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All COPR Holders Now Permitted to Enter Canada

As of June 21, 2021, applicants with valid COPRs issued after March 18th, 2020 can now enter Canada. Previously, Canada permitted entry only to those who had received their COPR before this date. However, COPR holders that wish to travel to Canada are still subject to Canada’s current COVID-19 quarantining and testing requirements.  

“The safety and security of Canadians remains our top priority as we look to support the careful and safe arrival of new permanent residents to Canada over the next year. These new permanent residents will finally be able to start their new life in Canada and Canada will benefit from their skills when we pivot to post-pandemic economic recovery. At the same time, we’ll continue to offer protection to those who need it most, and keep our place as a global leader in providing a safe haven for refugees.”

The Honourable Marco Mendicino
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

If my COPR has expired, can I still come to Canada?

The IRCC has advised that those with expired COPRs should not attempt to come to Canada until receiving a new COPR. COPR visa validity is usually tied to an applicant’s passport validity and medical examination results. The IRCC will contact applicants with expired COPRs for next steps for reissuance of the COPR document.

What does this mean for Express Entry?

Canada had put Federal Skilled Worker draws on pause throughout most of the pandemic. The IRCC prioritized the processing of applicants who were in Canada or exempted from the travel restrictions. Following these changes, it is likely that we will see more applications finalized. Federal Skilled Worker draws may also resume as Canada begins the process to slowly reopen its borders.

Lauren Boorman

Lauren is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant based in Montreal with a particular focus on researching and writing about the latest updates in immigration news.

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