Our Landing Experience!
Mar 20th 2012, 11:47 am
#1
Done!
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 619
Our Landing Experience!
After a week of being in Nova Scotia, I now have some time to post our landing experience!
We flew from Manchester to Halifax via Philadelphia with US Airways. Flying through the USA was interesting, as it always is. Immigration seem to treat the queue of people waiting to enter like dogs. One of the immigration officers even whistled at the passengers to beckon them over when it was their turn
After a 7 hour wait in Philadelphia, we finally boarded for Halifax and landed at 11.30pm.
The Canadian immigration officers were superb from the word go and seemed really happy to see us. I had been really worried about landing so late but everything went quickly and smoothly. We queued up in the usual line with everyone else and then explained to the officer behind the counter we wished to activate our PR visas. She quickly checked our passports, made a phone call and directed us to where we needed to go. Our paperwork was processed very quickly after a few routine questions and our CoPR papers were stapled into our passports. Customs was very straightforward. I had our goods to follow and goods accompanying at the ready, which were checked and stamped. The customs officer was very helpful and talked us through what would happen when our goods arrived. We were done in 45 minutes from start to finish. Looking back now, there was nothing to stress or worry about. I can't stress just how nice the officers were and they put us at ease immediately. We also got a whole bunch of "welcome to Canada" and a lot of hand shaking!
Now on to settling down! I wish everyone still in the process all the best and it really is all worth it in the end!
We flew from Manchester to Halifax via Philadelphia with US Airways. Flying through the USA was interesting, as it always is. Immigration seem to treat the queue of people waiting to enter like dogs. One of the immigration officers even whistled at the passengers to beckon them over when it was their turn
After a 7 hour wait in Philadelphia, we finally boarded for Halifax and landed at 11.30pm. The Canadian immigration officers were superb from the word go and seemed really happy to see us. I had been really worried about landing so late but everything went quickly and smoothly. We queued up in the usual line with everyone else and then explained to the officer behind the counter we wished to activate our PR visas. She quickly checked our passports, made a phone call and directed us to where we needed to go. Our paperwork was processed very quickly after a few routine questions and our CoPR papers were stapled into our passports. Customs was very straightforward. I had our goods to follow and goods accompanying at the ready, which were checked and stamped. The customs officer was very helpful and talked us through what would happen when our goods arrived. We were done in 45 minutes from start to finish. Looking back now, there was nothing to stress or worry about. I can't stress just how nice the officers were and they put us at ease immediately. We also got a whole bunch of "welcome to Canada" and a lot of hand shaking!
Now on to settling down! I wish everyone still in the process all the best and it really is all worth it in the end!
Mar 20th 2012, 1:01 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: shediac NB
Posts: 131
Re: Our Landing Experience!
welcome to canada 
you have arrived just in time for the warmer weather
you have arrived just in time for the warmer weather
Mar 20th 2012, 3:29 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Location: Was: Cullicudden, Scotland. Now: Hammonds Plains, NS
Posts: 352
Re: Our Landing Experience!
Welcome to NS! So pleased everything worked out for you and hopefully we'll get together soon.
Mar 20th 2012, 5:13 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 49
Re: Our Landing Experience!
What a great beginning. Glad that it went so well for you. Hope that you really enjoy your new life in Canada.
Mar 21st 2012, 12:50 am
#5
Citizenship Nov 10 2016!!
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Stewiacke Nova Scotia
Posts: 6,659
Re: Our Landing Experience!
Yay congrats welcome to NS! A great week for it see you all soon!
Mar 21st 2012, 1:54 am
#6
Bon Vivant
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,956
Re: Our Landing Experience!
Welcome to Nova Scotia. It's a good place to be. Good luck in your new life.
Mar 21st 2012, 2:10 am
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: Stauffer, AB
Posts: 842
Re: Our Landing Experience!
Welcome to Canada and best wishes for your new life here
Apr 11th 2012, 10:17 am
#8
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 22
Re: Our Landing Experience!
After a week of being in Nova Scotia, I now have some time to post our landing experience!
