Few Questions on First-Entry to Canada

[Dhanan]

Hi,

I have few questions regarding our first entry to Canada:

1) I'm currently in USA on H1B visa. I intend to make my first-entry with my family to Canada within a month. I'm planning a short visit (over a weekend) and we intend to move permanently later. First of all, is this arrangement acceptable?

2) If this short visit is OK, do I still need to show proof of money possessed (being a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children), I'm supposed to carry CAD18000+)? If yes, since carrying cash is not a good way, how am I supposed to show proof? Can I show a printout of my account balance in a bank in Singapore? Also, there is a column in the "Confirmation of PR" document called "Money in possession"; if I'm showing only bank statement, what should I fill in this field?

3) They have indicated the destination as Vancouver, BC. Will it be ok if I make our first entry elsewhere (e.g. Toronto)?

4) Do they ask for an address in Canada? If I do not have anyone there, can I give my US address itself?

Thanks a lot in advance,
Dhanan.

 

[cchabert]

Do you have Canada tourist visa? some countries didn't require visa but some will do

 

[Dhanan]

No, I and my family have immigrant visa. Since this is immigration forum, I didn't explicitly mention that.

 

[cchabert]

..."Depending on where you live, and the reason for your visit, you will need to meet certain entry requirements. In some cases, if you plan to stay in Canada for a certain period of time, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa."

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-who.asp

 

[links18]

No, I and my family have immigrant visa. Since this is immigration forum, I didn't explicitly mention that.

If you have a Canadian permanent resident visa, yes, you can make a short visit and return later to move permanently. Yes, you need to show proof of funds when you land. An ATM receipt from a US bank should do it. I don't think a bank in Singapore will work. I think the CBSA officer is supposed to fill out that information on the form not you. if you carry cash over $10,000 US, you must report it to US customs before you leave. If you don't report the cash to US CBP, Canada Border Services may send you back to the US, where technically you could be prosecuted for failing to report

You can land anywhere in Canada, except Quebec unless you also have a Quebec acceptance document. Be prepared to explain why you are landing in Ontario and not BC though.

You need to give a Canadian address to receive your PR cards in the mail. A US address won't work. If you don't have a Canadian address at the time you land, you can go online later and enter your address at the CIC's website. If you wait too long to give CIC a Canadian address, you risk having to pay a fee to get the PR cards.

 

[Dhanan]

Thanks a lot for a quick and informative reply. So, it is not really essential to show proof of CAD18000+ (or equivalent, as supporting funds for a family or 4) when I show US bank receipt, or is it? I'm asking this question so that I can arrange funds. I'm wondering if I show a receipt of few thousand CAD whether they'll be OK given that I'm working in US.

Thanks again in advance,
Dhanan.

 

[links18]

You absolutely have to show proof of funds in the amount required fro the number of people included in your application. If it is $18,000--you need to show proof of that amount when you land.

 

[Dhanan]

Thank you again for the timely information.