March 28th is a memorable date for us.
We arrived in Toronto on Air France via Paris from Dubai. Almost 24 hrs of travel time, totally exhausted. Just after getting out of the plane's door, , there are three officers checking passports and PRC of all passengers. Once they are satisfied, they direct you to the immigration area. First timers are to line up in the visitors queue. Not very long, so it doesn't take much time. Our passports and the form given on the plane is checked. All family members are listed and I have to make the declaration regarding goods to follow, money, food etc. The forms are signed, a couple of entries made and the officer directs us to the immigrants processing area.
Another queue but shorter and we are asked to wait for our turn. Finally an officer comes over, asks the family to wait and only PA to join him. I've to produce the passport and COPR, details are updated on the system, I sign mine and for the underage kids, my wife is called who signs for herself, the single entry visa is cancelled, passport stamped, I've to confirm my address where I will stay, and I'm asked to collect my bags and proceed to the customs area. The officer informs me that the Services Canada office is open till 2100 hrs but their system is being upgraded so I can get my SIN processed on Monday morning, elsewhere.
While I am getting my papers done, my wife and kids see a man's immigration being cancelled for false information and two women being taken away.
Before exiting the area two other officers give us checklists to settle, information on services Canada, a book for immigrants and 'Wecome to Canada'.
We collect our bags head to the customs area. Mercifully it's not very busy , our turn comes. The guy ahead has just had his beef bacon confiscated and thrown away. He eats some of it while standing and offers it to others as well.
The officer is pretty impressed with our preparation of itemised lists, jewellery pictures, duplicate copies of everything and shows it to the boss as well. Everything is totalled and updated on the computer, photocopies taken, form signed by me, stamped, POF checked for value , details of issuing bank noted, cash on person carried is also noted, I get a receipt and finally, another 'welcome to Canada' and we are free to go.
Head to the exit, rent a car, drive off to Canada !
