Landing as a PR via Land Border (US to Canada)

The Landing Experience
1

My name is Jerry, and I’m from China. I’m currently working in the United States, and my wife and I have three children. We recently received our COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) and are planning our move to Canada. I have a few questions regarding the landing process and would greatly appreciate your insights:

  1. Landing via Land Border: We are considering driving into Canada to complete our PR landing and related formalities. Are there any specific requirements for the port of entry? For example, are there certain border crossings that can process PR landings, while others cannot?
  2. Re-Entering Canada with COPR: While waiting for our PR cards, if we need to return to the US, can we re-enter Canada by car using our COPR documents?
  3. Staggered Landing for Children: Traveling long distances with all three children at once might be challenging. Is it possible to complete the PR landing process for two children first and then return later to complete the process for the third child?

Thank you in advance for your help! Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

2

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us.

You may find helpful information in the IRCC guide, Prepare to cross the border to settle in Canada as a newcomer, here is an excerpt:

There are documents you must have to cross the border into Canada. Without these documents, we won’t allow you into the country.

You may also need many of the other documents listed below. Have your important documents translated into English or French before you arrive to make it easier for people in Canada to understand them.

Essential documents

To enter Canada, you’ll need:

  • a Canadian immigrant visa (if this applies)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member traveling with you
  • a valid passport or other travel document for each family member traveling with you
  • two copies each of:
    • a detailed list of all the personal or household items you’re bringing with you
    • a list of items that are arriving later and their money value

Don’t pack these documents in your luggage. Keep them with you at all times.

Please read through the full article for a comprehensive list of what to bring with you to make your landing process as smooth as possible.

Regarding your 2nd question, ideally, you should wait until you have your Permanent Resident (PR) card. If you must leave Canada, you should apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document from a Canadian visa office abroad as soon as you reach your destination.

The only official documents that permanent residents of Canada can use to travel back to Canada on a commercial carrier (by air, land or sea) are the PR card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), also known as a Travel Document (Permanent Resident Abroad) issued by a Canadian visa office abroad.

In terms of staggering the landing process for your children, something to consider is that your dependents can’t arrive in Canada before you. They must arrive with you or after you. Returning later to complete the process for the third child should be fine as long as you do so within the time your COPR is valid.

You can contact IRCC using their web form to make a case-specific inquiry. You may also wish to consult a reputable and registered immigration consultant or an immigration lawyer for advice regarding your situation and help with your application.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team