What happens when I first arrive in Canada?

Categories: Permanent Residence 

You should know what to expect and what documentation to show when you first arrive in Canada as a new immigrant.

When you first arrive in Canada as a new immigrant, the airport or border crossing you enter at is called your Port of Entry. Your first entry is called your landing.

Most major ports of entry, especially airports, are staffed by immigration officers from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to welcome you as a new Permanent Resident.

If you are flying into Alberta, your port of entry will likely be Calgary International Airport.

Documents

When you make your first entry, the CIC officer will ask for several pieces of documentation from you and your family, if they are immigrating with you.

The immigration officer will ask to see the following documents:

  • Your confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
  • Your passport.
  • Your proof of funds.

Interview

After you show these documents to the immigration offer, they will interview you. The questions will be similar to the ones you answered when you applied for your visa. The interview is designed to make sure that you are in good health and not a security risk to Canada.

Interview Documents

It is a good idea to carry several other documents with you when you first enter Canada, in addition to those above.

These can help you prove any claims you made on your visa application and help make your entry interview smoother.

As a rough idea, you may wish to be able to present the CIC officer with:

  • Original birth certificates.
  • Photo identification, such as a driver’s license.
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable.
  • Your immunization or vaccination records.
  • Any medical records you may have, especially if you have an ongoing health issue.
  • Children’s school records, if applicable.
  • Degree or diploma certificates.
  • Copy of academic transcripts, if applicable.
  • Proof of employment in Canada, if applicable.
  • Proof of admission to school in Canada, if applicable.
  • Reference letters from employers.
  • Your CV or resume.
  • Bank statements and/or pay slips.

It is a good idea to carry these securely with your carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage. You will likely need easy access to your documentation when you arrive.

Permanent Residence Card

You will need to bring passport size photographs and a mailing address in Canada so that you can receive your Permanent Resident Card.

Where can I find more information?

You can learn more from the Canada Border Services Agency - Information for new immigrants.

3 Responses on “What happens when I first arrive in Canada?”

  1. suzette on May 23rd, 2008

    can I stay in my home land and seek rental accommodation in canada for when i get there?

  2. admin on May 27th, 2008

    There is no reason why you cannot search for an apartment while you reside in your home country. You can read our article on renting apartments in Alberta.

    There are a variety of places to find an apartment online in Alberta. Here are a few to get you started:

    http://www.viewit.ca/alberta.aspx

    http://www.rentalberta.ca/

    http://www.apartmentsinalberta.com/

    You might also have some luck using university housing websites:

    http://www.rentingspaces.ca/index.htm

    You should be aware that you won’t be able o view the apartment before hand - which can put you at a disadvantage. You will be looking at apartments “site unseen”. You may also find it difficult to communicate with potential landlords. However, some landlords are happy to deal with people outside of Canada.

    You should still be prudent and make sure to ask lots of questions about the apartment before you rent!

  3. p sharma on September 12th, 2008

    what happens if my landing documents are lost?

Have something to add? Please leave a comment.