FARAH1305

Hi all

We landed on the 14th at Pearson - flying in from LGW.

When in the immigration line we were directed to the new automated machines - and we were very confused on how to use them as I (the Canadian citizen) wasn't landing as a returning citizen as of yet - but my husband and daughter (the PR and a Canadian citizen) were.

Anyways after using the machines we were sent to a Immigration Officer. He was so young but quite serious. Asked to see our GTF AND GTA. We handed them to him and did a double take of the values (we were bringing back my husbands Rolex from his father - so that inflated our estimated value, lol. Anyways he was quite nice in the end - personally escorted us to the other room and as we had a 2 year old with us took us to the front of the line. That however is where it got awkward. As when we went up to the next available Officer (the one who signs the PR permit) he was quite pissed off with us. Asking why we skipped the line. We informed him that we didn't - and that we were directed here by his colleague. Anyways another colleague of his corroborated our story as he also pushed us to the front of the line with the other guy. (NOTE: We didn't ask to skip the line - we were directed to the front). Still the officer wasn't impressed and took my husbands stuff and told us to sit down. After about 10 minutes - he came back softened and apologetic and said that it's just that other people complain. He stamped our forms and sent us through to baggage claim.

Customs was incredibly confusing. We had multiple bags with us (6 and a bike bag) - plus a toddler and a stroller. We were trying to find a porter to help us and finally found one. Anyways the Customs officer who checks the yellow cards (must have made a mistake) because they took our card and just kind of waved us thorough. He was chatting with a colleague and I don't think he really looked. We were very frazzled due to a long flight and an exhausted toddler. Anyways we left WITHOUT having our GTF verified or stamped or whatever. Our Porter was kind and informed us that we needed to go back - he walked us to the CBA office in the terminal. We explained to the officer what happened - and he said oh it's not a big deal. You've got 60 days. He told us the printer wasn't working and to come back some time this week to get GTF sorted; with that we left the airport.

We came back 2 days later with all our documents. My husband went to the same office - there was a different agent working. She was not happy and gave him quite the grilling. My husband misremembered the colour of the paper that you're supposed to hand into customs (he thought it was pink it's actually yellow) which prompted more questions. Anyways she finally relented and processed our GTF.

Anyways - as a suggestion make sure you get the GTF stamped or sorted before you leave baggage claim. We were so tired we just kinda walked through like zombies. If we were a little more alert it would've saved us a trip back to Pearson.

christmasoompa

FARAH1305

christmasoompa