Hi kkhurram1,
Good to hear that you are back. With regard to your questions:
- Your PR card is the ‘Initial Card' and ‘New Permanent Residents' time of 37 days will applicable to you. The latest time on the website is an improvement as it was around 58 days a few weeks back.
- As you know already, if you don't have PR card in hand, you will need a PR travel document to return to Canada. Check the processing time for that at ADVO to be prepared in case of any emergency travel need before your PR card arrives.
- I don't think there is any declaration of savings at the time of landing so no worries if you missed that. The declaration of overseas assets (savings, investments, property etc) is done in your first annual tax return.
- The best way to transfer your savings from UAE to Canada is by telex transfer through your bank branch/international transfer through your online banking. If it's a large amount, before the transfer check with staff at your bank branch if they can give a better conversion exchange rate for CAD/AED. I don't think there is any need to break the amount into small installments for any reason.
- When a large sum is received in your account in Canada, that bank will most likely ask for the source of funds. So keep copies of documentation (like bank transfer slip, salary/end of service certificate) handy. they will also most likely report the amount to Canadian tax authorities. No worries on this, as there is no tax on prior savings as far as it is disclosed in your first tax return.
- In your first tax annual return in Canada, you will declare your overseas assets at the time you become PR. Better take some tax consultant advise if you have large amounts. Some guidance on the forum is here:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t157810.0.html
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/should-my-parents-report-funds-already-in-canada-banking-account-in-landing-t164352.0.html;msg2564248#msg2564248
- Leaving Canada without getting a PR card is a grey area. Some risks are there but many people do it. See link:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/the-risk-of-leaving-canada-without-your-pr-card-t191802.0.html;msg3006874#msg3006874
Wish you all the best,