Just a few landing questions

[CharlizeRai]

Hello,

I've been looking through a few different threads, and I just want to clarify a few points regarding landing in Canada for the first time with your visa stamped (PR) from a country that is not visa-exempt.

Thus far, I have understood that you can land at nearly any port of entry with the exception of Quebec if you are living in a different province. AKA, first landing in Canada can happen in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary etc.

Also, when you land you have a landing interview. You are asked about
- living address
- any changes to dependent information
- any funds coming into Canada
- Goods coming into Canada

Are there other things that I am missing?

The reason I am asking is that my hubby speaks minimal levels of English at the moment, so I am planning on writing a letter for him including the responses to some of these questions (along with my contact information). If he was asked these questions right now, he wouldn't understand the majority of them.

Does anyone know of any difference between the different ports. I.e. whether people have tended to have more positive experiences at one vs. the other, which ports are less busy than the others, which ports are more 'no-english' friendly and so forth?

Right from the start I am thinking of Calgary as a good port because I would expect it to be less busy due to its size. If there are any weird issues, I am also a few hours drive away from Calgary.

Thanks!!

 

[Sweden]

Hey,

the landing interview is a pretty simple procedure, and writing a letter is a good idea. He should also travel with a copy of the marriage certificate, I haven't seen anybody being asked for it, but it says on CIC website that you should travel with it. So you could include in your letter a sentence saying that his status has not changed, you are married, and proof is the certificate.
The living address is mostly to send the PR card. Goods coming to Canada - you need to have a B4 ( or excel sheet) with the list of things printed, so it can be stamped at the landing, and you can clear customs later on without paying duties. It should be for both the good he is carrying with him, or the ones that will follow later on if he is sending anything from home to Canada.
You can indeed land at any entry point, and if he is traveling after, make sure that he has enough time between the two flights, as it can be quite a queue at immigration. He could also "land" in Montreal if that was his first point of entry, as long as he doesn't settle there ( he would need the CSQ).

Picking a not too busy time and airport is probably a good idea, but other than that, most people report a fairly friendly and easy experience while landing, so no worries - it'll go well!
Good luck,
Sweden

 

[CharlizeRai]

Hey,

the landing interview is a pretty simple procedure, and writing a letter is a good idea. He should also travel with a copy of the marriage certificate, I haven't seen anybody being asked for it, but it says on CIC website that you should travel with it. So you could include in your letter a sentence saying that his status has not changed, you are married, and proof is the certificate.
The living address is mostly to send the PR card. Goods coming to Canada - you need to have a B4 ( or excel sheet) with the list of things printed, so it can be stamped at the landing, and you can clear customs later on without paying duties. It should be for both the good he is carrying with him, or the ones that will follow later on if he is sending anything from home to Canada.
You can indeed land at any entry point, and if he is traveling after, make sure that he has enough time between the two flights, as it can be quite a queue at immigration. He could also "land" in Montreal if that was his first point of entry, as long as he doesn't settle there ( he would need the CSQ).

Picking a not too busy time and airport is probably a good idea, but other than that, most people report a fairly friendly and easy experience while landing, so no worries - it'll go well!
Good luck,
Sweden

Thanks Sweden! You are lovely!! What don't you know