Landing in Canada as a New PR: Your COPR, Arrival and First PR Card
Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) proves IRCC approved you. If you are outside Canada, you must arrive before the valid-to date and show it to a border officer. After landing, your first PR card comes by mail with no new application.
since 1991
What is a COPR?
A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) is the document that proves IRCC approved you for permanent residence. IRCC also calls it IMM 5292 or IMM 5688.
It carries a valid-to date for people outside Canada. It stays valid proof of your status until you receive your PR card.
What happens when you land?
You show your COPR and documents to a Canada Border Services Agency officer at the port of entry. The officer checks them and completes your COPR by signing it and adding your entry date.
Why it matters
- Deadline: arrive before the valid-to date on your COPR
- Proof: your COPR proves your status until the card arrives
- Card: IRCC mails your first PR card after landing
Is this page for you?
A quick check before you travel.
Read this if you
- Have your COPR and live outside Canada
- Are about to land in Canada
- Are waiting for your first PR card
Look elsewhere if you
- Already have a card and want to renew it
- Want to travel with no valid card
- Need to check the residency rule
See PR card, travel as a PR and the after you get PR guide.
What your COPR and landing involve
Check your own COPR for your dates. These points come from IRCC. Source: IRCC.
Valid-to date
Applicants outside Canada must arrive by this date.
Port of entry
A border officer checks your COPR and your documents.
Entry date
The officer signs your COPR and adds your entry date.
Address and photo
Give IRCC your Canadian address and a photo within 180 days.
First PR card
It arrives by mail. You normally do not apply for it.
Want your landing checked?
We review your COPR dates, your plans and your documents before you travel.
Rules to know before you land
Check the valid-to date
If you are outside Canada, you must arrive before the date on your COPR.
Bring your documents
Bring your COPR and the documents it refers to for the officer to check.
Keep your COPR safe
It proves your status until your PR card arrives, so keep it with you.
Send your address and photo
IRCC mails your first PR card if it has your Canadian address and photo within 180 days.
Expired COPR
If your COPR expires before you land, contact IRCC before you book a flight.
Check the page date
IRCC changed its COPR page on 9 April 2026. Check it before you travel.
Related pages
These pages cover programs, points and the Express Entry process.
How to land as a new PR
Five actions take you from COPR to PR card.
Check your COPR
Read the valid-to date and the details on it.
Plan your arrival
Book travel to arrive before the valid-to date.
Show your COPR
Give your COPR and documents to the border officer.
Send your details
Give IRCC your Canadian address and a photo within 180 days.
Wait for your card
Your first PR card arrives by mail. Use your COPR as proof until then.
Want help before you land?
We check your COPR and your plans before you travel.
Landing, step by step
Six steps from approval to PR card.
Receive your COPR
IRCC sends your COPR when it approves your application.
Read the details
Check your name, dates and valid-to date.
Arrive in time
Arrive in Canada before the valid-to date if you are outside Canada.
Show your COPR
The officer checks your documents and signs your COPR.
Send your address
Give IRCC your Canadian address and a photo within 180 days.
Get your PR card
IRCC mails your first card. You normally do not apply for it.
Five mistakes new PRs make
These mistakes cause delays.
Missing the valid-to date
Arrive before the date on your COPR.
Skipping the address and photo
Without them, IRCC cannot mail your first PR card.
Losing the COPR
It is your proof of status until the card arrives.
Booking flights too early
If your COPR has expired, ask IRCC before you book.
Applying for a first card out of habit
You normally do not apply for your first PR card.
Landing facts at a glance
Key facts from IRCC, checked October 2026.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
Landing and COPR FAQs
What is a COPR?
A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) proves that IRCC approved you for permanent residence. It stays valid proof of your status until you receive your PR card (IRCC, page modified 9 April 2026).
When must I arrive in Canada?
If you are outside Canada, you must arrive before the valid-to date on your COPR. Check the date as soon as you receive the document.
What happens at the port of entry?
You show your COPR and documents to a Canada Border Services Agency officer. The officer checks them and completes your COPR by signing it and adding your entry date.
Do I need to apply for my first PR card?
Normally no. IRCC mails your first PR card if it has your Canadian address and a photo within 180 days of landing.
What do I send IRCC after landing?
Send your Canadian mailing address and a photo within 180 days. IRCC uses them to make and mail your first PR card.
What proves my status before the card arrives?
Your COPR does. You can use it as proof of PR status while you wait for your PR card.
What if my COPR has expired?
Contact IRCC before you book a flight. IRCC advises people with an expired COPR not to travel until they receive a new one.
How much does it cost to become a PR?
The federal fees include a $1,590 fee for an adult principal applicant, which covers the right of permanent residence fee. See our PR fees page for the full list.
Can Amir Ismail help me before I land?
Yes. We check your COPR dates, your plans and your documents before you travel. Book a Strategy Consultation to start.