Many Would-be Canadian Permanent Residents Unable To Travel From Abroad

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has got in touch with 2,700 expired-visa holders who have placed a request to come to Canada. Only 120 of them have been allowed to travel. There are thousands of people across the globe who could not travel to Canada prior to the expiration of the immigration documents, and they are still being unable to travel because of the travel restrictions all over the world. It is devastating considering that they are just one step away from being permanent citizens and are unable to complete the process.

When immigration candidates receive a confirmation of permanent residence or COPR, as well as a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV), it is an indication that they have gone through almost all the other steps of the Canadian immigration process. Once they land in Canada, they will be able to apply for a permanent residence card.

Why are they stuck?

OPRs usually remain valid for a maximum period of one year. People usually need this time so they can resign from their old jobs, say goodbye to their friends, sell their properties, and make all the other arrangements necessary before they can settle permanently in Canada.

The problem, however, is that foreign nationals who have expired COPRs and PRVs are not allowed to board a plane even if they do not have to abide by the travel restrictions. The rule predates the pandemic. If they want to travel to Canada, they need an authorization letter from the IRCC. A webform was launched by the IRCC to handle the sudden influx of people.

IRCC has provided responses to 2,700 principal applicants who filled out a webform, as of October 19. Expired COPR holders are currently stuck in this situation. Hopefully