Hello All,
All is well... when Immigration goes well!!
We are now officially permanent residents of canada!!
We recieved our passports by courier yesterday. COPR was also included in the courier and Today, we finished our landing. Its an amazing feeling that yesterday we were aliens to this country and today we are permanent residents.
Thanks to every one here for helping me out in every step. A very special thanks to Mitali for taking her time and guiding me through out the process. I started getting guidance from you when my application status was not even in AOR status. Really, I owe you mitali. Please let us know if you are in toronto any time.
Landing Experience: We did all the documentation required yesterday. A special person helped us alot during documentation. We drove to buffalo, USA to finish our landing procedure.
US Customs: At Buffalo, we corssed US Border.. we didnt have US Visa. I recently found that we can do this way(Only for people in canada) for immigration and this is called as Flagpoling. At US Customs, We were asked to pull over, park the car and asked us to get into a building where they did some paper work with our passports and a cop came along with us who guided us to the canada immigration. He gave us a paper to submit at canada customs (The paper said.. "Refused entry to USA" reason: some code language which meant canada immigration). It took about 15 minutes inside the building. Luckily, there was no traffic at all near the border.
P.S: Flag Poling doesnt affect your chances for visa to US in future. I can confirm that. Because, US consulate is currently waiting for me to submit my passports for L1B Visa stamping. The officer who guided us to canada immigration confirmed with me that US consulate in toronto is waiting for my passports and told me to submit the passports there. So, It clearly says that flagpoling never creates hurdles for visas to US in future.
Canada Customs: Then, we came to the canada customs where they have asked to pull over, park the car and get into a building. Again, there was no traffic at all. I was the first person in line and they called us immediately. It took about another 15 minutes in canada immigration. We were asked to provide all the documentation. We have provided
1) Passports
2) COPR
3) Proof of Funds
4) Employer offer letter, apprisal letters
5) Pay Stubs
I just took the below docs along with me. Just in case. You never know.
6) Email conversations between CIC and me.
7) Screenshot print out of E-cas screens.
8] Photos - I didnt provide these and they didnt ask as well. We already provided 4 photos during passport request and they were enough.
We waited for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, He asked us to sign is the COPR's and then attached a copy of COPR in the passport. He asked us if we had any questions.. Gave us all the documentation back and we left from there. It took about 15 to 20 minutes at canada immigation.
The whole process took about 30 to 45 minutes including US and Canada customs. It was very smooth. Ultimately, My saying.. "Hope is the best friend ever.." won. It helped me to cross the line successfully. So, Every one who is waiting to get PR.. Do not loose hope for any thing. You will get it..
If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.
Thanks,
satya.