Hi everyone,
Completed my landing last week at the Toronto Pearson airport with my wife.
After landing, we went to the passport control desk. The officer checked our boarding passes and Declaration Card (we need to fill the declaration card in the plane itself....its very simple and does not take much time). The officer asked us few basic questions including how much funds I was carrying. He then guided us to the Immigration Counter and told us that your CoPRs will be checked at that counter.
At the Immigration counter, we handed in our passports & CoPRs to the officer. The officer noted down our Canadian address (I had kept a printout of the address ready for the officer). The officer filled out the CoPR in front of us & again asked us a few basic questions. The officer also noted down how much funds we were carrying & the break-up. At no point of time were we asked to produce the proof of funds. The officer then told us to have a seat while she completes a few formalities. After 10-15 minutes, our names were called and the officer handed us our passports with the CoPR stapled inside. We were then asked to proceed to the Service Canada counter to apply for our SIN.
At the Service Canada counter, unfortunately there was some technical glitch which resulted in long waiting time. We were handed a token number and had to wait around 45 minutes before our number was called. At the desk, we were asked a few family-related questions and were handed our printout with the SIN immediately. The whole process took just 5-10 minutes. We then proceeded to another Service Canada desk where we were handed the welcome to Canada kit.
Finally, we went to collect our baggage and moved towards the customs area. I had prepared detailed Goods Accompanied & Goods to Follow lists. The customs officer reviewed the GTF list, entered certain details in his computer. He then stamped the document and told me to collect the zero duty receipt from the cash counter. I collected the same and handed it over to the officer. With respect to the GA list, I asked whether it needs to be stamped as well. He glanced at the list and told us that nothing more is needed and you guys are good to go, followed by a warm Welcome to Canada!
The whole process took around 2 hours (It would have been lower had it not been for the technical glitch at the SIN counter). The officers were very friendly & understanding and overall it was a simple and smooth process. My suggestion to everyone....be organised & keep your documents handy. Things will be smoother if you reduce the officers workload. Also, the questions asked are quite basic so be confident and always have a smile on your face, after all this is the most important moment of your life!!
