How long do I've to move to Canada?

[shravanjnaidu]

Hello Everyone,

I recently got COPR and my deadline to enter Canada is 23rd May 2019. I drove to Canada from USA on 4th May 2019 to complete landing. I wanted to come back immediately as I still work in USA and intend to completely move to Canada after 6 months. Immigration officer checked all my documents and signed my COPR and said "You're now a permanent resident of Canada". Since I did not have a permanent address, the immigration officer said I'll not be given a PR card until I decide to move to Canada. I came back to USA.

Question 1: Do I've to move to Canada before 23rd May 2019 as that is the date printed on my COPR?
Question 2: If the answer for above question is no, how long do I've to move to Canada?

 

[northern sunshine]

1 - No. Your CoPR expiration date is the date by which you must initially land in Canada to become a PR. You have already done this, so that expiration date no longer applies.
2 - You need to move to Canada in time so that you will have lived in Canada for at least 2 years out of the first 5 years after you landed and became a PR. In other words, about 3 years from the date you landed unless you are spending much time in Canada.

So, to put it super simply, in order to fulfill your residency obligation, you should move by May 4, 2022.

 

[Bs65]

Just a reminder if you are not a US passport holder that if you decide to try flying to Canada you will need a PRTD until you get a PR card

You can use your COPR and passport if still crossing a land border.

 

[northern sunshine]

Just a reminder if you are not a US passport holder that if you decide to try flying to Canada you will need a PRTD until you get a PR card

You can use your COPR and passport if still crossing a land border.

Yes! Great addition. Although I will add that in order to use your CoPR at a land border, you must be traveling in a private vehicle, not a commercial carrier like a bus or train.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=064&top=10

 

[shravanjnaidu]

Thanks @northern sunshine and @Bs65 for your answers. They make perfect sense.

 

[k.h.p.]

P

1 - No. Your CoPR expiration date is the date by which you must initially land in Canada to become a PR. You have already done this, so that expiration date no longer applies.
2 - You need to move to Canada in time so that you will have lived in Canada for at least 2 years out of the first 5 years after you landed and became a PR. In other words, about 3 years from the date you landed unless you are spending much time in Canada.

So, to put it super simply, in order to fulfill your residency obligation, you should move by May 4, 2022.

Please note that if you move to Canada on May 4, 2022, that gives you no room to leave Canada for two years - not for family emergency, not for vacation, not for any reason. You should plan to move earlier so that you have some "room" in your residence calculation in case you go on vacation for a few weeks.