Our Landing Experience at Toronto Pearson

[indira_prab]

Hi All
 
Approximately after 12 months after submitting our application, we landed in Toronto Pearson Airport on Friday, 5 Aug 11 at 4:30 pm (local time).  It was a long flight. About 7 hours from Singapore to Dubai, 5 hours transit in Dubai, & 14 hours from Dubai to Toronto. Fortunately the leg room in both the Emirates planes were adequate for a 6 footer.

As was mentioned by others earlier, we were provided the Custom's Declaration Card on board the plane. Had a closer look at it, even though I have used it before, to note the question posed with regards to funds brought in. It's mentioned all fund you are bring – money and other instruments - totalling $10,000. So it's likely to be a “yes” for most of us not landing alone. Also note that the date format required is “YYMMDD”.

The first stop upon arrival is Immigration. After posing a few questions (e.g. amount brought, etc), and stamping our Passports, the officer cleared us with a smile and a “Welcome to Canada”. Next we were shown to a section for new Immigrants. Here you would be required to present your COPR, and again after filling it and returning a copy to you, you receive another smile and a “Welcome to Canada”. Next to 2 consecutive counters where you will be provided with several booklets, and forms, and another smile and “Welcome to Canada”. Finally after collecting our baggage, it was to Customs, where you have to present your “Goods Accompanying” and Goods to Follow” forms. I only had the former; as we opted to pay for excess baggage charges to bring everything in one go. The officer merely had a look at it and after stamping the form and returning one set to us, another smile and “Welcome to Canada”! After that we exited, and proceed to Ground Level (i.e. one level below Arrival) where we had already pre-booked a private van with a Red Car Service, to Guelph where our cousins resides.

We should be in Guelph for a couple of weeks till we find ourselves a suitable accommodation, most likely in Mississauga. Service Canada is closed today (Saturday), and so our plans is just to get our insurance, bank, and mobile line issues resolved over the weekend. In all it has been one great experience and everyone has been so welcoming - from the officials in the airport to the gentleman who drove the private van.

Cheers. 

Great to know you landed safely Temasek . Sorry, I'm on and off theses days in the forum and busy with landing prep. We are landing on Sep 10th. We opened Scotia bank accounts from India and will transfer the funds shortly. We will carry the Scotia bank statements for POF plus a little cash. We are looking to live in Mississauga too.. Please could you PM me your Facebook id so we can get connected?

We are planning to take everything in 1 go and so would require a minivan kind of thing to transport us from Airport. Is that what you used?

Thanks,

Indira Prabhakaran.

[Mhut]

Great to know you landed safely Temasek . Sorry, I'm on and off theses days in the forum and busy with landing prep. We are landing on Sep 10th. We opened Scotia bank accounts from India and will transfer the funds shortly. We will carry the Scotia bank statements for POF plus a little cash. We are looking to live in Mississauga too.. Please could you PM me your Facebook id so we can get connected?

We are planning to take everything in 1 go and so would require a minivan kind of thing to transport us from Airport. Is that what you used?

Thanks,

Indira Prabhakaran.

Hi Indira,

Just read your blog, really informative and useful.  Thank you.  We are planning to land in October  ,  am excited, nervous, scarred all in one. We are looking at settling in Ajax.  How old are your children? I have two boys 13 & 4.  I hope your landing goes smoothly for you and your family

Mhut

[Temasek]

....
We are planning to take everything in 1 go and so would require a minivan kind of thing to transport us from Airport. Is that what you used?...

Thanks Indira.  I had made arrangements for my transport while in Singapore with a Red Car Services - www.redcarservice.com.  If you decide to use them, you will have the option of choosing either their single passenger (i.e. cost by head count) or private (i.e. lump sum cost) service.  As there is a limit in the number of bags you can bring for the former (bus may also be shared by others), the private bus would be the better option if you carry additional baggages.  I had opted for their 12 seater private bus which was able to transport 12 bags and the 3 of us without any problem.  It cost me about CD$190 (before tips).  Also while you need to mention your Credit Card number, payment is only processed at the end of your journey - you could opt to pay by cash at the end of the journey if you wish.  Best wishes and see you in Canada.  Cheers.  

[montu]

Hi All
 
Approximately after 12 months after submitting our application, we landed in Toronto Pearson Airport on Friday, 5 Aug 11 at 4:30 pm (local time).  It was a long flight. About 7 hours from Singapore to Dubai, 5 hours transit in Dubai, & 14 hours from Dubai to Toronto. Fortunately the leg room in both the Emirates planes were adequate for a 6 footer.

