Landing process

[TSauretBaxter]

This may be a silly question.. but do you go through the normal customs line.. or is there another immigration line?

 

[KJG]

This may be a silly question.. but do you go through the normal customs line.. or is there another immigration line?

not a silly question at all...was wondering the same thing myself.....

 

[CharlieD10]

This may be a silly question.. but do you go through the normal customs line.. or is there another immigration line?

When you first arrive at an airport, you are directed to a CBSA Officer who checks your Customs Declaration card (you will be provided with this card on your flight). When they ask "purpose of travel" and you answer that you are arriving to begin PR, they will make markings on your card and direct you into a line where the card is checked again and you are then directed to Immigration (as I recall a huge "I" was marked and circled on my Declaration card).

At Immigration, you are then processed by another CBSA Officer, who will ask you to confirm the details on your COPR, such as name, intended address in Canada, presence of any dependents not listed. You will be asked to sign next to all your answers and sign the bottom of the COPR (both copies). Your visa will be cancelled, and your passport stamped with your arrival date. He/she may also explain your residency obligation (mine did). You will then be directed to the baggage area to claim your bags.

Once you have your bags, you then go to a third CBSA officer, who examines your luggage and your B4 and B4A forms (if you have goods to follow). You will be given a receipt from the Customs Officer, showing the total value in Canadian dollars of your imported items. After that, it's "Welcome to Canada!" and off you go on your way.

 

[TSauretBaxter]

Thank you Charlie! Very helpful.

 

[LeisaP]

Yes very helpful! thanks alot!

 

[KJG]

When you first arrive at an airport, you are directed to a CBSA Officer who checks your Customs Declaration card (you will be provided with this card on your flight). When they ask "purpose of travel" and you answer that you are arriving to begin PR, they will make markings on your card and direct you into a line where the card is checked again and you are then directed to Immigration (as I recall a huge "I" was marked and circled on my Declaration card).

At Immigration, you are then processed by another CBSA Officer, who will ask you to confirm the details on your COPR, such as name, intended address in Canada, presence of any dependents not listed. You will be asked to sign next to all your answers and sign the bottom of the COPR (both copies). Your visa will be cancelled, and your passport stamped with your arrival date. He/she may also explain your residency obligation (mine did). You will then be directed to the baggage area to claim your bags.

Once you have your bags, you then go to a third CBSA officer, who examines your luggage and your B4 and B4A forms (if you have goods to follow). You will be given a receipt from the Customs Officer, showing the total value in Canadian dollars of your imported items. After that, it's "Welcome to Canada!" and off you go on your way.

Thanks that is so helpful.....

 

[CharlieD10]

No problem!

 

[alish]

Hi,
sorry where do u get the B4 and B4a forms from??

Yes, for Outland applicants arriving in Canada for the first time your PR formalities are concluded at whatever port of entry (airport) you arrive at.

For Immigration, they will ask for your COPR, ask you to confirm some details listed on it (address, dependents, spelling of your names), sign it, and they will cancel your visa counterfoil and advise you of your responsibilities as far as the residency obligation.

If you plan to bring or import personal items, make sure you have your B4 and B4A forms completed ahead of time, it will greatly reduce the amount of time you spend at Customs.

 

[CharlieD10]

Hi,
sorry where do u get the B4 and B4a forms from??

Here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-border.asp

 

[alish]

Thank You!

Here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-border.asp

 

[Bold9900]

Hello CharlieD10,

Any other forms or just the B4 & B4A?

Thanks,

 

[Woffles]

I'm applying Outland but staying in Canada (changed status to visitor when IEC permit expired), so what is my best course of action when the time (hopefully!) comes? Can I just go to YVR and do it or do I need to go to the border? I'm probably about 3 hours drive from the US border (I heard you can just turn around pretty much and come back?) and about 4.5 hours from Seattle (so could make a trip out of it).

Thanks

 

[LeisaP]

I'm applying Outland but staying in Canada (changed status to visitor when IEC permit expired), so what is my best course of action when the time (hopefully!) comes? Can I just go to YVR and do it or do I need to go to the border? I'm probably about 3 hours drive from the US border (I heard you can just turn around pretty much and come back?) and about 4.5 hours from Seattle (so could make a trip out of it).

Thanks

as far as i know the protocol pretty much says you have to leave canada and re enter. so just crossing the border and coming back should be sufficient. i know some people that went to seattle than came back. but that was work sponsorships. i assume its pretty similar for spousal.

 

[CharlieD10]

Hello CharlieD10,

Any other forms or just the B4 & B4A?

Thanks,

For landing, all I needed were the COPR, passport with visa, the Customs Declaration card I received on the flight, the B4 (Goods Accompanying) and B4A (Goods to Follow). For a spousal applicant, those are the only forms I know of as being required. Of course, if you don't intend to ship anything else after you arrive, you don't need the B4A, just the B4 for the goods you have with you.

 

[CharlieD10]

I'm applying Outland but staying in Canada (changed status to visitor when IEC permit expired), so what is my best course of action when the time (hopefully!) comes? Can I just go to YVR and do it or do I need to go to the border? I'm probably about 3 hours drive from the US border (I heard you can just turn around pretty much and come back?) and about 4.5 hours from Seattle (so could make a trip out of it).

Thanks

You can also contact the local or nearest CIC office and make an appointment to land. I do not know of them permitting you to do it at the airport, but the border or a CIC office are definite options.