Hello Nikusa
I hope this message finds you well and before your departure to Montreal. This post is also copied here to benefit other forum members going through this process. The following was copied from another forum and edited by me for those of us in the QSW stream.
WHEN SHOULD WE 'LAND':
After getting the PR visa, we are supposed to complete our 'record of landing', on or before the Visa Expiry Date [mentioned on the visa]. The visa Expiry Date is related to EITHER*:
a) 1yr. from the meds, or
b) Passport expiry date of the Principal Applicant (PA) or anyone of his/her accompanying Dependents
*Whichever of the above 2 is earlier.
Please land in the time frame given as there are no extensions on landing visas.
WHO SHOULD LAND FIRST:
It is the obligation of the PA to 'land' first. Which can be 'alongwith' one or more or all the accompanying family members. Let it be clear that the PA's dependents CANNOT land first.
PROCEDURE AT THE Point of Entry (POE):
Before debarking the a/craft we'll be provided with a 'Disembarkation Card/Form'. We take that form & first go to the 'Passport Control'.
At the Passport Control:
Here we need to inform the Immigration Officer (IO) that we have come to do our 'landing'. The IO will check our Disembarkation Card and our passport/s & visa. S/he will then direct us to "Newly Landed Immigrants' Counter".
At the Immigration Counter:
The IO here will scrutinize our Passport/s & COPRs. S/He would [sometimes may not] ask to see our POF. Most of the times the officer will not count the 'actual' money & accept what we say. But, no false representations please as in recent years this became strict to review all landing funds. S/he will then fill some portions of the COPR & ask us to sign it, wherein it'll be attached on our passport. We'll be asked to fill-in the 'PR Card Application Form' & give an address where our PR cards will be forwarded within 3-6 weeks. Thereby, s/he would 'Welcome us to Canada' and direct us to another office. Note, at this point you can probably ask the IO if you can arrange to have the PRcard sent to a friend or relative (that you trust) that may live elsewhere in Canada and you can arrange to collect from them. The IO may indicate yes or no, if no you will have to visit service Canada at a later date when you have a long term a address in Quebec.
At the Services Canada Office:
The Services Canada section is for assisting the Newcomers' settlement moves. Here we'll get lots of books/pamphlets, that'll provide all the crucial info on Canada and our Settlement plan here. From here will be directed to the CBSA counter.
At the CBSA [Customs] Office:
This is an important location. We are required to present (1) List of Items Accompanying; (2) List of Goods to Follow (I wrote on this in a previous post); (3) Currency Declaration [We'd have to 'declare' any amount of $10K or more]. Items 1 & 2 (mentioned here) must be brought in 2 copies, one would be retained by CBSA and the 2nd copy will be returned back to us. We'll need the 2nd copy when our shipments come-in.
Note: [1] If we are not bringing-in any goods later, we don't need the 'goods to follow list'. [2] At a random the CBSA might 'actually' check the POF here. Thus, no complacency is acceptable. [3] If there are 'jewelry' involved, do not forget to bring 'Printed Photographs' of the same (details later).
Acceptable proof of funds is:
Bank accounts in your name or the name of your accompanying spouse/common-law partner;
Cash-able investments in your name or the name of your accompanying spouse/common-law partner;
Cash-able fixed deposits in your name of the name of your accompanying spouse/common-law partner.
Please Note following type of bank accounts are not acceptable.
1.Bank accounts in someone else’s name;
Bank accounts which are joint in your name and someone else (other than your accompanying spouse/common-law partner);
Bank accounts in the name of your spouse who is not accompanying you to Canada ;
Property valuations;
Vehicle valuations;
Jewellery valuations.
In short anything that cannot be easily transferred (liquidated) cannot be used as proof of funds.
What do I need to bring to Canada with me?
You are not required to carry all your funds in cash when you arrive in Canada. You are, however, required to show documentary evidence that you have the funds available (in bank accounts or cash-able investments), and that they can be transferred to Canada.
A port of entry officer in Canada may seek to confirm these funds before granting you permanent residence along with your dependents.
Please Note: Canadian customs regulations require you to declare if you are bringing more than C$10,000 into Canada. If you do not declare, you can be fined, imprisoned or money seized.
Can I borrow the money from someone?
Please note that borrowing money for proof of funds and pretending those funds are yours, when they are not, is misrepresentation because:
– You will be defrauding the Canadian government
– You will be cheating the system which is unfair on other honest applicants – It is also unfair on the Canadian welfare system when you arrive in Canada with borrowed money which is not yours
– It is unfair on yourselves to put further strain on what will already be a financial struggle.
CIC explicitly say
“You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents after you arrive in Canada. You cannot borrow this money from another person”
Do I need to show 6 months balance?
CIC does not necessarily require you to show a six months balance. You only need to show the current available balance in your account (e.g. using a bank statement or a bank certificate).
