The future

Big news first – we got married! So, common-law no more :)

We’ve also set a moving date (end of August) and have our flights and first months’ rental booked. We’ll do some research before we go, but the plan is to use September to sort out jobs and a more permanent place to rent.

Tim’s sister received a letter for me from the CIC last week. Unfortunately, not the long-awaited PR card itself, but an appointment to pick it up in person. I really don’t understand how they can manage to post a letter to the address, but don’t seem able to deliver the card – or at least leave a ‘missed delivery’ note for it! Anyway, I’ll be phoning them this week to reschedule the appointment for when I’m in the country.

Full text of the letter:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

CIC Vancouver PR Card Centre
Permanent Resident Unit
#200 - 877 Expo Blvd
Vancouver, BC V68 8PS

[Date]

[Name]
[Canadian address]

Dear Sir/Madam:

You are scheduled for an appointment to pick up your permanent resident card (card #[number]). Please attend at #200 - 877 EXPO BOULEVARD, Vancouver, BC on [date] at [time]. Please do not arrive until 15 minutes prior to your interview time. We are unable to accommodate walk-in (unscheduled) pickups. We regret that we are not always able to schedule appointments for all family members on the same day.

IMPORTANT: You must bring this letter along with the following documents to your appointment:

1. ALL PASSPORTS and travel documents (current and expired) in your possession;
2. Your original or certified record of landing, confirmation of permanent residence (IMM 1000 or IMM 5292) or other Canadian residency/landing documents;
3. Valid photo identification issued by a provincial or federal agency; (e.g.; driving license)
4. All original documents that were submitted with your application;
5. If you did not return your old PR card with your application, you must return it when you attend at our office to pick up your new card. The new PR card will not be issued to you until the previous card is returned or otherwise accounted for.

You must bring an English and/or French interpreter if you require one. All persons regardless of age MUST appear in person. Minors under age 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: All permanent residents are subject to examination for residency obligation at time of card distribution. An officer will review your documents and may request additional information to determine your eligibility for a PR card.

By law, any unclaimed permanent resident card must be destroyed 180 days after the first appointment letter. If your card is destroyed by this method you must make a new application and pay another fee. If you have any questions, contact the Call Centre of Citizenship & Immigration Canada at 1-888-242-2100.

Citizenship & Immigration Canada
Permanent Resident Card Unit

Second page:
 
PLEASE READ: IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Permanent Resident Card Centre is at 877 Expo Boulevard, Vancouver, BC

- It is strongly recommended that only persons with appointments attend the office as space is limited.
- Should you require a translator please bring one with you.
- Please turn off cellular phones upon entering the office.
- Please do not bring food or drinks into the office.

[Map]

For BUS or SKYTRAIN information please contact: Translink @ 604-953-3333 or www.translink.bc.ca

- Parking: As parking is limited in the area, if you must drive allow yourself extra time so you are not late for your appointment. The nearest paid public parking is at 858 Beatty Street. The parking entrance is located next to Starbucks and there are signs directing you to 877 Expo Boulevard once you are inside the garage. You can also find paid parking on Expo Blvd which is a one way street running from North to South.