Settlement.org logo

Register
Lost password
 

Moderator

all messages by user

2/14/2023
Topic:
Landing Process

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for your question!

You asked about the process of successfully crossing the border with your confirmation of permanent resident (COPR) documentation in order to become a permanent resident or “landed immigrant” and we can provide you with the following:

Based on what you said in your forum post, it sounds like you may not have experienced the regular landing process. This would involve an IRCC or CBSA agent looking over your immigration and travel documents and asking you a series of questions. If you were “landed” according to the normal procedure, you would have signed a copy of your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), at the border. The border official would then have stamped this COPR document, and you would have the signed and stamped copy with you now.

It is possible that the border agents mistakenly allowed you to enter Canada without going through the necessary steps to make you “landed”. This mistake is quite serious: it could lead to issues with your legal status and future in Canada.

We therefore advise you to call the IRCC Call Centre as soon as possible to ask about your status and confirm whether or not you were successfully landed. The IRCC Call Centre number is 1-888-242-2100, and it is available between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

However, in order to be safe rather than sorry, you could also return to the border by car, do a U-turn and turn back to Canada. Next, you would meet a customs official and you should politely request to be pulled aside and “landed”. If you choose to do this, you should make it very clear that you are entering Canada as a new permanent resident and want to complete the landing requirement, and explain exactly what happened the last time you crossed the border. You should also carry with you all of your immigration and customs documents to present to the border officials - for both Canada and the USA.

Of course, you want to check with an accredited professional like an immigration lawyer or consultant, as they would be able to review your documents and provide guidance.

We wish you the best of luck resolving this issue. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,


Your Settlement.Org team


Disclaimer:
This document does not contain legal advice. This document was prepared with the assistance of PBSC University of Toronto law student volunteers. PBSC volunteers are not lawyers and they are not authorized to provide legal advice. This document contains general discussion of certain legal and related issues only. If you require legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.
2/16/2023
Topic:
After receiving PRTD ( RC-1)

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us. We appreciate your interest in this type of information.

According to one of our legal experts:

1) No - it is strongly advised that he should wait until he has accumulated 730 days of physical presence in Canada. If the father submits a PR Card application, an officer will review it and could render a different decision (i.e. determine that the father is not a PR of Canada).

2) Once he arrives in Canada, he should stay here for 730 days and then can submit a request for a PR Card at that time. A PR of Canada MUST demonstrate that they have accumulated 730 days of physical presence in Canada in the past 5 years, on each and every entry to Canada/examination (unless they fall within one of the exemptions).

3) The PRTD is usually valid for a single entry to Canada.


It is best that you seek the advice of a lawyer for case-specific advice and information. You may find helpful information on how to find a reputable and registered lawyer or immigration consultant in the Settlement.Org articles, How do I find a lawyer? and What other kinds of legal help can I get?. The Steps to Justice "Services in Ontario - Getting legal help in Immigration law" page also has a list of free to low cost services.

I would also suggest that you connect with a community resource navigator at 211 to narrow your search, 211 Ontario is a free, confidential service. Their phone service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here is a link to their live chat if you prefer to communicate online. Their live chat service is available Monday to Friday from 7am-9pm ET.


We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team

2/24/2023
Topic:
After receiving PRTD ( RC-1)

Moderator
Moderator
Hello there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation. His SIN will remain the same, if you have lost your SIN, or if it was stolen, Service Canada will not issue a new one. Service Canada may issue a new SIN only if there is proof that the SIN was used fraudulently. You can find information on what to do if his SIN is lost or stolen in this Settlement.Org article.

If his health card is still valid and he meets the eligibility criteria for OHIP, he may still use his health card. If not, he may have to apply for a health card. The 3-month waiting period for coverage has been waived, and if he is eligible for OHIP, he will not have to wait for coverage. I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to contact Service Canada (for SIN information) or Service Ontario (for Health Card information) for case-specific information.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org team
2/28/2023
Topic:
Looking for an apartment around the GTA

Moderator
Moderator
Hello There,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

It is best that you connect with housing assistance services near you. Community agencies that provide housing assistance services will be able to support you in finding suitable accommodation for the short-term and long-term.

You may also find helpful information in the Settlement.Org articles, How can I look for rental housing? and How can I apply for subsidized housing?.

If you are looking for help or would like information about services near you, you may want to dial 211 on a phone and speak to an Information and Referral Specialist to see if they can provide some information regarding services and options in your area. For 211 service in languages other than French and English, please call the 211 telephone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online chat is available in English and French at https://211ontario.ca/chat/ from Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

We hope this information is helpful.

Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
Co-signing for an apartment

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us.

You may find helpful information in the Settlement.Org article, Do I need a guarantor or co-signer? Here is an excerpt:
A landlord might ask you for a guarantor or co-signer if they think you may not have enough money to pay the rent, or that you may move out before the lease is over. However, a landlord should not use these requirements in a way that is discriminatory and violates the Ontario Human Rights Code.
If you don’t know anyone who will agree be your guarantor or co-signer, you need to convince the landlord that you are a responsible person and that you have enough money to pay the rent every month. Read What documents do landlords ask for? for acceptable proof that you can show.


It may be helpful for you to connect with legal or housing assistance services near you. Community agencies that provide housing assistance services will be able to support you in finding suitable accommodation for the short-term and long-term. It may also help to connect with a community resource navigator at 211 to narrow your search. You may also find information on where to find rental housing in the Settlement.Org article, How can I look for rental housing?

211 Ontario is a free, confidential service. Their phone service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here is a link to their live chat if you prefer to communicate online. Their live chat service is available Monday to Friday from 7am-9pm ET.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

We hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
Is The 3-Month OHIP Waiting Period Still Waived?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello There,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

According to Service Ontario:
There is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you are eligible, you will have immediate health insurance coverage.


