When Travel Becomes Essential: From Visa Approval to Landing Procedures
Preparing Your Arrival: Key Steps Before and After Traveling to Canada
Summary
Applicants for Canadian immigration do not need to travel to Canada during the application process itself. All applications—whether for permanent residence, work or study permits, or visitor visas—can be submitted online or on paper via local Visa Application Centres or Canadian diplomatic missions. Medical exams and biometrics are arranged in the applicant’s country of residence. Only after IRCC issues a visa (or eTA) and, for permanent residents, issues a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), does the applicant need to travel to Canada to complete landing procedures and formally become a resident.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Application Submission vs. Travel Requirement
- Biometrics & Medical Exam Arrangements
- Visa/eTA Issuance & Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Landing in Canada & Final Steps
- Special Cases & Exceptions
- Planning Your Arrival
Application Submission vs. Travel Requirement
- Remote Submission: Nearly all immigration and temporary-resident applications are filed remotely—online through IRCC secure portals or on paper via local VACs or embassies.
- No Early Travel Needed: You do not need to set foot in Canada until IRCC has approved your application and issued the necessary travel documents.
Biometrics & Medical Exam Arrangements
- Local VACs/Panel Physicians: IRCC contracts local service providers and designated panel physicians around the world to collect biometrics (fingerprints/photo) and conduct medical exams.
- Scheduling Appointments: Upon request from IRCC, you book and attend these appointments in your home country—no Canada travel required.
Visa/eTA Issuance & Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Visitor Visas & eTAs: Once approved, you receive instructions online or by mail on how to obtain a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic travel authorization linked to your passport.
- Permanent Residents: You receive a COPR and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa sticker. These documents allow you to travel to Canada to “land” as a permanent resident.
Landing in Canada & Final Steps
- Book Your Travel: Arrange your flight or other mode of transport to Canada once you have your visa/eTA/COPR.
- Port of Entry: At immigration in Canada, present your passport, visa/eTA, and COPR to a border services officer.
- Official Landing: The officer will confirm your status, stamp your passport, and complete your final landing as a permanent resident (or entry as a visitor/worker/student).
Special Cases & Exceptions
- In-Canada Applications: If you apply from inside Canada (e.g., visitor–to–student permit change), you’re already in Canada—no travel required for landing, but you may need to leave and re-enter to activate certain permits.
- Family Sponsorship: Sponsors and applicants may have specific instructions; always follow IRCC’s program-specific guidance.
- Refugee & Humanitarian Cases: Some streams require in-Canada interviews or refugee camps abroad; travel requirements vary.
Planning Your Arrival
- Document Checklist: Carry original passports, visas/eTAs, COPR, and any supporting letters (e.g., work permit port-of-entry letter).
- Timing: Travel before the expiry date on your visa/eTA/COPR to avoid complications.
- Post-Landing: Apply for your PR card (if applicable), social insurance number, healthcare, and open a bank account soon after arrival.
Whether you’re immigrating permanently or coming temporarily, you can complete your application from abroad without visiting Canada until you’ve been approved. Only then do you make the journey to finalize your status at a Canadian port of entry.