We flew from Manchester to Halifax via Philadelphia with US Airways. Flying through the USA was interesting, as it always is. Immigration seem to treat the queue of people waiting to enter like dogs. One of the immigration officers even whistled at the passengers to beckon them over when it was their turn After a 7 hour wait in Philadelphia, we finally boarded for Halifax and landed at 11.30pm.
The Canadian immigration officers were superb from the word go and seemed really happy to see us. I had been really worried about landing so late but everything went quickly and smoothly. We queued up in the usual line with everyone else and then explained to the officer behind the counter we wished to activate our PR visas. She quickly checked our passports, made a phone call and directed us to where we needed to go. Our paperwork was processed very quickly after a few routine questions and our CoPR papers were stapled into our passports. Customs was very straightforward. I had our goods to follow and goods accompanying at the ready, which were checked and stamped. The customs officer was very helpful and talked us through what would happen when our goods arrived. We were done in 45 minutes from start to finish. Looking back now, there was nothing to stress or worry about. I can't stress just how nice the officers were and they put us at ease immediately. We also got a whole bunch of "welcome to Canada" and a lot of hand shaking!
Now on to settling down! I wish everyone still in the process all the best and it really is all worth it in the end!
We flew from Manchester to Halifax via Philadelphia with US Airways. Flying through the USA was interesting, as it always is. Immigration seem to treat the queue of people waiting to enter like dogs. One of the immigration officers even whistled at the passengers to beckon them over when it was their turn
After a 7 hour wait in Philadelphia, we finally boarded for Halifax and landed at 11.30pm. The Canadian immigration officers were superb from the word go and seemed really happy to see us. I had been really worried about landing so late but everything went quickly and smoothly. We queued up in the usual line with everyone else and then explained to the officer behind the counter we wished to activate our PR visas. She quickly checked our passports, made a phone call and directed us to where we needed to go. Our paperwork was processed very quickly after a few routine questions and our CoPR papers were stapled into our passports. Customs was very straightforward. I had our goods to follow and goods accompanying at the ready, which were checked and stamped. The customs officer was very helpful and talked us through what would happen when our goods arrived. We were done in 45 minutes from start to finish. Looking back now, there was nothing to stress or worry about. I can't stress just how nice the officers were and they put us at ease immediately. We also got a whole bunch of "welcome to Canada" and a lot of hand shaking!
Now on to settling down! I wish everyone still in the process all the best and it really is all worth it in the end!
We have been coming here for years for holidays and for my husband to do his physiotherapy exams and thought we were prepped - even struggled to activate a 'pay as you go' mobile - as couldn't work out what the 'pound key' was. Thank you again to the nice people who are able to point us in the right direction. There always seems to be one in the queue in Tim's, a neighbour, someone in the supermarket etc! Here's hoping that this mentality continues as it's refreshing.......even the lady in HSBC didn't treat us as a nuisance and getting in the way of her sitting down time! She's never do well in our local branch at home with that sort of helpful attitude!
Even though having been 'landed' for less than a week, we're slowly getting through the steps and this web-site helps hugely!! Good luck Engineer 80, here's to all of our new lives.
Apr 11th 2012, 2:08 pm
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere between Vancouver & St Johns
Posts: 19,846
Re: Our Landing Experience!
Wow CBSA officers getting compliments I might have to frame that reply 
The process beforehand can appear to be stressful and full of what ifs but if you are prepared and follow a few rules then its a breeze.
When waiting in line for the 1st officer you will see (Primary Officer) have your passport and declaration card in your hand not in the elusive black hole commonly known as a womans handbag.
Do not be using crackberries or texting that is why in most cases you will hear BSOs whistling, shouting Oi or Next. Customs is not like Walmart and there is no voice saying please go to 6 or please go to 3.
When asked purpose of your trip simply state 'We are landing and need to see Immigration" No life stories needed.
From then on its simple COPR forms processed by Immigration and then onto Customs for goods to follow.
Although our Agency thinks we are all one big happy family CBSA we still use the terms Immigration & Customs.
