The Rule: The Visa in your passport only allows you to fly to Canada. The Officer at the airport decides if you can enter.
🛬 Step 1: Landing & The Long Walk
When you get off the plane, follow the signs for "Arrivals" or "Customs".
- TVT Tip: Do NOT switch on your phone data yet if you are using your Indian SIM (unless you have an international pack). The roaming charges will hit you instantly. Use the free Airport Wi-Fi.
The ArriveCAN Advantage (Crucial Step - Optional)
- If you did the Advance Declaration:
- Look for the signs that say "Advance Declaration" or "Express Lane" (usually marked in GREEN).
- These lanes are much faster than the regular queue.
- If you did NOT do it:
- You must stand in the regular line.
🛑 Step 2: The Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK)
You will not see a human officer first. You must use a machine. This is mandatory for 99% of travelers.
Option A: If you are young/tech-savvy
- Scan: Insert your passport photo page into the slot.
- Photo: Look at the camera (Remove glasses, masks, and hats).
- Declaration: Answer the questions on the screen:
- "Are you bringing meat/fruit/seeds?" ➝ NO (Strictly enforced).
- "Do you have more than $10,000 CAD?" ➝ YES/NO (Be honest).
- "Duration of stay?" ➝ Enter the days (e.g., 180 days for parents, 730 days for students).
- Receipt: Take the long white paper receipt. Do not lose this.
Option B: For Parents / Elderly / Non-Tech Savvy
- The "Blue Vest" Helpers: Look for staff walking around the machines in blue vests/uniforms. Wave at them. They are paid to help you tap the buttons.
- Language Support: The machines at Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR) have a language button. Select "Hindi" or "Punjabi" at the bottom of the screen.
- The "Wheelchair Hack": If you booked wheelchair assistance in India, the porter will take you to a special line and help you do this entire process.
👮♂️ Step 3: The Officer Interview (The 30-Second Test)
You take your white receipt and passport to a booth with a Border Services Officer (BSO).
The "Receipt Code" Secret:
- Look at your white receipt.
- No Mark: You are likely clear.
- Big "X" or Black Line: This means "Mandatory Random Check." Do not panic. Just go where they point you.
Script for Visitors (Parents/Tourists):
- Officer: "Why are you here?"
- You: "Visiting my son/daughter, [Name]."
- Officer: "How long are you staying?"
- You: "3 months." (Show return ticket if asked).
- Officer: "How much cash do you have?"
- You: "I have $2,000 in cash and a Forex card."
- ⚠️ Warning: Do NOT say "I might look for work" or "I want to settle here."
Script for Students:
- Officer: "Where are you studying?"
- You: "[College Name] in [City]."
- Officer: "Show me your Letter of Acceptance."
- Action: Hand over the LOA and your GIC Certificate.
🔀 Step 4: The "Great Divide" (CRITICAL STEP)
This is where Students and Tourists go different ways.
Path A: Tourists & Visitors
- The officer at the booth stamps your passport (or just waves you through).
- You are done. Go straight to Step 5 (Baggage).
Path B: Students & Work Permit Holders
- STOP! The officer at the booth does NOT give you the Study Permit.
- They will point you to a second room often called "Immigration Secondary" or "New Immigrants."
- The Process:
- Go to the room. Take a number. Sit and wait (1-3 hours is normal).
- An officer will call you, check your documents again, and print an A4 Size Paper (The Study Permit).
- TVT Mandatory Check: Before leaving the counter, read the "Remarks" section on that paper. It MUST say: "May accept employment on or off campus." If this line is missing, tell them immediately to fix it.
🛄 Step 5: Baggage & The "Domestic Connection" Trap
Go to the luggage belt and pick up your suitcases.
⚠️ The "Connection" Warning (Flying to Ottawa/Halifax/Winnipeg via Toronto/Vancouver)
- The Myth: "My bags are tagged to the final city, so I don't need to touch them."
- The Truth: FALSE.
- The Rule: You must pick up your bags at your First Point of Entry in Canada.
- Pick up bags in Toronto/Vancouver.
- Walk them through the "Customs Exit."
- Drop them onto the "Connecting Flights Belt" (usually just 50 meters outside the exit).
- If you forget this, your clothes stay in Toronto while you fly to Ottawa.
🚪 Step 6: The Final Exit
- Walk toward the "Exit" doors.
- There is one last officer standing there.
- Hand them the white receipt from the kiosk.
- Welcome to Canada! breathe the fresh air (or freeze, if it's December).