Hi everyone!
I finally landed yesterday afternoon after getting off the plane from Ireland. Once I got off I was a bit wary of the queues. It took about 20 minutes to get through the regular passport queue. I handed the CBSA officer my landing card and I explained I wasn't sure if I was supposed to fill out the visitors or residents sections since I was there to land as a PR. He asked me a couple of questions (how did I come to be a permanent resident, how long did the application process take) and then sent me on my way to the immigration counter. There I waited in line for about 45 minutes until someone finally asked those of us waiting, "Who is here to immigrate to Canada?" Five or six applicants raised their hands and they informed us that we should be waiting at the opposite end of the room, in an area filled with chairs. I had been eying up this area, wondering if I was going to be sent there after talking to the immigration counter so I was kind of pissed to discover we had been directed to the wrong queue from the beginning! 45 minutes of standing there for no reason! Argh!
Anyway, the applicant ahead of me approached a police officer in the waiting area and asked if there was any rhyme or reason to the waiting process (did we need to take a number, for example) and he responded that no, we should just take a seat and an officer would be along to talk to us. I tried to make myself as visible as possible and took out my phone to type a text to my SO. I had just put my phone away when a CBSA officer asked from behind me, "Is anyone here to immigrate? Landing? Anyone?" I threw up my hand and shouted "ME!" and he took care of me right away.
We stepped into one of the cubicles lining the waiting area and I gave him the envelope with all my documentation (birth cert., passport, landing card from the plane, COPR, list of goods accompanying and proof of funds). He fished out the COPR and took my landing card and passport and told me he didn't need anything else from me. He asked me a few questions, (how long have you and your boyfriend been together, are you married, how did you meet, do you have any kids, how much money do you have, do you have everything with you, what's your address) and then filled out the form as I was answering these questions. Then he had me sign three places on each copy of the COPR and sent me on my way. I estimate that the whole process took less than five minutes from when he sat me down to when he told me I was free to go.
Overall, a totally pleasant experience! My plane landed at 2:06pm and I was through to arrivals, having located my bag, at 3:10pm.
Today I apply for SIN and OHIP. Hurray!