We started from a state capital in India by AI domestic flight. At Delhi airport officials directed us to the AI flight to Toronto. The flight was spacious and crew was truly service minded. Take off was at 1.25 AM and we landed at 6.32 AM at Pearson airport in Toronto. CBSA forms were distributed before landing. A family of 4 members can use same form. One question in the form is about the funds, whether carrying more than CAD 10K. For another question, I ticked ''yes'' towards carrying diary products coz my child's milk powder was in our luggage.
From the aircraft we followed sign boards/instructions. The first was CBSA (Customs). Officer, not friendly not arrogant, professionally checked the CBSA form filled by us, our passports and visas, also COPRs.
Officer : Anything left in India to bring on a later date?
Us : Nothing much
Officer: Ok, go to immigration
We were in the queue at immigration. On our turn the officer asked how much is our funds and written on the form what we have told her. Then we were asked for an address in Canada. After filling the address etc. we were asked to sign on COPRs and the officer has given us the COPRs counterfoils and told us that PRs will be cancelled if we don't stay in Canada for a minimum of 2 years (I think 730 days approx) out of next 5 years. Then the Officer asked us to go down to collect our luggage.
There are 2 types of trolleys at the luggage arrival. I opted for the small one. I did not have a 2 dollar coin to pay for the trolley. But the man stood near to trolley pay machine has given me change for $ 5.
When we moved towards exit, customs officers there asked how much is our funds, we answered the same. And I mentioned the milk powder. They replied that for babies its fine. They took the CBSA card and let us move towards the exit.
Canada was patiently waiting for us.
Temparature outside was around 20, it was nice and refreshing.
Airport was not very busy at that time.
We took a taxi to our stay.
The very next day we went to Services Canada office. SIN formalities were completed in 10 minutes and we are advised that our cards will be sent in 2 weeks.
After one day we opened bank accounts. We got the debit cards immediately.
(I just jotted down what we have experienced, am not sure if other immigrants faced the same during their first entry)
We had in our luggage 5-6 sets of warm cloths, a large blanket, a pressure cooker, 4 steel stainless cooking vessels, normal cloths, 5-6 pairs of jeans, kid's milk powder, food and Pampers etc.
We found almost all types of Indian curry powders etc. in grocery stores.
We felt like people are friendly and helpful.
Hope that some points of this note would help future immigrants.
Also we wish to thank this forum, all seniors and all from who we learned so many tips during our processing period and arrangements for arrival.
May G-d bless all.
