The eCOPR timeline is the process that new permanent residents must go through to receive their PR card. It is an important part of the immigration process and a requirement for anyone who wants to become a permanent resident of Canada. The CBA’s Immigration Law Section has suggested to IRCC in a letter that it is time to improve processing times, as delays jeopardize approved applicants’ ability to travel internationally and access benefits only available to permanent residents. As a result, new permanent residents are effectively “grounded” for the 120 days or so between the issuance of their eCOPR and the receipt of their first PR card. Unlike citizens, they cannot simply travel internationally and then return to Canada with a valid passport. The CBA letter also suggests that making an electronic PR Travel Document (PRTD) available in the same portal as eCOPR would significantly improve processing times and facilitate a smooth transition to permanent residence for inside Canada applicants.
A COPR is a document that confirms an individual’s permanent resident status. It is issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) after an individual’s application has been approved. A COPR can be mailed to the applicant or given to them at a port of entry. eCOPR, which stands for Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence, is a faster version of the traditional COPR. It is also easier to access and does not require a professional immigration representative.

How Long Does It Take to Get eCOPR?
You can visit the CIC website to check the eCOPR status.
Unlike the traditional COPR, eCOPR does not need to be validated before an individual can travel outside of Canada. However, preserving a valid COPR after you enter the country is important. It can help you avoid any legal issues and ensure that you do not lose your permanent residency status. IRCC has been criticized for long delays in issuing eCOPRs. These delays can jeopardize an approved applicant’s ability to travel internationally and may prevent them from being able to claim benefits only available to Canadian permanent residents. The CBA’s Immigration Law Section has sent a letter to IRCC suggesting ways to improve the process.
One suggestion is to make an electronic PRTD available in the portal while new permanent residents can download their eCOPR. This would allow them to travel internationally without delay. Moreover, it will save time because it will eliminate the need to wait for a physical copy of the document and reduce the number of documents mailed to applicants.