First Landing/Crossing Border by Rental Car

[AkkiV]

Hi, I just received my CoPR (Confirmation of PR) document and this is my very first post here!
I am an Indian based in Japan and planning to do first landing (Vancouver) in first week of May. As weather is still not perfect to go around Canada, I am planning to do the required formalities at the airport and take the earliest possible flight to US to meet some friends. As my return flight back to Japan would be from Vancouver, I plan to take a rental car from Seattle to Vancouver (as with CoPR I can only re-enter Canada by road). Has someone experience of doing something like this? Also,
1. Is there a minimum stay required in Canada for first landing? Also, how much time is required to do the formalities and what exactly are these formalities? Do I need to go out of the airport for these?
2. Can I take a rental car from US and leave it in Canada?
Anything other advice would be highly appreciated as well. Thanks!

 

[Bs65]

1)no minimum stay you can leave as soon as you want to. How long anything takes difficult to predict as depends on how many flights arrive at same time that need immigration processing. For planning purpose maybe allow 2 -3 hours if busy but could be shorter and all completed in the airport.

2)depends on which rental company you chose and often will be a premium for the company to return the car back to the US. It is possible but you will need to do the research.

 

[AkkiV]

Hi Bs65, thanks for your prompt reply. I was just reading on a separate thread that we need to apply for the SIN number also for which we may need to go to some office outside the airport? Also, the SIN number is a must have to get a job so this has to be done at the first landing itself.
I was actually planning to start looking for jobs from overseas without having a SIN number and then finally move to Canada once I get a job (of course will do the first landing as planned but that is still 6 months away). Do I need to wait till I get the SIN number?

 

[Prateek Chawla]

1)no minimum stay you can leave as soon as you want to. How long anything takes difficult to predict as depends on how many flights arrive at same time that need immigration processing. For planning purpose maybe allow 2 -3 hours if busy but could be shorter and all completed in the airport.

2)depends on which rental company you chose and often will be a premium for the company to return the car back to the US. It is possible but you will need to do the research.

Hi,
I am in the situation. I have already done my PR landing and now have a valid COPR. As i don't have my PR card, I am planning to move permanently from Chicago to Toronto and won't be coming back to the US. I called up Avis and they have a service which allows to drive the rental from Chicago airport and drop it at Toronto airport. I am planning to move my stuff and just have the car for a day, which i will be dropping on the same day when i cross the border. Will i have any problem driving the US plated rental car to Canada. I would obviously have the agreement which might show that i will be dropping the car at Toronto airport the same day.
Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,
Prateek