I am an AINP Nominee and had started the AINP Process in April 2009. I received my passport with Immigrant Visa in early June 2011.
I completed landing procedure during Labor Day weekend through Lewiston-Queenston Bridge (http://niagarafallsbridges.com/).
It was around 3-00 p.m. and there was around half an hour waiting due to traffic.
Usual Q and A at the booth. The officer checked the paperwork and passport. Instructed to go into the office.
Inside, Custom Officer verified "Goods to follow" list, stamped it and gave me a copy.
Then I moved over to the Immigration Officer, she again verified all the paperwork and passports.
Asked me about my plans of living in Canada. I told her I will be returning to the USA.
She then informed me that I can't apply for PR card at that moment. When I will come to live in Canada, I can apply for it.
I didn't argue or protest.
After that she gave me the blank PR form and told me that I can fax it to the PR office.
(I think she meant when I will actually come over and start living in Canada, that time I can fax that form)
She gave me a copy (yellow page from the CIC paperwork) as the proof of landing.
Also, explained to me that I can't use this paper to enter Canada by Air or any commercial carrier.
No questions asked about why Ontario, when I had AINP Nomination.
Next day, I faxed the PR form to the fax number given on that form from a Staples shop in Toronto.
I used an Ontario address. I am curious to see what happens. I may have to wait for another 2-3 months.
I didn't apply for SIN Card. To the best of my information, the PR Card is a requirement to apply for it (per SIN website and forms)
Besides, I am not going to live in Canada in near future, so I don't really need it.
I returned to the USA next day through Rainbow Bridge. I have a valid H1B visa in my passport.
Few Q and A. He asked about country of citizenship, I-94 Card, Where do I live, What do I do etc.
I was at the US Officer's booth for about 2-3 minutes.
I haven't faxed the AINP Update form. I believe it is to be faxed when one actually moves to Canada.
AINP probably uses it for data collection purposes and to assess the success of their immigration programs.
They will know through CIC that I finished my landing process. They will also know that I am not in Canada, since I did't fax the form yet.
Best
asp1111