR and eCOPR serve the same purpose, which is to confirm an individual’s permanent resident status in Canada. The introduction of the eCOPR has made the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
eCoPR wait time 2023
As per the latest reports and stats collected by Immigration2Canada team, eCoPR wait time in 2023 is approx. 2-4 weeks after your Portal is setup and you upload the Photo and Home address for PR Card.
Both COPR and eCOPR are issued by CIC. Once an application is approved, CIC will send a letter of introduction to the applicant. The letter of introduction serves as evidence that the individual has been accepted as a permanent resident of Canada and must be presented at a port of entry or visa office in order to enter the country. In addition to providing proof of legal status in Canada, both COPR and eCOPR documents can also help with applying for certain benefits such as social insurance number (SIN), health care coverage and driver’s license in some provinces. Both documents should be kept by the holder at all times while living in Canada.
In conclusion, COPR and eCOPR are two types of documents issued by CIC to grant individuals permanent residence
