Landing process in Canada questions

[dayver1331]

I'm anticipating my wife's PR Visa very soon, we're praying faithfully for it.

When she lands in Toronto with me, how does customs work? Can I accompany her in her separate line to speak with customs? Or will I have to go to my line, and she goes alone to hers?

Can I accompany her to the special office where she will meet with an official from CIC? If I'm already through customs, I'd think that this can't be a huge issue, seeing as I'm her husband.

Please offer any experiences if you have any.

Also, does anyone have a sample copy of a B4 and B4a form? I'm interested in how to specifically declare each item.
i.e -each and every individual item? or can I say 3 pairs of socks, 3 shirts?
Just trying to prepare each little thing before I'll go and pick her up to bring her back to Canada

 

[wilson]

When she lands in Toronto with me, how does customs work? Can I accompany her in her separate line to speak with customs? Or will I have to go to my line, and she goes alone to hers?

If you and wife traveling together, you and wife can go to the customs counter together and talk to the officer.

Can I accompany her to the special office where she will meet with an official from CIC? If I'm already through customs, I'd think that this can't be a huge issue, seeing as I'm her husband.

No problem. Usually only new immigrant need to enter that area. If your wife has any communication problem, you can talk to the officer at that area to allow you with her for interpretation.

Please offer any experiences if you have any.

Also, does anyone have a sample copy of a B4 and B4a form? I'm interested in how to specifically declare each item.
i.e -each and every individual item? or can I say 3 pairs of socks, 3 shirts?

List the items in group:
No need to specify small items, individually anything like, socks, ties, shawl etc..
Give approx value for each group. Don't worry if the value goes higher because being a settler, the items are duty free.

Example: Assorted dress : 10 pairs,
Sheets, linen, bath towels : 12
Laptop : Toshiba Model .... ne,
Camera; Canon Model .... : one

(If there is goods to follow: Dress : 2 box, Crckeries : 1 box, Kitchen utensils : 2 box, Books ; 1 box, Miscellaneos house hold items : 2 box, Music system : Sony Seral No...... )

Download the form here:
Don't write on the 'gray' areas of the form

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf

 

[m_and_m]

Hi!

I don't know about Toronto but I can tell you my experience:
My husband and I went to primary inspection together.
Then the CBSA inspection officer (or whatever is the proper name/word!) told me to go to secondary inspection (called Immigration Canada or something like that). My husband was able to come there with me (though he was sitting close by and I was the only one in the line). They checked my ID and COPR and asked me 2 questions. Then I had to go to customs. I went there alone, presented the B4 lists I had made (though according to them the goods to follow list had to be a B4a so I had to fill that out) and was done in about 5 mins.
All in all, very easy!
The way I declared the items was: x(number) boxes of clothing .... x boxes of books etc. For electronics I specified the model, serial nr etc. And that was ok!
I guess it works the same way in Toronto too, though I'm not 100% sure as I landed at another airport. But I'm sure it'll go well
Hope this helps and if not there are probably others who landed at Toronto!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

If you ask to accompany her, the officer probably won't say no. When my British partner landed, the immigration officer said I could come in the office if I wanted, so there isn't an official rule or anything saying that you're not allowed in with her.

 

[dayver1331]

Guys, thanks so much for this info. I want to assure my wife that I will be able to come with her. She really needs me there with her.

 

[Sweden]

Guys, thanks so much for this info. I want to assure my wife that I will be able to come with her. She really needs me there with her.

you can't guarantee for sure, but let's say there is a good chance that you will be allowed... Most immigration officers are quite nice when you're landing, as she will be arriving with a proper status and not a "difficult case" - so most officers are happy to welcome new people into Canada (of course you always get grumpy people everywhere!), and in my case, the officer was very relaxed and my partner was able to come in with me as well.

If for any reason you're not allowed in, tell your wife not to worry : they will ask her if she is still married (given the fact that you're coming with her, not an issue!), her address in Canada to send the PR card, and to sign the COPR, that's about it... so it's not an interview, more so a quick conversation!

Good luck,
Sweden