Immigration Guide ( Arrival to Exit )

🚀 Step 0: The "Express Lane" Cheat Code

Do this 72 hours before you fly to skip the 2-hour line.

• Action: Download the ArriveCAN App and complete the "Advance Declaration".
• Benefit: At Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR), look for the "Express Lane" (Green Signs). You will breeze through while other students wait in the general queue.

📍 Phase 1: The "Kiosk" (Primary Inspection)

You will first speak to a machine, not a human.

1. Scan Passport: Insert your passport into the PIK Machine.
2. Confirm Declaration: If you used ArriveCAN, your answers will appear automatically. Tap "Confirm".
3. The Food Question: If asked "Do you have food?", always answer YES, even for biscuits or tea.
• Why: If you say NO and they find a single packet of Maggi, you get fined $1,300. If you say YES, they just check and let you go.
4. The Receipt: The machine prints a long white receipt. Keep this in your hand.

🧳 Phase 2: The "Baggage" (The Student Detour)

⚠️ CRITICAL: This is where 90% of students make a mistake.

1. Pick Up Bags FIRST: At Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR), you must collect your Checked Suitcases before you get your Study Permit.
2. DO NOT EXIT: After getting your bags, do not walk out the "Exit/Street" doors.
3. The Turn: Look for signs that say "Immigration", "New Students", or "Secondary Services".
• Action: Tell the officer near the exit: "I am a new student. I need my Study Permit." They will direct you to the Immigration Hall (Glass Doors).

👮 Phase 3: The Interview (The "High Stakes" Room)

You are now face-to-face with the Officer. This determines your entry.

📄 Step A: Hand Over These Docs

• Passport
• POE Introduction Letter (The one with the barcode)
• Letter of Acceptance (LOA)
• GIC Investment Proof (Bank Letter)

🗣️ Step B: The "Standard" Questions

• Q: "Which college are you going to?"
• Answer: "[College Name]. I am studying [Program Name] to build my career in [Field]."
• Q: "Who paid your fees?"
• Answer: "My parents. I have already paid the 1st year fees and have a GIC of $20,635 for living expenses." (Show GIC proof).
• Q: "Where are you staying tonight?"
• Answer: "I have an Airbnb booked at [Address] for the first week." (Show Booking).

💣 Step C: The "Trap" Questions (Be Careful)

• Trap 1: "Are you planning to work full-time?"
• Wrong Answer: "Yes, I need money."
• Correct Answer: "No. My focus is my studies. I may work part-time (up to 24 hours/week) for experience, but only as allowed by my visa."
• Trap 2: "Do you plan to stay in Canada permanently?" (Dual Intent)
• Wrong Answer: "No" (if you secretly plan to) OR "Yes" (sounds like you won't leave).
• Correct Answer (Safe): "My current plan is to complete my education and gain international experience. If I am eligible for PR in the future, I will follow the legal process. However, if I am not eligible, I will return to India to work in [Your Industry]."
• Why this works: Section 22(2) of the IRPA allows you to have the intent to settle if you also prove you will leave if required.

🕵️ Step D: "Secondary Inspection" (The Search)

If they suspect you, they may send you to a second room.

• Device Search: They have the legal right to search your phone/laptop. Ensure there are no chats with agents about "buying documents" or "fake funds".
• Wallet Check: They will count your cash. Ensure it matches what you declared.

🖨️ Step E: The "Printing" (The Final Check)

The officer prints your Study Permit (Large Paper).

• STOP! Check the "Remarks" section at the bottom BEFORE you leave.
• It MUST say: "May work 24 hrs per week off-campus" OR "May accept employment on or off campus...".
• If missing: Ask them to fix it immediately. You cannot get a SIN number without this line.

🔢 Phase 4: The "SIN Number"

• At Airport: If the Service Canada counter (near the exit) is open and the line is short, get your SIN number now. It takes 10 mins.
• If Closed: Don't panic. Go to a Service Canada center in the city tomorrow.

🥶 Phase 5: The Exit (Winter Warning)

1. Jacket On: Put on your hoodie/jacket before the automatic doors open.
2. Taxis: Ignore men whispering "Taxi." Go to the official Taxi Stand line outside or the Ride App Pickup zone for Uber.