You may also find information in the Settlement.Org article, What documents do I need to apply for a Health Card (OHIP)? and Who is eligible for OHIP? Feel free to also contact Service Ontario’s INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 for more information.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
Bringing household Stuff to Ontario

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us. You may find helpful information in the quote below from a previous forum response on bringing belongings back to Ontario:

At the time of landing, you should have submitted a BSF186 - Personal Effects Accounting Document, or B4, where you were to list any goods with you and the goods that you were going to send later.

It is important to note that if your goods are not listed on your original BSF186, (or B4), they are not eligible for duty-free importation at a later time.

According to some Border Information Services (BIS) representatives, it is possible that, depending on the length of time since landing, the exemption on taxes may have be forfeited.

If the officer is not satisfied or convinced that it was to have originally been included on a Goods to Follow list, then you may be subject to the tax and duty.

In the event that you have to pay, you will have to pay 13% tax on the used value of the items. They stated that when allocated a used value to your items, you may want to think of it in terms of how much you would be able to sell it for at a garage sale. That is the amount you should allocate to your used items.

An additional 9.5% duty on the used value of any furniture. The amount of duty on other items such as used clothing and textiles can vary depending on where they are made. The duty can be from 0 to 20% of the used value.

They stated that if you are interested in how much duty will be charged on each other used item, you can contact them for specifics.

It is important to note that if you are trying to bring in a used mattress, you will need to have proof/certification of a fumigation. If not, it is best to just leave it behind.

You may want to contact a Border Information Services (BIS) representative directly for some information on your specific situation.

You can contact them at:

1-800-461-9999

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.




We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
Returning to Canada without PR Card

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

For updates related to your specific case it is best that you contact IRCC using their web form. It may also be useful to note that processing time does not include the wait time before they receive the application, and starts once they receive a completed application. You may find it helpful to check processing times using the calculator on the IRCC website.


If you find yourself in a position where you need to travel and do not yet have your PR card, you may also find helpful information in the Settlement.Org article, I need to leave Canada but do not have my PR card yet. What should I do?

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.


Sincerely,


Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
PR card pick up date issue

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

It is best that you contact IRCC using their web form directly for advice on how to proceed. It may also be useful to note that processing time does not include the wait time before they receive the application, and starts once they receive a completed application. You may find it helpful to check processing times using the calculator on the IRCC website.


You may also want to speak to a reputable and registered immigration consultant or an immigration lawyer for advice about travelling back to Canada without a valid PR card.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.


Sincerely,


Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
CUPE & Duty of Fair Representation

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us. It is best that you contact the Employment Standards Information Centre.

You can contact them here:
GTA: 416-326-7160
Canada-wide: 1-800-531-5551
TTY: 1-866-567-8893

You may also want to contact the Workers’ Action Centre for information about workers rights and support. You can also reach them at the phone numbers:
(416) 531-0778
1-855-531-0778

Monday 10 am – 5 pm
Tuesday 12 pm – 7 pm
Wednesday 12 pm – 5 pm
Thursday 12 pm – 5 pm

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.


Sincerely,


Your Settlement.Org team
2/28/2023
Topic:
Solemn Declaration - urgently renewed not rec’d

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

For updates related to your specific case it is best that you contact IRCC using their web form. It may also be useful to note that processing time does not include the wait time before they receive the application, and starts once they receive a completed application. You may find it helpful to check processing times using the calculator on the IRCC website.

If you find yourself in a position where you need to travel and do not yet have your PR card, you may also find helpful information in the Settlement.Org article, I need to leave Canada but do not have my PR card yet. What should I do? You may also want to speak to a reputable and registered immigration consultant or an immigration lawyer for advice about travelling back to Canada without a valid PR card.

IRCC may take humanitarian and compassionate reasons into consideration for your application. However, this is up to IRCC and it would be best for you to contact the local visa office or IRCC via web form to get more details about your specific application and what kind of supporting documents you may require.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.


Sincerely,


Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
PR Resident - Landed then left for long period

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us.

It is best that you seek the advice of a reputable and registered immigration consultant or an immigration lawyer familiar with immigration law for advice regarding your situation. IRCC may take humanitarian and compassionate reasons into consideration for your parent's extended stay outside Canada. However, this is up to IRCC and it would be best for you to contact the local visa office or IRCC via web form to get more details about their specific application and what kind of supporting documents you may require.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
Initial PR Card query

Moderator
Moderator
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question with us.

You can find information on how to correct your PR cards here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/pr-card/apply-renew-replace/correct-mistake.html

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them. You can also contact IRCC directly via web form to get more details about this specific application and what kind of supporting documents you may require.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
Problem with My WES Evaluation Report

Moderator
Moderator
Hello There,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information. We understand that the outcome of your report may cause concern.

We highly suggest that you follow the WES internal complaints process above in this thread, you also have other options like making a consumer complaint. You can find more information on this process in the Settlement.Org article, How do I make a consumer complaint?

We hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team
2/28/2023
Topic:
informed Consent

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be very concerned about this situation.

You may want to contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons to find out what their rights are in this situation and also to find out what their complaints process is.

The CPO contact information is:
416-967-2603
Toll Free: 1-800-268-7096 Ext. 603
Email: [email protected]


This is also a good question you may want to ask Telehealth Ontario and a doctor you trust, Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Assistance is available in more than 300 languages. When you call Telehealth, tell them what language you speak and you will be connected to an interpreter.
  • Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000
  • Toll-free TTY: 1-866-797-0007

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.


Sincerely,


Your Settlement.Org team