VisabuddiesVB
ExploreGuidesQuestionsHow it works
Sign inStart selling
GuidesCanadaPermanent Resident

COPR expired with a passed re-medical and no movement: proactively requesting a new authorization letter (historical, pandemic-era backlog)

Canada • Permanent Resident • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • Re-medical results

    Needed once your original medical (tied to your expired COPR) is no longer valid.

  • Authorization Letter (AL) request

    Can be proactively requested from IRCC by explaining an upcoming travel need, rather than waiting indefinitely for it to be issued automatically.

Step-by-Step

This thread reflects the pandemic-era backlog of pre-March-18-2020 COPR holders whose original Confirmation of Permanent Residence had expired due to travel restrictions. A member's COPR had expired, their re-medical had passed, but there was still no movement (no Authorization Letter or new PPR) months later, and they asked what could actually be done — a situation many were facing at the time.

What worked for other members in a similar spot, as shared in the thread (historical — this reflects a specific pandemic-related processing backlog, not a general rule):
  1. Calling IRCC directly was one route members used to push for movement on a stalled file.

  2. Proactively writing to IRCC explaining an upcoming travel need worked for at least one member. They wrote in advance of their travel date, explained they'd need to travel soon, and asked if there was anything that could be done ahead of time — IRCC responded by sending a new medical request, since their previous one had expired.

  3. A new medical request effectively restarts part of the process, so if your previous remedical is stale by the time IRCC responds, expect that step to be requested again before an Authorization Letter is issued.


The practical takeaway (specific to this pandemic-era backlog): if your file has stalled with an expired COPR and a passed re-medical but no further movement, try both calling IRCC and proactively writing in to flag an upcoming travel need — this combination unblocked at least one similar case in the thread.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Tip: This reflects a specific pandemic-era COPR backlog — treat as historical context rather than a general current-day process.
  • Do: Try both calling IRCC and proactively writing in to explain an upcoming travel need if your file has stalled.
  • Tip: Be prepared for a new medical request if your previous remedical becomes outdated while your file is stalled.

Have a question about this? Join the discussion.

View Thread

Related Guides

immigration

Traveling Back to Canada on COPR Without a PR Card During a Family Emergency

immigration

Police Clearance Certificate older than 6 months: is it still valid?

immigration

How to submit Proof of Funds (POF) bank statements if your bank only provides separate monthly statements

immigration

Left Canada for a family emergency shortly after getting PR: how long can you stay away?

immigration

Submitted an expired medical via webform for PR, but IRCC still requested a new one? Do the new medical