The Two-Stage landing process
Once your Permanent Residency application is approved, IRCC will finalize your landing virtually through the **Permanent Resident Confirmation Portal**. This system has completely replaced in-person landing appointments at border ports (flagpolling) or local IRCC offices.
IRCC sends an email requesting your: **UCI**, **Application Number**, **Full Name**, **Original Entry Date**, and **Province of Residence**. You must reply to this email. IRCC will then create your portal account and send your login credentials.
Log into the portal, declare that you are **physically in Canada**, enter your permanent Canadian mailing address (where they will mail your card), and upload a recent digital passport photo.
PR Card Photo Specifications
IRCC has extremely strict automated parameters for digital photo submissions. If your photo fails any parameter, the portal\'s auto-check tool will flag it, or an officer will reject it weeks later, resetting your wait time:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Frame Dimensions | Minimum 50 mm wide x 70 mm high (2" wide x 2.75" high). File resolution at least 600 pixels per inch (dpi). |
| Face Height | The head (from chin to top of hair) must measure between 31 mm and 36 mm. |
| Background | Plain, uniform, solid white or light-coloured background. No shadows on face, shoulders, or background. |
| Facial Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open looking directly at the camera. Glasses are permitted but eyes must be fully visible with no glare. |
| Recency | Must have been taken in the last 6 months. |
Common PR Portal Glitches & Solutions
- The "Photo Rejection Loop": The portal\'s automated photo-screener often glitches and rejects professional photos claiming "facial elements not found" or "lighting issues."
Solution: If you are confident the photo is professional and meets specifications, you can proceed with the upload, write a brief explanation in the portal box, and **submit anyway**. An IRCC officer will review it manually. Over 90% of manual reviews are approved. - Address Pending for Months: Your status might say "In Canada Declaration: Complete" but "PR Card Photo/Address: Under Review" for 2+ months.
Solution: This is standard. PR card production times range from 30 to 60 days. Do not submit a web form unless it has exceeded 90 days. - Emergency Out-of-Country Travel: If you must leave Canada before receiving your physical PR card, your eCoPR (electronic Confirmation of PR) document **cannot** be used to re-enter Canada via commercial transport (air/bus).
Solution: You must apply for a **Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)** from an visa office outside Canada to return, or drive across the U.S. border in a private vehicle and show your eCoPR at the land border.
Portal Timelines
| Phase 1 Credentials | 7–14 Days |
| Phase 2 Review | 30–45 Days |
| PR Card Mailing | 15–20 Days |