Express Entry Approved: Your Path to Canadian PR Starts Now

Your approved Express Entry application is just the beginning

On This Page You Will Find:

• Step-by-step breakdown of what happens after Express Entry approval
• Essential documents you'll need for your permanent residence journey
• Key differences between the process for candidates in Canada vs. abroad
• Border entry requirements and what CBSA officers will check
• Critical financial disclosure rules that could affect your entry
• Timeline expectations and next steps to secure your PR card

Summary:

Getting that Express Entry approval notification is just the beginning of your Canadian permanent residence journey. Whether you're already living in Canada or preparing to make the move, understanding the next steps is crucial for a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything from receiving your COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) to meeting with CBSA officers at the border. You'll discover the specific requirements for candidates in different situations, learn about mandatory document checks, and understand the financial disclosure rules that could impact your entry. Most importantly, you'll know exactly what to expect so you can confidently complete your journey to becoming a Canadian permanent resident.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Your COPR and permanent resident visa must be used before expiration and cannot be extended
• Candidates already in Canada go through an interview process, while those abroad must prepare for border entry
• You must carry valid passport, COPR, visa, and proof of funds when entering Canada
• CBSA officers will verify all documents and personal information before granting entry
• You cannot carry more than CAD $10,000 without declaring it to border officials

The Moment You've Been Waiting For: Your Approval Arrives

Picture this: You're checking your Express Entry account for what feels like the hundredth time this month, and there it is – that life-changing notification. Your Express Entry application has been approved, and your dream of Canadian permanent residence is about to become reality.

But here's what many people don't realize: approval is just the beginning of a carefully orchestrated process that will officially welcome you as a Canadian permanent resident. The next few steps are critical, and knowing exactly what to expect can mean the difference between a smooth transition and unnecessary complications.

When your application gets approved, you'll receive two crucial documents through your online account: your COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) and a permanent resident visa (if your country requires one). Think of these as your golden tickets – but tickets that come with an expiration date and zero flexibility for extensions.

Your COPR: The Document That Changes Everything

Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence isn't just another piece of paperwork. It's a detailed document containing your personal information and photograph that serves as official proof of your approved status. Here's what you need to know about this critical document:

Accuracy is non-negotiable. The moment you receive your COPR, scrutinize every detail. Your name, date of birth, and other personal information must match exactly what appears on your travel documents. Even a small discrepancy – like a middle name spelled differently – can cause significant delays at the border.

If you spot any errors, don't panic, but act quickly. Contact the authorities immediately through your online account. Remember, time is working against you because your COPR cannot be extended once it expires.

The expiration reality. Unlike some immigration documents that offer grace periods or extension options, your COPR has a hard expiration date. Once it expires, it becomes worthless, and you'll need to restart portions of the application process. This isn't just bureaucratic inflexibility – it's designed to ensure that approved candidates follow through on their commitment to immigrate within a reasonable timeframe.

If You're Already Living in Canada: The Interview Process

For the roughly 60% of Express Entry candidates who are already living in Canada (many on work permits or as students), the process looks quite different from those arriving from abroad.

Canadian immigration authorities will contact you directly to schedule what's called a "landing interview." This isn't the intimidating interrogation that the name might suggest – it's more of a document verification and welcome process.

What happens during your interview:

• An immigration officer will review all your documents to ensure they match your application
• You'll be asked basic questions to confirm your identity and circumstances
• The officer will verify that you still meet all the requirements you claimed in your application
• You'll provide a Canadian mailing address for your permanent resident card

The questions are typically straightforward: confirming your work history, education, and family situation. The officer isn't trying to trip you up – they're ensuring that the person sitting in front of them matches the successful candidate from the application.

Pro tip: Even though you're already in Canada, treat this interview with the same seriousness you would a border crossing. Bring all your original documents, dress professionally, and arrive early. This interview officially improve your status from temporary resident to permanent resident.

Coming from Abroad: Preparing for Your New Life

If you're currently living outside Canada, your journey involves more preparation but also more excitement. You're not just completing an immigration process – you're moving to a new country.

Pre-arrival services are your friend. The Canadian government offers free pre-arrival services designed to help you understand everything from job searching to finding housing. These services connect you with settlement agencies that can provide invaluable guidance before you even board your plane.

Many successful immigrants say these services helped them avoid common mistakes, like underestimating the cost of living in major cities or not understanding Canadian workplace culture.

The ArriveCAN requirement. Before you even think about packing, download and complete the ArriveCAN app. This digital tool has become mandatory for entry into Canada, and failing to complete it properly can delay your entry process.

