Canada Landing Requirements

[can_i]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and was wondering if anyone could advise what's the minimum time I need to spend in Canada in order to get all the PR formalities completed ASAP.

Due to my present work commitments, I wish to spend a maximum of a working week in Canada (if possible) and complete all landing formalities. Please can you advise if that's possible and what procedure shall be followed. Although I specified my intended destination as Calgary on the application form, but I'll be visiting Toronto where I have a relative.

I've quickly skimmed through other posts in order to work out the requirements. Please can anyone shed some light on my queries or advise if I've missed off anything:

1)Fill-in PR card application form at the Immigration counter on landing. I intend to provide my relative's address details where the card can be sent to. Hope that's okay.

2)For Proof of funds, do I need to carry cash/bank draft/travellers cheques or would a UK bank statement suffice? What will be the advantages of opening a Canadian bank account before entry into Canada?

3)Visit the Services Canada office next day after landing to get SIN no. and arrange for SIN card to be delivered at relative's place.

4) How do I sign-up for the health card in Toronto and is there a legal requirement for it, considering I'll be visiting only for a few days first?How long would this take? Is temporary health coverage i.e. travel insurance a requirement for my visit? Considering the waiting time of the health card in Toronto, I assume I can give my relative's address details.

What other formalities shall be completed and realistically how long shall I plan to stay in Toronto? Any advice or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[steaky]

You will find your answer after reading this post:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/landing-in-canada-all-you-need-to-know-t36735.0.html

You can spend a week in Canada after "landing" and return to your origin.

 

[Thommo]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and was wondering if anyone could advise what's the minimum time I need to spend in Canada in order to get all the PR formalities completed ASAP.

Due to my present work commitments, I wish to spend a maximum of a working week in Canada (if possible) and complete all landing formalities. Please can you advise if that's possible and what procedure shall be followed. Although I specified my intended destination as Calgary on the application form, but I'll be visiting Toronto where I have a relative.

I've quickly skimmed through other posts in order to work out the requirements. Please can anyone shed some light on my queries or advise if I've missed off anything:

1)Fill-in PR card application form at the Immigration counter on landing. I intend to provide my relative's address details where the card can be sent to. Hope that's okay.

2)For Proof of funds, do I need to carry cash/bank draft/travellers cheques or would a UK bank statement suffice? What will be the advantages of opening a Canadian bank account before entry into Canada?

3)Visit the Services Canada office next day after landing to get SIN no. and arrange for SIN card to be delivered at relative's place.

4) How do I sign-up for the health card in Toronto and is there a legal requirement for it, considering I'll be visiting only for a few days first?How long would this take? Is temporary health coverage i.e. travel insurance a requirement for my visit? Considering the waiting time of the health card in Toronto, I assume I can give my relative's address details.

What other formalities shall be completed and realistically how long shall I plan to stay in Toronto? Any advice or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

If you land in Toronto in the morning on a working day you could depart in the evening!
Procedures at the airport take approx. 40 min. You don't need to fill up PR form. Fill up the 'Customs declaration form' that you will get in plane before landing. Provide only your address in Canada to IO.
About one hour may be required at Services Canada office for SIN card application. Opening a bank account at any nearby branch may take another hour. And you don't need to do anything else.
You should go in for health insurance. One doesn't get a health card in Ontario for three months. You need proof of residence for applying for it. Unless you rent an apartment or wait for a month for your bank statement to arrive, you won't have proof of residence. There is no use of health card if you are not going to stay in Canada. Skip applying for it. Most provinces require you to stay in Canada for at least six months in any one year period to be eligible for state health insurance.
There is no advantage of opening bank account before landing here. Rather it would be waste of time and effort travelling to their particular branch. Just go to any branch of Scotiabank (this bank has good offers for new immigrants) and open your account. It is better to carry POF in form of cash/TCs/DD. IO may not be comfortable with your UK bank statement.
You will need to carry pre-filled B4A form if in your subsequent visits to Canada you would be carrying jewelery or any other expensive items.