text: As far as I understand, it's okay to enter on a 6 months visitor's visa.  In fact, it is now possible to enter the country on the visitor's visa and THEN apply for permanent residency using the family class.  Apparently it is even faster this way.\n\nIt makes sense, as long as you are clear to immigration that you are entering the country as a visitor and are prepared to depart in six months if your permanent residency doesn't come through.  But if you declare at immigration you are intending to reside here, and you don't have your permanent residency yet, that may pose a problem for you at the border .\n\nMy father is entering this way and has communicated with Canadian immigration to confirm this is okay.  But please don't take this as advice, just anecdotal experience.