On August 10, 2013 (Saturday), around 11:30am, I completed my landing on foot at the Peace Arch border crossing (Douglas office) in White Rock (Vancouver).
I followed closely to what this person did and it was very successful: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/my-landing-experience-and-a-few-tips-bc-pnp-peace-arch-douglas-border-point-t107743.0.html
First, I took the bus 351 from Bridgeport station to White Rock Centre, and called a cab to go to the Canadian customs building ($15+). There was a long lineup for cars to cross the border (since it’s a Saturday), so the cab dropped me off at the Peace Arch Duty Free Shop and I walked down to the Canadian customs building (very nice glass building).
An officer outside asked me what I was here for, and I said “flagpole,” and she said I would have to go to the US side and tell them I am not entering the States and they will give me a white piece of paper to come back to the Canadian side.
I walked on the red-bricked sidewalk and went through 2 doors to pass the lanes section (where the cars go through), and walked towards the Peace Arch Provincial Park. It was very beautiful with many colourful flowers and the Peace Arch monument in the background. As I walked across the pristine green grass, I saw several people wandering around and taking pictures. I also took some pictures of the scenery.
When I got to the US customs office, I asked where to line up for flagpoling (there were lines A, B and C in the office). I was directed to Line C and the officer basically asked if I wanted to go to the US today and I said no. He filled out a (white) notice of refusal and advised me to walk back to Canada.
Back again to the Canadian lanes section, I was told to wait before the doors (which I previously walked through), and after a few minutes, the officer checking the cars asked me to go through the door and proceeded to check my passport and COPR.
Then he gave me a yellow piece of paper and told me to go to Line B inside the office building. I went into the office and there wasn’t many people at all. I was served within a few minutes and two officers looked at my COPR and passport. One of them asked me the questions:
1. “Have you ever been convicted for an offence?”
2. “Do you know what an offence is?” (hehe)
3. “Do you have any dependants like your spouse or children?”
I was told to initial on each of the following spots she indicated on both copies of the COPR. Then she asked me for my address and I pulled out my credit card statement. She copied it onto the COPR and keyed in some information into the computer. The other officer handed me an information guide on becoming a permanent resident.
I asked if I had to apply for a PR card, and she said no, they are processing it for me right now and it would take about 8 weeks to arrive. I was also told to get a new SIN number and by 12pm it was all done! They handed my documents back to me and said “Congratulations!” ;D
Funny thing is they did not sign my copy of the COPR, but they had put the date and the point of entry on it. Does anyone know if this is normal?
That was my experience at the Douglas border office, hope it was an interesting read for you.
Thank you so much to each and every one of you guys on this forum. We helped each other, we worried together, we all hung on! For those still waiting, your turn will come very soon! Good luck to all!!!
