Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Statutory definition
IRPR s 56 requires permanent residents to hold a COPR until they obtain a PR card. The COPR is the primary document confirming the grant of permanent residence. It contains the holder's photo, name, date of birth, client ID number, and the visa office code. It is valid for landing until the expiry date shown on the document. Once the person has landed, the COPR serves as proof of permanent residence until the PR card is received (which typically takes 6–8 weeks after landing).
Explanation
The COPR is the most important immigration document for a new permanent resident. It must be kept safe — losing it before obtaining the PR card can cause significant complications. The COPR alone (without a valid PR card) is not sufficient to board a commercial carrier back to Canada if the person travels internationally after landing. New permanent residents should apply for a PR card immediately upon landing and should not travel internationally until the card is received.