What to expect at the immigration desks
 

Hi All,
Matt and I make our long awaited journey to Ontario on Wednesday after more than 18months in the planning we are both very excited and eager to get our journey going.
But I was just wondering if anyone was able to tell us about their experience of actually going through the immigration desks at the airport. We have obviously had all our visa application checked out and approved but we just don't know what to expect once we get to the border controls.
I am travelling on a study visa and Matt on an Open Work Permit (classed as my dependent).
Do you think they will take us to one side and interview us? Or will it all be relatively easy going? We were just keen to see what other people had gone through. We will be arriving at Toronto.
Additionally, our dog will be joining us a week today, do we need to "declare" her on our entry?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Jade

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

If you are travelling on the same declaration form or married/common law then you will probably be seen together and asked to provide the relevant documents for each permit to be issued. Its easy if you are prepared and have all the info required.
The dog coming next week does not need to be declared as you will clear it when it arrives.
The process can take anywhere from 15 mins to 3 hours as you are landing at Canadas busiest airport and that will be dependent upon a number of factors.
When Im processing passengers the process is always better when Im bribed with a UK chocolate bar;)

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

I hope when its our turn we get you. I'll happily supply whatever choc you'd like :) I already have a list for everyone else I know.

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

Unfortunately for you and fortunately for me I dont work at that hell hole they call Lester B Pearson International (Toronto) :lol:

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

It's not that bad :)

Do you just say to the person processing you that you want to activate your visa/work permit?

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

You hand over your declaration card and passport. You can either tell the officer that you need to see Immigration or wait for the question "What is the purpose of your trip?" Thats where you answer Im going to be working or studying.
There again you could be like the ones who say nothing and are not asked that question and walk out of the area knowing that they need a work/study permit or activating their PR status but still walk out :confused:

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

What would be the point of that? Surely you need to then try to figure out somewhere to flag pole then? eejits.

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

To the OP. From what I can recall from when we activated our PR in 2010 it was remarkably relaxed. We had all our papaerwork in order (eg passport, copr form, goods to follow list, bank statement - it won't be the same docs required for a work permit). The Immigration Officer at Calgary looked through the docs, asked a few very straightforward questions, and we were on our way.

We then went through customs, where they asked the normal questions about whether we had any meat in our bags etc, stamped our goods to follow list and we were on our way.

The whole process took about 45 mins and would have been quicker if we hadn't been just behind a lady who seemed to be trying to import enough meat to stock a butcher's shop.

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

Sorry to butt in on your conversation, we are new to BritishExpats! :)

After reading this thread we were wondering if we could ask a question to Former Lancastrian....

My husband and I have been approved for a study visa and work permit. Unfortuanately I just missed out on the start of term this year so will be starting at college next Sept.

Anyway we are planning to fly out to Calgary mid Jan so we can be settled for the summer. Would immigration question why were flying out so many months before? Apart from bribing with a UK choc bar is there anything else we can do or say...?

Appreciate your response :thumbsup:

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

Are you both coming on study permits and work permits or is one coming on a work permit and one on a study permit?
If you are both on study permits but not starting until Sept of next year then yes you might be questioned as to why coming so early and have the overseas offices issued the letters of acceptance with the work permit and study permit numbers?
Have the institutions issued letters of acceptance for studying?

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

Thank you so much for your reply.

I am on a study visa and my husband an open work permit. I have a letter of acceptance from a college in Calgary. Really would love to fly out mid Jan because it would no doubt take a few months for my husband to find a job.

We both have letters of acceptance from The High Commision of Canada here in the UK. As far as I can see there is a UCI, application and document number. The letters state we will be issued our visas at Calgary airport.

Thanks for your advice :)

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

Then there should be no problems.

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

That's brilliant, from what we were told we were concerned it may jeopardise our application.

We're clean as a whistle so lets hope all will be OK :fingerscrossed:

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

hey, you work at a border? if you do could you answer this for me, can i go to the u.s. border and get an open occupation specific work permit via the attached pilot scheme?
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resourc...013/ob279E.asp

Re: What to expect at the immigration desks
 

Providing you meet all the requirements then yes. Are you already in Canada?