Your Essential Document Checklist

Whether you're landing from within Canada or arriving internationally, certain documents are absolutely mandatory:

Your valid passport – This seems obvious, but ensure it won't expire within six months of your planned entry. Some countries' passports require longer validity periods.

Your COPR – Keep this with you at all times during travel. Don't pack it in checked luggage.

Your permanent resident visa (if required) – Citizens of certain countries need this visa in addition to their COPR.

Proof of funds – This is where many people get caught off guard. You need to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and your family members. The specific amounts vary based on family size, but for a single person, you're looking at around CAD $13,310 as of 2024.

The CBSA Encounter: Your Final Checkpoint

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) represents your final hurdle before officially becoming a Canadian permanent resident. These officers have seen thousands of new immigrants, and they know exactly what to look for.

What the CBSA officer will do:

• Verify your identity matches your documents
• Confirm that you meet all the requirements you claimed in your application
• Check for any criminal inadmissibility issues
• Ensure you have adequate funds to support yourself

What they're really looking for: The officer isn't trying to deny you entry – remember, you've already been approved. They're ensuring that the person standing in front of them is genuinely the successful applicant and that no circumstances have changed that would affect your eligibility.

The questions you might face:

• "What is your intended destination in Canada?"
• "How much money are you bringing with you?"
• "Do you have any relatives in Canada?"
• "What type of work do you plan to do?"

Answer honestly and confidently. If you don't know something (like exactly what job you'll find), it's better to say "I'm still exploring opportunities in my field" than to make something up.

The Critical Money Rule That Trips People Up

Here's where many new permanent residents face unexpected complications: the CAD $10,000 cash limit. You cannot carry more than CAD $10,000 in cash, traveler's checks, or monetary instruments without declaring it to the CBSA officer.

This rule catches people off guard because they think bringing more money demonstrates better financial stability. In reality, failing to declare amounts over $10,000 can result in fines or even seizure of your funds.

Smart money strategies:

• Use bank transfers to move larger amounts
• Carry bank statements showing funds in your home country account
• Consider getting a letter from your bank confirming your account balance
• Keep receipts for any large purchases that reduced your available cash

Your Permanent Resident Card: The Final Piece

Once the CBSA officer approves your entry, you officially become a Canadian permanent resident. Congratulations! But there's one more administrative step: getting your permanent resident card.

You'll need to provide a Canadian mailing address where your PR card will be sent. This typically takes 6-8 weeks to arrive. If you change addresses within 180 days of your arrival, you must update this information using the appropriate form.

Important note: Your PR card is crucial for re-entering Canada if you travel internationally. Without it, you'll face significant complications trying to return to Canada, even as a permanent resident.

What Could Go Wrong (And How to Avoid It)

Even with approval, certain situations can complicate your landing process:

False information discovery: If CBSA discovers any discrepancies between your application and reality, they can deny your entry despite your approval. This is rare but devastating when it happens.

Changed circumstances: If major life changes occurred after approval (like marriage, divorce, or criminal charges), you must disclose these immediately.

Document issues: Expired passports, damaged COPRs, or missing visas can delay or complicate your entry.

Health concerns: If you appear unwell, officers may require additional health screening.

Your First Steps as a Canadian Permanent Resident

Once you've successfully completed the landing process, several important tasks await:

Apply for essential documents: You'll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work legally in Canada. This is free and can be obtained at Service Canada locations.

Banking setup: Canadian banks offer newcomer packages that can help you establish credit history and access financial services.

Healthcare registration: Each province has its own healthcare system. Register as soon as possible, though there may be a waiting period before coverage begins.

Housing arrangements: Whether temporary or permanent, having a stable address helps with all other administrative tasks.

The Emotional Reality of Landing

Beyond the paperwork and procedures, becoming a Canadian permanent resident is an emotional milestone. Many new immigrants describe feeling a mix of relief, excitement, and overwhelming responsibility.

It's normal to feel anxious during the CBSA interview or worried about making mistakes with documentation. Remember that thousands of people successfully complete this process every month, and the officers you'll encounter are experienced in helping newcomers navigate these final steps.

Looking Forward: Your New Life Begins

Successfully completing your Express Entry landing process marks the end of your immigration journey and the beginning of your Canadian story. You'll have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, access to healthcare and social services, and the eventual opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship.

The process from approval notification to becoming a landed permanent resident typically takes 2-4 weeks for those already in Canada and 1-3 months for those arriving from abroad, depending on various factors including document processing times and travel arrangements.

Your Express Entry approval was the hardest part – now you're just completing the final administrative steps to claim the new life you've worked so hard to achieve. Take a moment to appreciate this incredible accomplishment, then focus on the exciting opportunities that await you as Canada's newest permanent resident.