FORMS REQUIRED FOR THE 'LANDING':
Even if you stay ONLY for a day at Canada, you will need the following:
1. Passport with stamped Visa. -off course
2. COPR (IMM 5292B)
3. POF.
4. Passport size photos. -2 or 3 for PRC (may not be needed, but good to have)
5. PR Card Application (IMM 5444E). -carry it filled pre-printed, for ease
6. Goods to Follow List (Form B4 / B4A). -carry it filled pre-printed, for ease
7. Goods Accompanying List. 2 copies of items you are carrying on person (value & Totaled)
[flash=200,200]http://Forms required later[/flash]
8. SIN Card Apps Form (NAS 2120). -Not Needed at the A/port [later at Services Canada]
9. Kids Immunization Record. -Not Needed at the A/port [later for School Admission]
10. If you are Driving your Car.
NOTE: The more you are organized before hand, the better 1st impression you deliver and the IO/CBSA officer shall be happier.
SHORT STAY ACCOMMODATION:
For sure you must arrange a 'short-stay' accommodation prior to your landing. The necessity of which cannot be overemphasized more. If you have friends/relatives, they can be approached for the same, if you do not have anyone, the following is recommended:
NOTE: Except for ppl with enough $$$ to spend, avoid Hotels & Motels. They are far costlier. Also, if you must take a hotel, avoid the ones close to the A/port -for obvious reasons.
Sites that I've found for cheap short term accommodation while you look around: I suggest bed and breakfast (or Airbnb):
https://www.booking.com
https://Kijiji.ca
https://fr.airbnb.ca
https://quebecvacances.com
HOUSE RENTAL:
The best way to do house hunting [long-term accom.] is to land at Canada & then start searching. Word of mouth & Bulletin Boards are a great ‘real-time' source. However, we cannot condone the importance of the web. Some of the good sites [there are many] could be:
a) http://www.rentquebecapartments.com
b) http://www.century21
c) http://www.kjiji.ca/ (Good Classifieds site)
d) http://www.remx-Quebec.com
MONEY: PROOF OF LANDING FUNDS:
What Proofs Are Acceptable?
If you are carrying more than C$10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form of:
• Cash
• Securities in bearer form (for eg, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
• Negotiable instruments in bearer form (for eg, B/drafts, Cheques, TCs or MOs).
Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/funds.asp
How Much Funds Can I Carry?
There is no Max limit known....only if we can prove its legitimate source & declare anything at/or more than $10,000 [that's the CBSA regulation]. There is a Minimum limit though... we must carry at least or more than what CIC requirement states, vis-a-vis for the no. of persons in the family [accompanying].
Tax & Duties Component:
The funds we bring inside Canada are Non-Taxable. It is only the 'interest' earned on that which is taxed. The moment our funds start accruing interest [while lying in a Canadian Bank a/c] the bank will start deducting tax 'on source'. The same applies for any 'investment' in Canada that we make with these funds.
BANKING:
Though most international banks operate in Canada, the 4 main Canadian Banks are presumably the best, in terms of their presence, availability & location of ATM machines, branches etc.:
1) Scotiabank,
2) TD Bank,
3) CIBC
4). BMO
PR CARDS (PRC):
Your PR Card application (IMM 5444E) shall be done at the POE itself. It is part of the PR package [free] and the photos & details will be the same as you supplied for the PPR. Our PR Card/s come back to us via regular post mail, in 45days, It is 'advisable' to stay in Canada, collect our PRC and then return back [if you must].
If you leave the country before it arrives, you'll have to make arrangements for its collection & forward delivery to you, overseas, through a friend/relative [Not a Recommended Action], however, done all the time by ppl. But there is a danger of losing it in transit. And if that happens, we'll have a tedious process to get new ones made.
Procedure Of PR Card Application:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5445E.PDF
NOTE: The PRC is probably the 'most important' document after we are thru with our PR application process. This is valid for 5 yrs. First time: Free; Renewals cost $50/card.
SIN CARDS:
After 'landing' we'll have to visit the nearest Services Canada Office for the SIN Card. We get the SIN No. immediately as a 'print-out' -signed & stamped upon applying, the same day, the same time. That'd suffice for all our further actions in Canada, viz Job Search, Bank a/c, House Hunting etc. There use to have a card delivered but I don't think that's the case any longer.
NOTE: Remember, we don't need the SIN Card for anything. Only the SIN No. Which we'll get the same time as we apply for it. It'd be wise to visit Services Canada Office the very next day upon arrival.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Both PR Card & SIN Cards are Federal documents. Meaning? One card for the entire nation -Canada.
