Foreigners who intend to move to Canada, may apply for a permanent resident visa (PRV) to live in Canada. Permanent residents enjoy social benefits similar to Canadian citizens; however, they are not allowed to vote, hold a Canadian passport, hold a position requiring a high-level security clearance or run for elected office: these rights are reserved for Canadian citizens.
Foreigners from visa-required countries must have a valid passport and a PRV to be permitted to enter and stay in Canada. A PRV is a counterfoil (sticker) issued by a visa or immigration officer that is placed in the passport to indicate that the holder may become a permanent resident on admission to Canada.
Foreigner from visa-exempt countries must have a valid passport and a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) to be admitted to Canada. A COPR is a white, legal size document issued by a visa or immigration officer.
As noted, a PRV/COPR does not guarantee admission to Canada. However, it permits a foreigner to travel to a Canadian port of entry (POE) by air, sea or land; to request admission to Canada. Finally, a border officer will decide whether to grant entry by reviewing new facts (e.g. criminal charges, marriages, birth of a child).
