Immigrants complain they have been waiting for a simple plastic card proving their permanent residence for six months, while the federal government promises delays of 15 days.

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“I have everything to show that I have lived in Canada for four years, that I have a company in Canada, that I have permanent residence, that I have everything there, but just because I don’t have this little plastic card, I can I’m not taking the plane and going home to Quebec,” laments Jordan Fernandes, a 30-year-old immigrant traveling in France, his country of origin.

This Québec-based financial entrepreneur began his permanent residence (PR) process more than a year and a half ago.

Finally, after long months of waiting, on September 26th he finally received the Electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Ecorp) certifying his new status in Canada.

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But even with this document, it is impossible to return to the territory without the Permanent Resident Card, except across the United States land border.

By email, IRCC tells the Journal that “new permanent residents should receive their PR card approximately two weeks after IRCC has received their photos”.

But Mr. Fernandes waited 144 days. The federal association did not provide an explanation for these ten times longer delays.

“What’s frustrating is that my ex-wife received her ecorp the same day as me and already has her card while I don’t have it. You can get your card in a week or eight months, you never know with immigration,” laments Mr Fernandes.

The same endless wait at Blandine Canva, 34 years old. Since September 1, 169 days ago, the resident of Richelieu in Montérégie has been waiting for the precious sesame with her husband and her 4-year-old son.

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“It’s frustrating because we agree to wait right after the cards are printed! Since our permanent residence has been approved, there are no more checks to be carried out,” said Ms Canva, who had no choice but to forego travel at Christmas or in the coming weeks as she was not authorized to fly.

Alyssa Chebli, who has lived in Montreal since 2018, has also been waiting impatiently for her residence card for 70 days.

“What worries me the most is that I have to return to France in June to get married. When I see that people don’t have their card for more than six months, I’m afraid to have to cancel,” explains the 32-year-old French woman, who laments that these delays prevent immigrants from planning for the future. even close, in their new host country.