I did my landing yesterday, so I just wanted to write about my experiences so others can get a view on the processes. If anyone has questions, feel free to ask below.
- I was a CEC-applicant - living in Canada since May 2017. I have no dependents, and am Single (as per the law at least).
- on September 20 I received an e-mail, requesting me to attend an interview at the CIC office in Vancouver (1148 Hornby St) - this is usually considered to be a landing interview appointment, but certain applicants may also receive this request to establish spousal relationship (when sponsoring). CIC has started finalizing inland applications in this manner on a wide-scale to reduce the amount of flagpolers at borders, as it was putting a big strain on the CBSA. The waiting period seems to be about 4-6 weeks after file approval - you will not be able to flagpole instead.
- The documents I was requested to bring included my passport, my current + expired work permit, proof of RPRF and two photos that met PR-specifications, one of which had to be stamped by the photographer.
- Upon arrival at 1148 Hornby St, I found the doors locked - after knocking a few times, a security guard let me in and asked me to show my appointment letter (this CIC office is appointment-only). He took this letter, and went into some door and returned a few minutes later. The office is remarkably small - about double the size of a waiting room at a doctor's office. There were 3 counters/agents, and about 15 people waiting.
- Due to the small size, you could actually overhear everything the Agents + applicants were saying (e.g. requesting their documents, asking questions, etc.). This calmed my nerves a bit as I saw most people breezing through their interviews - besides the guy that brought the wrong RPRF receipt; I bet he had a mini-mental breakdown on the spot when the agent told him his consultant sent him the wrong documents.
- Every few minutes you would hear an Agent say the magic words "Welcome to Canada!", after which the person was allowed to leave and someone else would be called in. 40 minutes after my appointment time, it was finally my turn so I grabbed all my documents and went over.
- The Agent explained to me that she would ask me some questions to which I only had to reply "Yes" or "No" - I should also let her finish her sentences first before responding. The questions included if I was still Single (not married/common-law partnership), if I had any dependents not already declared on my application and whether I had ever been deported from Canada. I answered Yes, No, No. She then asked for my first entry date into Canada (which I had to look up as I didn't remember exactly) and my last entry date, as well as their location (both YVR-Vancouver).
- She then printed my COPR and asked me to verify all information on it. The only thing that was amiss was my City of Birth (which was missing the latter half) but she responded it was fine and the name was too long to be printed on the paper. She then signed the COPR in 4 places, and asked me to do the same. She then said "Welcome to Canada!", told me I would receive my PR card by mail, gave me a few helpful papers for new immigrants and told me I was good to go.
- Afterwards, to obtain my new SIN number I went to the Service Canada in Vancouver, where I arrived at 4.03pm (they close doors at 4pm) and wasn't allowed in anymore.... The next day (today) I went to the one in Richmond first thing in the morning. A security guard first joked around saying I was in the wrong spot and it was "a 45m walk that way", but all went well and it took less than 5 minutes to get my number.
- An important thing that I didn't know beforehand is that they immediately invalidate your old permit (in my case, my work permit). I'm not sure whether this could have implications on medical coverage, employment etc. if you don't get a new SIN number right away.
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