While immigrating to Canada is a great way to start a new life, it can be complicated and expensive. Luckily, there are many different ways to enter Canada, as long as you’re eligible for residency and submit the right forms. For instance, one important document you must remember to complete before landing in Canada is the IMM 5292.
What Is An IMM 5292?
The IMM 5292 is a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) form. It’s issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to foreign nationals before or upon landing in Canada. Essentially, it verifies a new immigrant’s permanent resident status prior to them receiving their Permanent Resident (PR) card.
The federal government has issued CoPR forms to new Permanent Residents since 2002 when it cancelled the IMM 100 Record of Landing. The IMM 5292 and its related documents, including the application for “verification of status” (IMM5009) or “replacement of an immigration document”, can be downloaded from the Government of Canada website.
Why Do You Need Confirmation Of Permanent Residence?
Once you get your IMM 5292/CoPR, make sure to store it in a safe spot, because you’ll need it with you to apply for Canadian Citizenship (if you wish to become a citizen).
If you do not have your PR card or do not renew it, you must have your CoPR to prove your permanent resident status and the date you landed in Canada, which are both important if you want to collect government benefits like Old Age Security (OAS).
What’s In An IMM 5292?
On your CoPR/IMM 5292, you’ll find various personal information, including your:
- Family Name
- Given Name
- Date & Place of Birth
- Sex
- Citizenship
- Marital Status
The details of your application, such as its date of issue and validity period, are included too. However, one of the most important pieces of information on the IMM 5292 is your Document Number, which has 10 characters, plus letters and numbers in this order:
- Beginning with the letter T
- Ending in 9 numbers
- Example: T000000000
IMM 5292 vs Permanent Resident
The IMM 5292 is just a document that confirms your permanent residence. It’s proof of your identity, along with the details of your landing in Canada. However, a permanent resident is someone who qualifies to live, work, or study in Canada. But doesn’t get all the same rights as a citizen, like the ability to vote or apply for a Canadian passport.
When Will You Get Your PR Card After Your IMM 5292?
After you land in Canada, the first thing you must do is send your mailing address (or home address, if it’s your mailing address) to IRCC. Once they receive your address, it will take them a few weeks to print and send you a PR card. If you don’t do this within 180 days of landing, you’ll have to apply for your PR card, which takes over 3 months.
If you send IRCC your mailing address upon arriving in Canada but don’t get your PR card within 180 days for some reason, you’ll have to physically apply for it too.
What Can You Do As A Permanent Resident?
Once you become a permanent resident of Canada, you’ll receive most of the same social benefits as Canadian citizens, including health coverage and the ability to:
- Apply for Canadian citizenship
- Live, work, or study anywhere in the country
- Obtain protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms
To qualify for the benefits of a permanent resident, you have to pay income taxes and abide by all Canadian laws at the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal levels. Afterward, the only things you cannot do as a Canadian permanent resident are:
- Hold certain jobs (mainly ones that require high-level security clearance)
- Vote or run for political office
Can You Study In Canada With A Permanent Resident Card?
Canadian permanent residents are entitled to a free education within our public school system until the age of 18. Once they enter post-secondary studies, permanent residents pay lower tuition fees than international students. For example, in 2019 – 2020, here is what students paid for tuition at McGill University (program will affect amount):
- Quebec residents = $2,544
- Other Canadian residents/citizens = $7,940
- International students = $18,110 – $48,747
As long as you have your permanent resident card and are accepted. You can enroll in any educational facility in Canada. Without having to apply for a study permit.
Can You Get A Personal Loan In Canada With A Permanent Resident Card?
Once you obtain PR status, most Canadian lenders will accept your application for a personal loan. However, as a new resident, it can be tough to qualify if you don’t have a credit history or credit score, which you’ll only get after you start using credit products. That’s why some financial institutions offer special newcomer credit cards and accounts.
When you apply for a personal loan, your credit score is one the most common factors used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness. It can also affect the interest rates you’re eligible for. Generally speaking, a good-to-excellent credit score of around 700 – 900 can help you qualify for the best personal loan terms and interest rates available.
Thinking About Immigrating To Canada?
There is a lot of paperwork involved in immigrating to Canada, including the IMM 5292.
With is an important part of qualifying for a PR card and the benefits associated with being a permanent resident. As always, it’s important to speak with the appropriate government officials if you’re thinking about immigrating to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a copy of my CoPR?
What does the IMM 5292 include?
- The date and location of your landing in Canada
- Your medical exam records
- The conditions of your stay (if any)
