Landing info and Bank statement - accepted in Douglas Border (Seattle/Vancouver)

[AvayaLenovo]

When I was preparing for my landing last month, I read differing opinions on whether a bank statement would be acceptable as a proof of fund upon landing. Well, I decided to share my experience with regard to this to provide clarification. Some caveats though are:

(1) I landed in Douglas Border (Seattle/Vancouver).
(2) I only stayed in Vancouver for 6 days and drove back to US.
(3) This is specific to what the officer told me. It could be a different opinion from another officer.

So to be sure, what I did was I carried $14000 worth of cashier's check thru the border. Of course, I declared this as required by law. In the interview, I was asked by the officer why I was bringing that huge amount of money. I then said, "It's my proof of funds". And with a stern look, she said that bank statement would suffice, that I don't need to bring the actual money. So there, you can quote me on this... but this was according to the officer who interviewed me (Description: Female, White, Skinny, Young (around early 30s or late 20s), With long, weird eyelashes, not friendly at all!, doesn't smile). It could be different for another officer. I suggest to call the border and verify. Just wanted to share my experience and somehow give peace of mind to some people. Good luck ;D

Note: This officer was not really accomodating. Instead of welcoming us to Canada as residents, she made us feel that this is something bad that we're putting ourselves into. All she did was tell us "you cannot do this, you cannot do that, you have to do this, blah blah blah". We felt we were about to enter a prison and there's no turning back. She even did not pursue our PR Card application and did not even bother to tell us why. If I didn't ask, she never would have told me when we can apply for our PR Card and how we can re-enter Canada. I hope no one from this forum gets interviewed by this rude officer.

 

[AvayaLenovo]

And another info --

I also applied for our SIN cards -- in which I also encountered a problem. My name is very long since it includes my maiden name. Because of that, my name in my COPR was shortened. For example:
True name: McNally, Mary Spreitzer (Reflected in my PR visa)
Name in the COPR: McNally, Mary Spreit

Even though it was clearly stated in the Instructions paper of the COPR that some names will be shortened due to lack of space but this is still fine since the visa displays the complete name -- the Indian lady in Service Canada still reflected the shortened name in my SIN Card application! She said her only point of reference is the COPR and cannot use my visa name. She even called someone and verified the same. So, I will receive my SIN card in my shortened name which is definitely INCORRECT! She said I can have this corrected once I receive my PR Card (if it reflects my complete name). GGGRRRR!

Having said all these, Yes -- I can say that my landing did not go smoothly. I kind of feel that there are so many loose ends in the Canadian Gov't process and am not so happy about it. My FSW processing went very smooth that only took less than 12 months, but the landing process was very tedious and problematic!