How Expired COPR Holders Can Still Travel to Canada

2.25 minute read

"The Canadian government recently announced a way for approved permanent residents to travel to Canada even if their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) has expired. New instructions have been launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to allow expired COPR holders to renew their documents and travel to Canada."

Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on: Jul 20, 2021

The Canadian government recently announced a way for approved permanent residents to travel to Canada even if their Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) has expired. New instructions have been launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to allow expired COPR holders to renew their documents and travel to Canada.

The Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) officials do not accept expired documents at the border. However, travel restrictions imposed by the government to control the Covid-19 pandemic restricted many COPR holders to wait for the border to reopen to continue their immigration journey.

On June 21, 2021, the government finally opened the border for confirmed permanent residents after 15 months. However, many had their COPRs expire during this period. Therefore, new instructions have been issued by the IRCC for such immigrants.

What Is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)?

A COPR is issued to newly approved permanent residents by the IRCC to allow them to immigrate to Canada. A COPR means that the approved immigrant has met the program requirements, paid the required fee and is admissible on all Inadmissibility grounds.

How Can Immigrants With Expired COPRs Come to Canada?

According to the new instructions, the IRCC will send you an email about your application if your COPR has expired. You must reply to that email if you still intend to immigrate to Canada. The IRCC may request updated medical examinations or other information.

If you fail to apply to the email, your file will be closed and you will be required to reapply if you wish to immigrate to Canada in the future.

According to the IRCC, most people with expired COPRs that were issued before March 18, 2020, have already been contacted.

Earlier, people who had expired COPRs were required to reapply in any case. However, these exemptions have been made for those who weren’t able to travel due to restrictions imposed by the government.

What Additional Documents Will be Required by the IRCC?

The IRCC will require an update on your family situation, meaning if you have gotten married, divorced, or had a new child. If there is a change, then additional documents will be required by the IRCC to update your application. You may also be asked to resubmit certain documents in case they have expired, including police certificates and medical examination tests.