HEALTH CARDS:
I strongly suggest to purchase travel insurance upon arrival to Canada. As we know Canada provides free health care for its citizens and PR. However, we must apply for the health card and it takes on average 3 months to complete. So in the event someone is hurt and you don't have insurance it will be costly. In his manner you must purchase temporary insurance or commonly called travel/visitors insurance. This travel insurance can be purchased at some banks, and insurance companies. The insurance company I contacted was Blue Cross and it is located throughout Canada but in Quebec it can be found in Montreal on rue Sherbrooke. The price can vary depending on age and different characteristics, but they will quote you different packages (eg. 50k, 100k, 150k coverage) at an average price of $300cdn
Health is a provincial matter. It is NOT FEDERAL. Thus, if you change provinces, you'll have to AGAIN get that province's Health Card. And again the waiting period* shall apply.
DRIVING LICENSE:
Still researching this area and will update accordingly
ITEMS TO CARRY FROM HOMELAND:
Very debatable... I would say, do your maths first. Is the extra baggage costs worth the effort? Most items are readily available in Canada, also at very reasonable price.
Ditto for Indian Food & Spices [Rice, Dal, Pickles, Papad (?) etc.] And ditto for Italian [Pasta, Lasagna etc.], Japanese [Sushi, Tapanyaki, Teriyaki etc.], Tex-Mex, you name it.
Besides, many items are also not permitted entry. And there is otherwise a quality/quantity restriction as well. Check the CBSA website for those. Moreover, hiring a container full of goods? I'd say No... No. It may not be worthwhile at all.
What To Take? [Purely My Advise]:
1. Personal effects [for imdt use, large quantities... No]
2. General clothing [some warm ones also]
3. Laptop [no desk top, printer etc.]
4. Digicam / Camcorder
5. Heirlooms [heritage collections, murals, artifacts etc.] -Check CBSA rules.
6. Original Certificates / Documents
7. Prescription Medicines
8. Books & DVDs
9. Mobile Phone* [non CDMA] -a NA charger will be needed
*Only GSM850-1900MHz models [that's the Canadian frequency -not all countries have that]
What "Not" To Take? [Purely My Advise]:
1. Furniture [whatever, small or big]
2. TV [even if it's an LCD], Fridge, Washing machine etc.
3. Curtains, Bedspreads, Pillows & linens
4. Cars, Bikes etc.
5. Large-sized Toys of kids
6. Food [Perishable or Non-perishable] items
7. Over-the-Counter Medicines
8. Meat or Meat products [including Fowl, Fish etc.]
NOTE: Asian make electronic/electrical items won't work in Canada. [read 230 vs 110 Volts]
GOODS LISTS [FORM B4 / B4A]:
All goods that we carry, either 'on person' or 'following' needs to be 'listed' in form B4 / B4A, separately. These forms are available in the CBSA website, link given below:
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf
It is the same form for 'Goods Accompanying' & 'Goods to follow'. We should club similar items in groups [eg. DVDs: Qty-98, Books: Qty-42 etc.].
The entire list should be priced against each group & totalled in the end. We should carry 'original' invoices for high-end items [Diamonds -MUST]. Others can be broadly/generally priced, but appropriate.
Jewelry items MUST be listed [each item wise]; and should carry their "photographs". We should print-out the pics under similar groups [eg. Rings -all in one or more pages, Necklaces -in another page etc.]
We'll need 2 copies of each form, as one would be kept by the CBSA & one would be returned to us, for 'customs' clearance. This 2nd copy will be signed & stamped by the CBSA at the POE.
NOTE: All goods brought for 'landing' are non-taxed. If we were to bring-in goods 'later', either by personal carriage or thru a transporter, this list MUST be stamped on the 1st Landing. Else, they will be 'dutiable'. No compromise on that is possible. That's the law.
ABOUT KID's SCHOOLING:
Canada has 2 types of schools -the 'Public Schools' & the 'Catholic Schools'. There are some 'ethnic' schools as well, but not for regular education. Most of our kids [say 70%] go to the Public Schools -this education is FREE. The Catholic Schools are Fee-Paid [payable by us].
Usually, our kids will be accepted imdtly into the *neighborhood school, whether we arrive mid-term or during a new session. There can be an 'entry test', but that's not for rejection -but for assessment of the extra care that the school need to provide to a kid.
Even if our kids are not very good in either of the 2 Canadian official languages -English &/or French, by law a school is required to provide admission to our kids.
*Each neighborhood will have their own Public School/s; and our kids are required to ONLY be admitted there. We have no choice on that. The only way out [if we think that a particular school is better] is to move our residence to that area [neighborhood]. We have to provide our 'residency contract' for this purpose.
NOTE: Do not be hooked by the thought that the Catholic Schools are better than the Public Schools. Both are equally compititive in Edu-care. In fact some of the Public Schools are 'excellent' & remember, 70% Canadian kids study in them.
***
I hope I've addressed most issues, if not all... to ease the process of our landing. If I missed out anything or if something is wrongly put, plz notify. Also other members who have more info to add may kindly post theirs for the benefit of everyone.
Bonne chance à tous!
