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Entering as visitors after CoPR

#1

Hello,
I am new here, anticipating my wife and I will soon be approved for PR under Family sponsorship (Parents and Grandparents). We make frequent visitor trips to Canada by car (to Toronto).

After receiving CoPR, if we are not ready with all paperwork for landing (goods to follow, car transfer, etc) can we continue to come in and out as visitors thru the land border crossing at Lewiston (using our Nexus cards)? Do we need to mention that we have been accepted as Canada residents but not landed ?

#2

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#3

This is the first time I’m seeing this question: that you have a CoPR (and presumably a PR visa if you’re not from a visa exempt country) and yet want to visit as a visitor.

As far as visa-required citizens are concerned, once your PR visa is issued, your visitor visa is no longer valid, i.e. they may not physically remove it or stamp it as “canceled”, but you cannot use it to enter as a tourist. Doing might be a violation of the immigration laws. I’ve never heard anyone doing that so I don’t know what the consequences are. I don’t know if things are different for visa-exempt countries, but I presume you are still violating the law if you are an approved PR but don’t land as PR while “visiting” Canada.
But why take the chance if you’re already an approved PR.

If someone has a definitive answer please feel free to share.

Regarding the GTF and car transfer, you don’t have to do it during your landing, you can do it later while actually moving. In case case, GTF just involves broadly categorizing all your worldly possessions (throw in the car if you want) that you will be bringing into Canada. Took me about a day to do it.

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#4

I presume this is sarcasm?

#5

Thanks for the replies.
I would have liked to land in early 2021 also to avoid any Canada tax filing requirements for 2020. We also have a home that needs to be sold. We are US Citizens and make frequent trips to Canada to see family.
Anyway, perhaps better to be safe than sorry, and just do a landing if we want to travel after CoPR has been issued (I expect this will happen within a couple of months).

#6

Just to add, the officer stamps your CoPR document on the day of your landing. That document itself is good enough for road crossings. You need physical PR card only if you are planning to use airports to get in.

#7

Yes you can come and go. When you are ready, you can move. Goods to follow is not a big deal at all. You can export the cars only if you own them.

#8

Thanks for your replies and help!

#9

If I were you, I would get the landing out of the way as soon as possible to become confirmed PRs. It still gives you 2-3 years to actually move. CoPR is sufficient for border crossings (although you may get questioned more). Your PR cards can arrive at any trusted person’s address in Canada and you can collect them later.

#10

Thanks for your explanations. One more question: Is it necessary to apply for a SIN right away, or can it be done later?
My concern is I do not want to be considered a resident in CA and have to file CA tax returns until I actually move to live there (a year or so later).

#11

Having SIN does not warrant filing taxes in canada. You need to have a strong bond with Canada (job/home/car/residence, etc).

You can do it anytime. advantage is you can apply for a credit card and start building your credit history.

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#12

I highly recommend getting SIN immediately and opening a bank account and credit card (even if you never use it); you will start building credit history right away which will come in handy when applying for a car/home loan etc.

You don’t have to file Canadian taxes unless you are earning and living in Canada (you won’t even get the T4 forms from the employer for e.g. if you’re not employed in Canada).

#13

Thanks for the helpful explanations.