Success story: Canada PR approved – family of 4 in two countries
When a Canadian permanent residence application is approved, joy comes to the whole family. But what if the parents and one child are in Vietnam, while the other child is in Canada—how will the PR finalization procedure unfold?
This was the real-life situation of a Vietnamese entrepreneurial family supported by KeyApply in coordination with our partner immigration lawyer. The story illustrates that being notified of PR approval does not mean all family members can complete the procedures in the same way.
February 2024: Receiving good news from the immigration lawyer
On February 20, 2024, our partner immigration lawyer sent a congratulatory message to the family as their permanent residence application reached the PR confirmation stage. The clients were provided with an invitation to use Pre-arrival Services, along with instructions for navigating the IRCC Permanent Residence Confirmation Portal.
However, upon reviewing the IRCC guidelines, the family discovered an issue that needed to be resolved.
One family, two different locations
At the time of notification, the husband, wife, and son were in Vietnam, while the daughter was in Canada. All members received the email instructions from IRCC, but they were not all physically present in Canada.
The husband proactively asked whether the whole family could use the PR Portal or if they needed to follow different procedures. KeyApply coordinated to forward these questions to the immigration lawyer for appropriate guidance.
Cannot confirm presence in Canada when actually in Vietnam
On February 21, 2024, the lawyer explained that members outside Canada must accurately report their physical status to IRCC. The lawyer would need to request the appropriate immigrant visa issuance procedure for those residing outside Canada.
For the daughter currently in Canada, the PR confirmation needed to be coordinated with the principal applicant's progress. According to the lawyer's instructions on the file, the daughter would receive her PR status after her father obtained his immigrant visa and completed the landing procedures as required.
The family must not declare that everyone is in Canada just to use the same online PR confirmation process. Information provided to IRCC must accurately reflect the actual status of each individual.
With a valid Canadian visa, can we fly over to finalize PR?
On February 22, 2024, the clients asked the lawyer again: the husband and wife held valid Canadian Visitor Visas, and the son had a visa and Study Permit related to his schooling. The family wanted to know if they could use their existing documents to travel to Canada and then complete the PR confirmation process in-country.
On February 23, 2024, the lawyer explained that if members could be legally present in Canada, completing the procedures together domestically might be simpler. However, the family must still comply with IRCC guidelines and honestly declare their actual place of residence.
May 2024: Processing Work Permit application no longer necessary
While waiting for the PR to be finalized, the husband also had a Work Permit extension application in progress. On May 29, 2024, the lawyer confirmed receipt of the withdrawal letter for the work permit extension, as the permanent residence application had been approved.
When immigration circumstances change, pending temporary resident permit applications should be reviewed to determine if they are still needed. One should not automatically withdraw an application simply because a positive PR notification has been received without professional guidance.
September 2024: More good news regarding the COPR
On September 12, 2024, the lawyer announced that the system had recorded the issuance of a COPR for one family member. The client confirmed receipt of the document and sent it back for the lawyer to verify; the lawyer responded with congratulations.
This was a positive milestone in the permanent residence finalization process. The exchanged documents confirmed the COPR result for this member, but were not sufficient to determine the individual COPR issuance dates for all remaining members.
Lessons from a unique family file
1. Being on the same PR application does not mean all members complete the procedures the same way. If members are in different countries, IRCC may require different confirmation steps.
2. You must declare your actual location accurately. Those currently in Vietnam must not confirm they are in Canada just because they received the PR Portal email instructions.
3. Distinguish between PR approval and officially becoming a permanent resident. An approval letter, an immigrant visa, and a COPR are important steps, but the finalization of PR status still depends on the process applicable to each individual.
4. Consider parallel temporary resident permits. Visitor Visas, Study Permits, and Work Permits have different functions. As PR progresses, clients need to check if any pending extension applications are still necessary.
KeyApply accompanies our clients
Throughout this journey, KeyApply participated in coordinating between the clients and our partner immigration lawyer, assisting in forwarding emerging questions and monitoring relevant processing steps. KeyApply focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and investors in exploring business, investment, and immigration opportunities in Canada. Consulting work and legal representation regarding immigration within the scope of practice are handled by our partner lawyers or RCICs.
ARE YOU WAITING FOR CANADIAN PR RESULTS BUT YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS ARE IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES? Contact KeyApply to find out the steps needed to prepare for your plan to move to Canada. You can call, email, or message us via KeyApply.com.
This article is based on the exchange history and actual application results. Client identities, project names, and identifying information have been omitted. The file recorded PR approval and COPR issuance for one member; it does not claim that all four members have received COPRs without evidence. Procedures and regulations may change over time. The poster is for illustrative purposes.