As was mentioned by others earlier, we were provided the Custom's Declaration Card on board the plane. Had a closer look at it, even though I have used it before, to note the question posed with regards to funds brought in. It's mentioned all fund you are bring – money and other instruments - totalling $10,000. So it's likely to be a “yes” for most of us not landing alone. Also note that the date format required is “YYMMDD”.

The first stop upon arrival is Immigration. After posing a few questions (e.g. amount brought, etc), and stamping our Passports, the officer cleared us with a smile and a “Welcome to Canada”. Next we were shown to a section for new Immigrants. Here you would be required to present your COPR, and again after filling it and returning a copy to you, you receive another smile and a “Welcome to Canada”. Next to 2 consecutive counters where you will be provided with several booklets, and forms, and another smile and “Welcome to Canada”. Finally after collecting our baggage, it was to Customs, where you have to present your “Goods Accompanying” and Goods to Follow” forms. I only had the former; as we opted to pay for excess baggage charges to bring everything in one go. The officer merely had a look at it and after stamping the form and returning one set to us, another smile and “Welcome to Canada”! After that we exited, and proceed to Ground Level (i.e. one level below Arrival) where we had already pre-booked a private van with a Red Car Service, to Guelph where our cousins resides.

We should be in Guelph for a couple of weeks till we find ourselves a suitable accommodation, most likely in Mississauga. Service Canada is closed today (Saturday), and so our plans is just to get our insurance, bank, and mobile line issues resolved over the weekend. In all it has been one great experience and everyone has been so welcoming - from the officials in the airport to the gentleman who drove the private van.

Cheers. 

DEAR TEMASEK,

DOES THIS MEANS THAT WE SHOULD JUST CARRY PRE PRINTED AND PRE FILLED B4 FORM OTHER DECLARATION FORM WILL GET IN THE CRAFT?

[biochemgal09]

Thank you for sharing your landing experience

[Kanamen]

Great to know you landed safely Temasek . Sorry, I'm on and off theses days in the forum and busy with landing prep. We are landing on Sep 10th. We opened Scotia bank accounts from India and will transfer the funds shortly. We will carry the Scotia bank statements for POF plus a little cash. We are looking to live in Mississauga too.. Please could you PM me your Facebook id so we can get connected?

We are planning to take everything in 1 go and so would require a minivan kind of thing to transport us from Airport. Is that what you used?

Thanks,

Indira Prabhakaran.

If you require less expensive transportation services from airport ,please check Kijiji,you will find a good deal.BTW, whats your schedule ,I may arrange something free for you  if available.
Good Luck

[Temasek]

DEAR TEMASEK,

DOES THIS MEANS THAT WE SHOULD JUST CARRY PRE PRINTED AND PRE FILLED B4 FORM OTHER DECLARATION FORM WILL GET IN THE CRAFT?

That is correct.  The Declaration Form is provide on flight.  The Goods Accompanying/To Follow are the only documents you need to pre-fill.  Cheers.   

[montu]

That is correct.  The Declaration Form is provide on flight.  The Goods Accompanying/To Follow are the only documents you need to pre-fill.  Cheers.   

thanks temasek

[Mhut]

thanks temasek

Hi Montu,

You landing in October, so are we , where are you planning to settle and any family?

Mhut

[montu]

Hi Montu,

You landing in October, so are we , where are you planning to settle and any family?

Mhut

HI MHUT,

WE ARE LANDING IN TORONTO. WE GOT 2 SMALL KIDS BRO! WHAT AB U??
AM BASED IN OMAN AT PRESENT ,WHAT AB U??

[jnathan]

montu

which airlines are you taking?

[montu]

montu

which airlines are you taking?

BA

[indira_prab]

If you require less expensive transportation services from airport ,please check Kijiji,you will find a good deal.BTW, whats your schedule ,I may arrange something free for you  if available.
Good Luck

Sent you a PM

Indira Prabhakaran.

[kathe]

Hi Temasek,

Hope things go well for you and family there.I received Visa with issued date on 18th August  I will be landing in Vancouver, however, would have traveled Toronto sometimes for a business matter.
When you and family visit Vancouver in future, let me know. 

Cheers,
Kathe