On June 21, 2021, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the latest travelling measures pertaining to COPR holders. According to IRCC, those who hold a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and visa are eligible to enter Canada.

IRCC posted entry restrictions on COPR holders since the start of the pandemic. Previously, only those who obtain the confirmation before March 18, 2020 can enter Canada. As vaccine rates reach an optimistic speed, all holders are granted entry to reunite with loved ones.

If an overseas foreign national’s COPR has expired, IRCC will issue a new confirmation upon request. The agency may require COPR holders to re-upload certain documents, e.g. medical exams, passport and travel documents. etc.

To qualify for entry via COPR requires the fulfillment of the following conditions:

• The traveler must arrive by the purpose of permanent settlement, and
• Provide a 14-days quarantine plan.

Travellers arriving by air also need to pass pre-board health checks. Additionally, they must be asymptomatic in order to board.

One important thing to note is: the confirmation alone is insufficient to guarantee entry. The COPR mentioned in this particular announcement must be present along with a valid visa or a passport qualified for visa exemption.

Fully Vaccinated COPR Travellers

As of July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers who completed all inoculations are exempt from quarantine. However, they must receive their doses 14 days prior to arrival. Otherwise, all current pandemic precautionary policies apply.

Upon entry, travellers must satisfy the following criteria:

• Travellers must submit COVID-19 precautionary information via ArriveCAN app before arrival
• Receive negative results on both pre- and on-arrival PCR tests
• Provide a viable quarantine plan.

Note that the border officials obtain the final discretion; failure to provide one of the above documents may result in a denial to enter.

To a handful of us, the wait for a border reopening is long and excruciating. Nevertheless, the alleviation of nationwide COVID-19 cases has brought us a silver-lining. We believe that we can resume our pre-pandemic activities and gatherings in the very near future. Meanwhile, Thomas Wang & Associates (TWA) strives to optimize immigration counselling services to our clients during this very special time. We look forward, wholeheartedly, to the day where we unite with our friends, family, and loved ones unreservedly.