So, I applied for permanent residency in Canada in August 2006 or so, they asked for my passport in November of that year, I sent it to them in December and asked for it back again in March, as my work visa for Japan was expiring and we had nothing else to do but move to Canada.
I sent them back my passport at the beginning of April and, again, asked for it to be returned yesterday. They replied today:
“This refers to your fax enquiry dated May 22nd about your application for permanent residence in Canada. Your immigration visa was issued on May 22nd and forwarded to your address in Winnipeg on May 23rd by DHL (collect), air waybill # XXXXXXXXXX Please note that the validity of your immigration visa will expire on June 15th. This means that you must re-enter Canada from the USA or any other country with this visa on or before this date in order to be landed as an immigrant. ”
So, looks like I get to drive to the border, do a U turn at America and come back again :-).