Landing in Canada is the most important procedure when you first set foot in the country as a future permanent resident. In other words, landing in Canada is the moment your Permanent Resident status is officially activated by a border officer. After months of waiting on an Express Entry or PNP application, this is the milestone that turns a paper confirmation letter into legally effective resident status. This article guides you step by step, from the documents to prepare to the tasks to complete in the very first days.
What is landing in Canada, and why does it matter
The term “landing” refers to the moment you complete the entry procedure and have your permanent resident status confirmed by an immigration officer. This is not simply passing through ordinary customs.
Before your trip, you would have received the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) along with an immigrant visa stamped in your passport. However, these two documents only allow you to reach the border. Permanent resident status only truly takes effect after a border officer checks and stamps confirmation.
Landing is therefore a mandatory legal step. If skipped or done incorrectly, you may fail to activate your PR status, leading to trouble later when applying for or renewing your card. Understanding the process before you fly is therefore essential.
Preparing documents before you fly
Preparation largely determines how smoothly the landing goes. You should pack all documents in your carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage, so you can present them whenever required.
The core list of documents includes:
- A valid passport with the immigrant visa affixed (if your nationality requires a visa).
- The original, signed Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) letter.
- The port of entry letter or instructions from the immigration department (if any).
- Medical exam results and police certificate (keep copies in case verification is needed).
- Proof of settlement funds demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to settle, if required by your program.
In addition, you need to prepare two accompanying goods lists. This is a point many people overlook, yet it is very important later on.
Two mandatory goods lists
According to the guidance of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you must declare two goods lists when entering the country.
The first list (Goods to Follow) lists items you carry with you on the flight itself. The second list (Goods to Follow Later) lists property you will send later, such as items packed in a shipping container.
These two lists allow you to receive an import duty exemption for personal property shipped later, even if it arrives in Canada months after your landing date. Therefore, clearly record the item name, quantity, and estimated value. Without this list, you may end up paying duty on your own belongings.
Procedures at the port of entry
When the plane lands, you will go through the landing process in the following order:
- Line up at the immigration inspection counter and present your passport and COPR to the border officer.
- Answer basic questions about your purpose of settling, where you will live, and your financial situation.
- Declare the two goods lists prepared above.
- The officer checks your biometric information, verifies your identity, and signs confirmation on the COPR.
- Provide a mailing address in Canada for the immigration department to send your permanent resident card.
Once the officer signs and stamps the COPR, your permanent resident status officially takes effect. This moment usually happens quite quickly, sometimes within just a few minutes.
However, you should remain calm and answer honestly and clearly. All declared information must match what was submitted in your earlier application. If you do not yet have a permanent address, you can use a temporary one and update it later through the immigration department’s online portal.
Providing an address to receive your permanent resident card
The Permanent Resident (PR) card is the document proving your resident status. The immigration department does not issue the card at the airport; instead, it mails it to the address you provide.
Theo Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you need to provide a mailing address in Canada within 180 days of your landing date. The card is usually delivered within a few weeks to a few months.
If you have not yet rented a place, you can use the address of a trusted relative or friend. Once you have a permanent address, update it in the system to ensure the card is delivered to the right place.
Things to do right after landing
Completing the procedure at the airport is only the beginning. In the first few days, you should prioritize a few foundational tasks to settle into your new life.
First, apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This is a mandatory nine-digit number required to work and access government services. You can apply for a SIN online or in person at a Service Canada office, and usually receive the number the same day if you apply at the counter.
Second, open a bank account. Many banks in Canada offer account packages designed specifically for newcomers, making it easier to manage your finances and receive your salary.
Third, register for provincial health insurance. Each province has its own public health system, and some apply a waiting period before coverage takes effect. Therefore, you should register as early as possible and consider purchasing temporary private insurance to cover the waiting period.
Arranging housing and a driver’s license
Besides administrative procedures, you need to settle into housing. In the early stage, short-term rentals are a flexible option that gives you time to explore and find a suitable area.
In addition, if you plan to drive, you should look into the procedure for exchanging or taking a test for a provincial driver’s license. Some provinces recognize foreign licenses for a short period, after which conversion is required.
Finally, if you are bringing young children, contact the local school early to enroll them. Canada’s public education system is free for the children of permanent residents.
Maintaining permanent resident status after landing
PR status is not unconditionally permanent. To keep it and later renew your card, you must meet the residency obligation.
Under current rules, permanent residents must be physically present in Canada for a minimum of 730 days (2 years) within every 5-year period. This is the core condition for renewing the PR card and later becoming eligible to apply for citizenship.
Therefore, right from the day you land, you should plan to actually live in Canada, not just enter and leave. Keeping complete documentation proving your period of residence, such as lease agreements, payslips, and tax records, will make renewal easier later on.
In addition, fees related to the card and immigration services follow the current fee schedule published by the immigration department. You should check directly on the official portal for the most up-to-date figures and avoid relying on unofficial information.
Summary
Landing in Canada is the legal step that activates permanent resident status, turning the COPR letter into effective resident status. For your landing to go smoothly, you need to fully prepare your passport, COPR, and especially the two goods lists, while also mastering the port-of-entry procedure.
After entering the country, the next steps include applying for a Social Insurance Number, opening a bank account, registering for provincial health insurance, and settling into housing. In addition, do not forget the 730-day residency obligation to maintain PR status in the long term.
The journey from submitting an Express Entry or PNP application to the day of landing has many details that can easily cause confusion. If you need a clear roadmap and close guidance, My Second World’s team of immigration consultants is ready to help you prepare fully so your landing goes smoothly.
