Success story: Canada PR approved – from COPR to the landing journey
Receiving a decision to approve Canadian permanent residency is a significant milestone. However, for families living outside of Canada, the journey still has steps to complete before officially becoming a permanent resident.
This story follows the journey of a female Vietnamese client whose permanent residency application was approved in November 2024. Afterward, the client proceeded to finalize the passport submission, receive the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and prepare for her flight to Canada in March 2025. This is a practical example showing that client support does not necessarily end when the PR approval letter is received.
November 2024: Receiving the good news of PR approval
On November 20, 2024, our partner immigration lawyer sent a congratulatory email to the client because her Canadian permanent residency application had been approved. Included with the notification were instructions on submitting her passport to be issued an immigrant visa and completing the subsequent steps.
The client was guided on preparing her passport according to IRCC requirements, the passport request letter, two standard-compliant photos, Appendix B forms, and documents related to family members if requested. The application needed to be submitted to the appropriate Visa Application Centre (VAC) within the timeframe specified in the letter.
December 2024: COPR issued
On December 6, 2024, the immigration lawyer announced that the system had recorded that the COPR had been issued for the client. The lawyer stated that the client was expected to receive her passport back soon and suggested arranging a call to provide guidance on the final steps before entering Canada.
COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) is the document issued during the finalization of a PR application. For individuals currently outside of Canada, being issued a COPR does not mean that the landing procedure to officially become a permanent resident is complete; the client still needs to follow the steps as instructed by the IRCC.
February 2025: Issues arise regarding travel plans
After being issued the COPR, the client began planning her trip to Canada with her child. However, the client planned to stay in Canada for only about two weeks, then return to Vietnam for personal work, and come back to Canada about a month later. The family was concerned that they might not receive their PR Cards before leaving Canada.
For those who have already become permanent residents, using an old temporary resident visa to return to Canada is not the same as it was before obtaining PR. Permanent residents outside of Canada who wish to return via commercial transport need a valid PR Card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), depending on the circumstances.
KeyApply discussed this with the partner immigration lawyer to clarify the issue. The lawyer explained that if a PRTD is needed, the client would apply from outside of Canada after becoming a permanent resident; the processing time can take several weeks. With this, the client had more information to consider her travel plans.
March 2025: Preparing for the flight to Canada
In early March 2025, the client informed us that she had booked her flight for March 13, 2025. Due to the proximity of the flight date, KeyApply proactively contacted the lawyer to arrange a consultation before departure. The lawyer agreed to schedule an early appointment to clarify the landing procedures and travel plans after becoming a permanent resident.
On March 18, 2025, KeyApply continued to support the client by asking the lawyer about the COPR document. The client could not find an eCOPR email from the IRCC. The lawyer explained that in this case, the COPR document was sent along with the passport via courier, not via a separate email like the online confirmation process for some applicants within Canada.
Lessons from this case
1. PR approval is not the final step. Those approved while outside of Canada still need to complete procedures related to the immigrant visa, COPR, and landing according to instructions.
2. Check travel plans before landing. If you intend to leave Canada immediately after becoming a permanent resident, you must account for the possibility that you will not have received your PR Card and may need to apply for a PRTD to return to Canada via commercial transport.
3. Not all clients receive eCOPR via email. The method for receiving documents varies based on the processing procedure. It is necessary to check the documents provided with the passport and the instructions from the IRCC.
4. Post-PR approval coordination remains important. Issues regarding landing, documents, and travel can arise after receiving good news. Being guided in a timely manner helps clients prepare better.
KeyApply accompanies clients
In this case, KeyApply coordinated with the client and the partner immigration lawyer to monitor information, arrange expert consultations, and support the resolution of issues that arose after PR was approved. KeyApply focuses on business and investment solutions and helps clients access services suitable for their plans to come to Canada. Immigration consulting and representation work fall under the licensed scope of practice handled by partner lawyers or RCICs.
ARE YOU WAITING FOR PR RESULTS OR PREPARING TO COME TO CANADA? Please contact KeyApply to learn about support services suitable for your and your family's situation. You can call, email, or message via KeyApply.com.
The article is based on the history of correspondence and actual case results. The client's identity and identifying information have been omitted. The application has been confirmed as PR-approved and a COPR has been issued; the emails checked are not sufficient to confirm the date the client actually completed the landing procedure or received their PR Card. Results and applicable procedures depend on specific circumstances and regulations at each given time. The poster is for illustrative purposes.