For newcomers arriving in Canada, whether as permanent residents or with work/study permits, understanding and fulfilling essential obligations upon landing is crucial. Explore essential tips for newcomers to Canada on their First visit here.
Essential tips for newcomers to Canada on their first visit – Things you need to know
You will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document verifying your status as a new Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) after your application for permanent residence is approved. You must visit Canada prior to the expiration of your COPR in order to complete the PR process. This ensures legal and timely fulfillment of the prerequisites for permanent residency.
As with a paper COPR, if you are currently in Canada you will receive an electronic copy via an online portal that you may print and use as official documentation of your approval for permanent residence.
The validity of the COPR is usually only good for a year, determined by your passport, visa sticker, and medical examination. IRCC is often unable to grant a COPR. As a result, those who fail to visit Canada during the validity term and let their COPR expire will have to reapply for permanent residence.
In the case of foreign nationals from nations where entry into Canada is restricted, a permanent residence visa is granted in tandem with the COPR. Alternatively, if obtaining an eTA is required, it needs to be done so prior to departure. Through an online site, citizens who are currently residing in Canada can virtually verify their status as Permanent Residents (PRs). The IRCC contacts applicants in Canada via phone or email at the number or email address they submitted with their application. This expedited procedure guarantees prompt verification of PR status, conforming to the digital environment and the unique situation of every candidate.
Things you need before travelling to Canada as a work permit holder
When entering Canada on a work permit, it is essential to possess the requisite documents, including:
- Passport: Carry a valid passport to confirm your identity.
- Visitor Visa or eTA: If applicable, possess a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) based on your country’s requirements.
- Relevant Travel Documents: Include any additional travel documents deemed necessary for your specific situation.
- Proof of Job Requirements: Provide evidence that you meet the requirements of your job, such as documentation verifying work experience or education credentials.
- Copy of Employer’s LMIA: If a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required, obtain a copy of your employer’s positive or neutral LMIA.
- Quebec Workers: For those working in Quebec requiring an LMIA, substitute it with a Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ).
It is essential to have the offer of employment number that your employer got through the Employer Portal if your job in Canada is LMIA-exempt and you are joining a specific employer. This figure is the outcome of providing pertinent data.
Authorities may ask holders of valid work permits to provide documentation of their authorization. Presenting a Letter of Introduction (LOI), commonly known as a Port of Entry Letter, to the border services agent upon arrival at a port of entry is a legitimate way to satisfy this requirement.
An overview of LOI
An individual granted a work visa will receive a Letter of Introduction (LOI) as confirmation of approval. The LOI serves as a formal document verifying the approval of the permission, even if it is not the work permit itself. In order to facilitate a seamless entry process into Canada, it is imperative that holders of work permits provide this letter to border services agents at the port of entry as proof of their permitted status.
Additionally, newcomers have to convince the border services officer that:
- Plan to depart Canada by the end of the approved stay.
- Possess valid immigration medical exam results, if applicable.
- If medical exam results expire before arriving in Canada, conduct new examinations before travel.
It is significant to remember that the border services officer has the last say over whether to grant a work permit and allow admission into Canada. Using discretion grounded in established standards and regulations, this officer will carefully evaluate the circumstances and information submitted in order to decide the applicant’s eligibility and authorization for a work permit.
Required documents for individuals holding a study permit before traveling to Canada
To successfully enter Canada as a study permit holder, you must adhere to the following requirements:
- Valid Travel Document: Present a valid travel document, such as a passport.
- Letter of Introduction (LOI): Exhibit an LOI from a visa office, containing a permit reference number.
- Letter of Acceptance: Acquire a valid Letter of Acceptance from your educational institution.
- Submission of Required Documents: Submit any necessary letters of reference and essential documents as specified by the visa office.
- Entry Documents: Hold either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), visitor visa, green card (U.S. equivalent), or another valid travel document to facilitate entry into Canada.
- Financial Demonstration: Demonstrate sufficient finances to support your stay in Canada, with adjustments based on specific travel and accommodation requirements.
As a prospective student applicant, you are required to meet certain criteria:
- Good Health: Your health status should be excellent, and you must not have any criminal background or convictions related to immigration matters.
- Immigration Medical Test: If deemed necessary, you must provide the results of an immigration medical test.
- Ties to Home Country: Crucially, you must convincingly demonstrate to the immigration officer that you have substantial ties to your home country. These connections should be compelling reasons for your eventual return after completing your studies.
- Intent to Leave Canada: Proving the intention and means to leave Canada upon the conclusion of studies is imperative. This is a key aspect that immigration officers assess during the application process.
Essential tips for newcomers to Canada on their first visit – Things to bring along during arrival
Before bringing their things into Canada, newcomers should be sure to complete a declaration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This acts as a declaration under law of the assets being imported into Canada. Furthermore, it is imperative that immigrants become conversant with border laws, especially those pertaining to food and consumables.
In order to ensure the lawful movement of persons and products across Canadian borders, the CBSA is essential in monitoring and securing those borders. Statements made to the CBSA confirm that newcomers to Canada are following the law when bringing certain assets into the nation. This helps immigrants in particular because it allows them to carry significant assets with them without having to pay taxes on the imported products.
Newcomers to Canada should know that they cannot bring everything they need with them at first. In order to deal with this, immigrants frequently have to submit a “Goods to Follow” list that includes items they purchased after arriving. To ensure legal compliance, newcomers must submit this list at the airport and obtain a receipt. When they eventually bring their assets into Canada, they must resubmit it at the port of entry. Crucially, there’s no cap on how much cash entrants can bring when they first arrive. Report cash exceeding $10,000 CAD to CBSA.
Begin your journey to Canada with Immigtoronto, offering expert guidance and dedicated for a seamless immigration process. Contact us for any queries at [email protected]
