Across the border

Disclaimer: Our experience described here is before COVID, so do not expect to read about the latest immigration rules. Don't be disappointed if there is no mention of a face mask.

If there was one thing that went as planned, it would be the hour our flight landed in Toronto. Our flight (Qatar Airways) got us on time to the Toronto Pearson Airport. Yes, that was the only thing.

We waited for our turn at the immigration area with our documents handy. At least 40% of the people around us were fellow immigrant couples. It was finally our turn an hour later. We answered all the questions the immigrant officer had for us at the counter. All they did was to check our COPR with the details on their and end.

The immigration officer will ask you for an address in Canada to which they can mail your PR card to you. Most of us do not have family here, but that does not mean you can give the address of an acquaintance. PR card is the most important document the government will give you. The officer will probe you to get to the bottom of who you are staying with, to ensure the PR card reaches you safely.

For us, the officer wasn't happy with the address we handed him. No need to feel stressed/anxious at this point. They will ask you to complete the process online once you have an address you can call your own. You should be able to do it at this link: https://services3.cic.gc.ca/ecas/security.do?app=coa&lang=en

Next on to the immigration area. There was a counter for immigrant services where they handed us a big red bag with brochures on facilities for new immigrants in Toronto.

Next we moved towards the baggage area, where all our bags were picked up and left around the belt because of the delays in immigration. We spotted our 4 large suitcases easily because we wrapped their handles in a neon colored ribbons. We found a spot near the exit and checked our shuttle status. We spotted our cab outside with the license plate number and hopped on.

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Other interesting articles in this chapter

Transport