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You’ve done it—you’ve received your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and are ready to officially land in Canada. This moment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in one of the most welcoming countries in the world.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about landing in Canada, including:
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when you arrive in Canada as a new permanent resident.
The term landing in Canada refers to the official process of entering Canada for the first time as a permanent resident. It’s the final step in your immigration journey, where a border officer confirms your status and allows you to begin living and working in Canada permanently.
This is different from simply arriving in Canada—you’re not officially recognized as a permanent resident until you complete the landing process.
Many newcomers search online for “what does landing in Canada mean?” or “how to land in Canada as a permanent resident,” especially as their travel date approaches.
Before you board your flight or cross the land border into Canada, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. These include:
Arriving without the right documentation can cause delays or even lead to being denied entry. Queries like “documents needed for landing in Canada” or “what to bring when landing in Canada” are common among new immigrants preparing for arrival.
Before you fly to Canada, there are several key steps to ensure a smooth landing experience.
Make sure your Confirmation of Permanent Residence is still valid. Most COPRs are valid for up to six months from the issuance date.
As of 2025, all travelers must submit their customs and immigration details via the ArriveCAN app or website before arrival. This includes uploading your COPR and proof of vaccination (if applicable).
Carry printed copies of all your immigration documents, along with some Canadian currency, medications, and contact information for your local settlement agency.
Many people search for “how to prepare for landing in Canada” or “what to do before flying to Canada as a PR,” showing how important it is to be well-prepared.
When you arrive at the airport or land border, you’ll go through Canadian customs and immigration . Here’s what to expect:
You’ll hand over your passport, COPR, and other supporting documents to the immigration officer. They may ask questions about your plans in Canada, such as where you’ll live and how you’ll support yourself.
If not already completed, your fingerprints and photo may be collected at the border.
Once approved, the officer will stamp your passport and issue a port-of-entry (POE) receipt , which acts as temporary proof of your permanent resident status until your PR card arrives.
Queries like “what happens when you land in Canada as a PR?” or “landing interview Canada questions” are frequently searched by nervous newcomers.
After completing the landing process, IRCC will mail your Permanent Resident (PR) card to the Canadian address you provided during your application. It typically takes 4–6 weeks to arrive.
If you don’t receive it within two months, you should contact IRCC to check the status.
Some people search “when do I get my PR card after landing?” or “permanent resident card delivery Canada,” highlighting the importance of tracking your card once you’ve arrived.
Now that you’ve officially landed, it’s time to start building your life in Canada. Here are some key steps:
Having a local bank account makes managing finances easier. Many banks offer free accounts for newcomers.
This is essential for working, paying taxes, and accessing government services.
Each province has its own health care system. Register with your provincial health insurance plan as soon as possible.
Start looking for temporary accommodation while searching for a permanent place to live.
Most cities offer free support programs for newcomers, including language classes, job placement help, and cultural orientation.
Newcomers often search “things to do after landing in Canada” or “how to settle in Canada after PR,” showing interest in next steps after arrival.
If you weren’t able to bring your entire family when you landed, you can sponsor eligible relatives later.
Spouses, partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents can be sponsored under different family class sponsorship programs .
People frequently ask “can I sponsor my spouse after landing in Canada?” or “how to bring family to Canada after PR,” showing how central family reunification is to long-term settlement.
After landing in Canada, you must meet your residency obligation —you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days out of every five years to keep your PR status.
Queries like “how many days do I have to stay in Canada as a PR?” or “can I lose my PR status Canada?” are common among those planning future travel.
Once you’ve lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least four out of the last six years , you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship .
To qualify, you’ll also need to:
Many people search “how to become a citizen after landing in Canada” or “citizenship application after PR,” indicating long-term integration goals.
Landing in Canada is a major milestone in your immigration journey. With the right preparation, understanding of the process, and a clear plan for settling in, you’re setting yourself up for success in your new home.
From knowing what documents to bring, to understanding what happens at the border and what comes next, this guide has covered the essentials to help you navigate the process confidently.
With careful planning and a positive mindset, your dream of calling Canada home can become a reality.
What is a Canadian Residency Permit Card? The term “Canadian Residency Permit Card” is often misunderstood or misused. Canada does not issue a specific document called a “Residency Permit Card.” Instead, the official document that proves an individual’s status as a permanent resident in Canada is the Permanent Resident (PR) Card . For temporary residents,…