If you come prepared then its easy.
If you come with an attitude well it might not be a pleasant experience.
And yes even CBSA officers have bad days as well so if its OK for you to have one then why cant I.
The process beforehand can appear to be stressful and full of what ifs but if you are prepared and follow a few rules then its a breeze.
When waiting in line for the 1st officer you will see (Primary Officer) have your passport and declaration card in your hand not in the elusive black hole commonly known as a womans handbag.
Do not be using crackberries or texting that is why in most cases you will hear BSOs whistling, shouting Oi or Next. Customs is not like Walmart and there is no voice saying please go to 6 or please go to 3.
When asked purpose of your trip simply state 'We are landing and need to see Immigration" No life stories needed.
From then on its simple COPR forms processed by Immigration and then onto Customs for goods to follow.
Although our Agency thinks we are all one big happy family CBSA we still use the terms Immigration & Customs.
If you come prepared then its easy.
If you come with an attitude well it might not be a pleasant experience.
And yes even CBSA officers have bad days as well so if its OK for you to have one then why cant I.
Apr 11th 2012, 3:16 pm
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 534
Re: Our Landing Experience!
Apr 12th 2012, 11:09 am
#11
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 22
Re: Our Landing Experience!
Wow CBSA officers getting compliments I might have to frame that reply
The process beforehand can appear to be stressful and full of what ifs but if you are prepared and follow a few rules then its a breeze.
When waiting in line for the 1st officer you will see (Primary Officer) have your passport and declaration card in your hand not in the elusive black hole commonly known as a womans handbag.
Do not be using crackberries or texting that is why in most cases you will hear BSOs whistling, shouting Oi or Next. Customs is not like Walmart and there is no voice saying please go to 6 or please go to 3.
When asked purpose of your trip simply state 'We are landing and need to see Immigration" No life stories needed.
From then on its simple COPR forms processed by Immigration and then onto Customs for goods to follow.
Although our Agency thinks we are all one big happy family CBSA we still use the terms Immigration & Customs.
If you come prepared then its easy.
If you come with an attitude well it might not be a pleasant experience.
And yes even CBSA officers have bad days as well so if its OK for you to have one then why cant I.
The process beforehand can appear to be stressful and full of what ifs but if you are prepared and follow a few rules then its a breeze.
When waiting in line for the 1st officer you will see (Primary Officer) have your passport and declaration card in your hand not in the elusive black hole commonly known as a womans handbag.
Do not be using crackberries or texting that is why in most cases you will hear BSOs whistling, shouting Oi or Next. Customs is not like Walmart and there is no voice saying please go to 6 or please go to 3.
When asked purpose of your trip simply state 'We are landing and need to see Immigration" No life stories needed.
From then on its simple COPR forms processed by Immigration and then onto Customs for goods to follow.
Although our Agency thinks we are all one big happy family CBSA we still use the terms Immigration & Customs.
If you come prepared then its easy.
If you come with an attitude well it might not be a pleasant experience.
And yes even CBSA officers have bad days as well so if its OK for you to have one then why cant I.
Apr 12th 2012, 12:51 pm
#12
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere between Vancouver & St Johns
Posts: 19,846
Re: Our Landing Experience!
Yes the size of the new COPR forms are causing problems
Its a shame that CIC/CBSA Disney Land (Ottawa) dont think of these things when developing new procedures and forms.
My guess is that we will be receiving a bulletin from HQ Ottawa reminding POE and Inland Offices that they are receiving COPR forms that have been folded and please ensure that the forms are not folded.
Obviously replying to such a bulletin or internal email that it is in fact that it is the travellers who are folding them because of their size will fall on deaf ears
Its a shame that CIC/CBSA Disney Land (Ottawa) dont think of these things when developing new procedures and forms.
My guess is that we will be receiving a bulletin from HQ Ottawa reminding POE and Inland Offices that they are receiving COPR forms that have been folded and please ensure that the forms are not folded.
Obviously replying to such a bulletin or internal email that it is in fact that it is the travellers who are folding them because of their size will fall on deaf ears
