The Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls is a common land border crossing used for completing Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) landings, but processing hours vary and are not guaranteed.
New permanent residents often use the Rainbow Bridge land crossing to complete their PR landing through a process called flagpoling, which involves exiting Canada to the U.S. and re-entering to present PR documents. While the bridge operates 24 hours for general traffic, PR processing by CBSA officers is limited to certain hours and not guaranteed. Arriving early on weekdays is recommended. If processing is unavailable, applicants may be directed to inland IRCC offices, causing delays. Proper documentation including passport and COPR is required, and a signed COPR is legal proof of PR status.
- The Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls) is a popular land border crossing used to complete Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) landings after PR approval.
- IRCC and CBSA no longer publish specific PR landing processing hours at land crossings; service varies by border office and staffing.
- Some ports, including Rainbow Bridge, still process PR confirmations, but 24-hour service or specific arrival times should not be assumed without prior CBSA confirmation.
- CBSA processes COPR applications at the Canada-US land border if physically entering from the U.S., a process known as flagpoling.
- Rainbow Bridge operates 24 hours for general traffic, but PR landing processing is limited to times when CBSA immigration officers are available, typically weekday mornings.
- Applicants should bring a valid passport, COPR document, and any other IRCC requested paperwork to the border.
- CBSA officers may review documents inside the border facility and will sign/stamp the COPR to finalize PR landing.
- A signed COPR is legal proof of permanent resident status and is required for PR card applications and citizenship.
- Work or study permits may be retained by officers upon PR landing if no longer needed.
- After landing, a valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is required for travel back to Canada by commercial carrier.
- Alternative PR landing options include airport first landing, other land border crossings, or inland IRCC office appointments if border processing is unavailable.
- Arriving during regular business hours and checking CBSA border wait times is recommended to avoid delays.
- IRCC and CBSA no longer officially list specific processing hours for PR landings at land border crossings.
- Service availability for PR landing at borders varies by office and staffing, requiring applicants to confirm in advance.
- New permanent residents completing their PR landing via land border crossings, especially at Rainbow Bridge.
- Applicants planning to use flagpoling to finalize their PR status.
- Individuals needing to understand documentation and timing requirements for PR landing at Canada-US land borders.
- Present yourself physically at the Canada-US land border crossing (e.g., Rainbow Bridge) from the United States with your valid passport, COPR, and any other required documents.
- Complete the flagpoling process by exiting Canada to the U.S. and immediately re-entering to present PR documents to CBSA officers.
- If PR landing cannot be processed at the border, book an appointment at an inland IRCC office to complete the landing.
- No specific processing hours are guaranteed; arriving early on weekday mornings (around 8 AM Tuesday–Thursday) is recommended.