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SERVICE OPTIONS
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Did you arrive in Canada before June 28, 2002? If you did, unless you were in Canada on a temporary basis, you will have been given a Record of Landing at your port of entry. This is a vital document that you will need to prove your status in Canada, and/or access government services, as well as to apply for a Social Insurance Number. Do NOT throw away your Record of Landing. Even after you have received your permanent residence status.
On June 28, 2002, Records of Landing were replaced by what is called a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) for arriving permanent residents.
Students and Temporary Workers, on the other hand, get their temporary work or study permits validated when they arrive at their Port of Entry.
There are a number of reasons why you may need a Record of Landing or COPR.
Will You Soon be Eligible for Old Age Security (OAS)?
To be eligible for Old Age Security, while living in Canada, you must:
- Show proof of having legally resided in Canada for at least 10 years. That means you need your COPR or Record of Landing as proof of when you entered Canada as a permanent resident, and be 65 years of age, and
- Be a citizen or legal permanent resident of Canada on the day you apply for OAS.
You may also apply for OAS while living abroad, as long as you:
- Show proof of having legally resided in Canada for at least 20 years. That means you need your COPR or Record of Landing as proof of when you entered Canada as a permanent resident, and:
- be 65 years of age, and
- Have been a citizen of Canada or a legal resident of Canada on the day you left Canada.
Tip: Looking to replace your own immigration document? Here is a free do-it-yourself guide.
Do you need your Record of Landing/COPR for an Application with IRCC?
Are you submitting an application to IRCC (formerly CIC)? If you are submitting an application to IRCC (CIC) that requires proof of status, you will need your COPR or Record of Landing.
How to use your IRCC application for urgent processing.
Record of Landing as Proof of Permanent Resident Status for Job or School without a PR Card
Does your job in Canada require proof of legal permanent resident status? If you need proof of PR status to obtain a job in Canada, and you do not have your PR Card, you will need your COPR or Record of Landing.
Are you or your kids attending school in Canada? If you do not have your PR Card, you will need your COPR or Record of Landing as proof of status in order to attend elementary or secondary school. You will also need them to prove you are not an international student if you are attending a post-secondary institution.
How to get your Verification of Status urgently
Record of Landing as Proof of Permanent Resident Status for Required Government ID
Are you applying for your provincial health card? If you do not have your PR Card, you will need your COPR or Record of Landing as proof of status in order to be eligible for provincial healthcare.
Are you a Permanent Resident who is applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)? When you apply – by visiting a Service Canada Centre in person – you will need your:
- PR Card, OR
- COPR, OR
- Record of Landing, OR
- Verification of Status if your original COPR or Record of Landing was lost or stolen (you can only use a Verification of Status for amending or confirming your existing SIN i.e. only for existing SINs).
Record of Landing for Applying for a Foreign Passport in Canada
Are you renewing your foreign passport? If you have to renew your foreign passport, you will need your COPR or Record of Landing if:
- Your country of citizenship requires proof of legal status in your country of residence in order to renew your foreign passport, and
- You do not have your PR Card.
Other Reasons You May Need Your Landing Paper
- Are you a British citizen and have lived in Canada for decades, but have not yet bothered to apply for Canadian citizenship? Or your PR Card, which you’ve delayed getting? You will need your Record of Landing when you apply for citizenship or your PR Card. You may even need to take an English proficiency test. Seriously. Just ask Karen Strachan.
- Are you the foreign spouse/common law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? You will need your COPR or Record of Landing as proof of legal status in Canada.
- Are you the foreign son/daughter or parent/grandparent of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen? You will need your COPR or Record of Landing as proof of legal status in Canada.
- Are you the foreign, orphaned sibling/niece/nephew/grandchild of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen? You will need your COPR of Record of Landing as proof of legal status in Canada.
- Are you the foreign dependant of a member of the spousal class in Canada? You will need your COPR or Record of Landing as proof of legal status in Canada.
- Do you have urgent travel plans, especially for work or family reasons? And you have lost or had stolen your PR Card? You will need your COPR or Record of Landing in order to urgently obtain either a new PR Card, or a travel document. If you will be returning to Canada by private vehicle (car) you may use your COPR or Record of Landing to re-enter the country. Otherwise, you will need to obtain either a new PR Card or a travel document.
