🛂 The Immigration & Landing Guide
⚠️ The "First Stop" Rule Immigration happens at your FIRST airport in Canada.
- Scenario: Flight path is
Ahmedabad -> London -> Toronto -> Winnipeg. - Action: You MUST clear Immigration and collect your bags in Toronto. You will then re-check them for Winnipeg.
- Risk: If your layover is less than 3 hours, you must rush.
📱 Section A: Digital Hygiene (Do This BEFORE Landing)
CBSA officers have the legal right to search your phone, WhatsApp, and Gallery. A single "wrong" text can get you deported.
The "Clean Phone" Protocol:
- Chats: Delete any chats discussing "cash jobs," "fake documents," "working under the table," or "easy PR hacks."
- Gallery: Delete photos of any documents that don't belong to you (e.g., someone else's passport/ID).
- Social Media: Ensure you don't have posts about "illegal immigration" or "working on a visitor visa."
- Contacts: Do not have contacts saved as "Agent for Cash Job" or similar.
🛑 Section B: The Automated Kiosk (Primary Inspection)
You will not speak to a human first. You go to the Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK).
- Scan Passport & Take Photo.
- The "Food" Trap Question:
- Question: "Do you have food, plant, or animal products?"
- Correct Answer: YES. (If you have ANY food—Thepla, Masala, Chocolates, or even Mukhwas).
- Why? If you select "No" and they find one packet, you are fined $1,300 and marked for "Misrepresentation" (Visa Fraud).
- Result: The machine prints a receipt. Keep this in your hand.
👮♂️ Section C: The Officer Interview (Secondary Inspection)
You will be sent to the "Immigration Hall" for your Study Permit. This is the real interview.
🗣️ The "Safe Student" Script (Memorize This)
Answer strictly what is asked. Do not volunteer extra stories.
1. The Basics
- Q: "Why are you here?"
- A: "To study [Course Name] at [College Name]."
- Q: "Why did you choose this college over others?"
- A: "It offers a specialized co-op program/curriculum in [Subject] that aligns perfectly with my career goals in India." (Don't just say 'It is a good college').
2. The Financials (High Scrutiny in 2025)
- Q: "How will you support yourself?"
- A: "My parents are sponsoring me. I have already paid my 1st-year fees and have a GIC of $20,635 CAD for living expenses."
- Q: "Who paid for your GIC?"
- A: "My father/mother, from our family savings." (Officer checks if funds are borrowed).
- Q: "Do you have cash?"
- A: "Yes, I have $[Amount] CAD in cash and a Forex card."
3. The "Intent" Traps (DANGER ZONE)
- Q: "Do you plan to work in Canada?"
- A: "My focus is entirely on my studies. I am aware I can work part-time as per regulations, but my priority is my grades."
- Trap: NEVER say "I need to work to pay my fees." This proves you are financially unstable -> Visa Cancelled.
- Q: "What will you do after you finish your course?"
- A: "I intend to return to India to support my family/career with this degree."
- Trap: NEVER say "I will apply for PR." (Even if you plan to later, you cannot state it as your primary purpose now).
📄 Section D: The "Study Permit" Paper Check (CRITICAL)
The officer will print an A4 paper. This is your Study Permit. It is more important than your passport.
🛑 STOP! Do not leave the counter until you check these 4 things:
- Name & Date of Birth: Matches your passport exactly?
- Institution Name: Is your College name correct?
- Expiry Date: Does it cover your full course duration (plus 90 days)?
- Work Condition Remarks (The Money Line):
- Look for a line at the bottom that says:
- Risk: If this line is missing, you cannot get a SIN number or a job.
- Fix: Politely say, "Officer, I am a full-time student, but the R186 work authorization remark is missing. Can you please add it?"
"May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w)."
🎒 Section E: Connecting Flights (The "Bag Re-Check" Rule)
Only for students who have another flight within Canada (e.g., landing in Toronto, flying to Timmins).
- Collect Bags: Even if the airline said "bags are checked through," you MUST pick up your suitcases in the first Canadian city.
- Clear Customs: Walk through the exit door with your bags.
- Drop Bags Again: Look for the "Connecting Flights / Baggage Drop-off" belt immediately after the exit. Put your bags there.
- Security: You must go through security check again for your domestic flight.
🆘 Troubleshooting: "What if...?"
- What if the Kiosk is broken?
- Fill out the paper Declaration Card available at the desk.
- What if I am taken to a separate room for questioning?
- Do not panic. This is a random check. Sit down, unlock your phone (if asked), and answer truthfully. They might call your parents or check your texts.
- What if my bag doesn't arrive?
- Go to the "Baggage Services" counter before leaving the hall. File a "PIR" (Property Irregularity Report) and give your Canadian address.