Hi everyone,
My spouse and I did our PR landing on Friday, November 24th. We live in the United States (on H1B visas) and drove across the border. I just wanted to share a few details, hopefully some of you find this helpful.
Border of entry: Bluewater Bridge, Port Huron, MI/Sarnia, ON
We paid a cash toll (I think it was $5 or $6 USD) just after we passed the American side. Then we drove further to the actual border crossing lanes. The wait was not long at all, took us under ten minutes. When it was our turn, we pulled over to the booth, and told the very friendly agent that we were here as first time PR holders, and wanted to complete our landing formalities. He took our passports and CoPR, verified the information, returned the documents and told us to pull over ahead to the right; and that officers will guide us to parking. We did as we were told. Two officers guided us to a parking spot in front of the immigration services building. We took our passports, CoPR, Goods Accompanying and Goods to follow lists (2 copies) and entered the building. There was no waiting time as the office was practically empty but for three officers. One of them asked us to go to his counter, and took the CoPR and passports. He cancelled my PR visa, completed the CoPR with landing date etc, and had me sign the document, which he returned to me with a stern reminder of how this was the most important paper I will hold in my hand and never to lose it. Then he repeated the process with my spouse.
Another officer took the two copies of Goods lists, and entered into a database and gave us a printout which we have to carry with us every time we bring goods into Canada. She also stamped one of the original lists I had provided and returned along with the printout.
There were hardly any questions asked except for the following:
1. Address for PR card. I had to clarify that we were staying at a friend's house, and will return in a few weeks to the United States. This posed no issues, and the officer made a note to send PR card addressed to "c/o my friend's name".
2. Our car was included in the goods to follow list. I own the car but did not carry the title with me. The officer asked me if I had the title, and I said I had it at home, but I did not carry as I was not importing the car now. She said that was fine, and that at the time of import I should also complete export formalities with the US customs.
After this, the officer welcomed us to Canada but did not even smile. For those from the US, you are probably accustomed to nicer border agents. I have always been told with a big smile, "welcome home, miss" every time I entered the US no matter the mode of transportation, even though I have been on various non-immigrant visas. I was a little sad that the officer did not even smile but this was soon overtaken by the elation and joy of now being Canadian Permanent Residents!
We decided to also get our SIN at the Service Canada centre about 4 minutes away. The SIN officer was extremely helpful and very friendly. He welcomed us both warmly to Canada, and more than made up for the poker-face at the border office. Getting our SIN only took us 20 minutes after which we hit the road as newly ordained residents.
Thanks for reading. I will try to answer your questions about soft landing and help in any way I can.
