Arriving to Canada’s Airports as a Newcomer
Learn about all the major airports in Canada, what you need to do once you deboard your flight and all the required steps to take before leaving the airport as a newcomer to Canada.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- What documents should I bring with me when landing in Canada as a newcomer?
- What are Canada’s largest airports?
- What to do when you arrive in Canada as a newcomer
- How do I collect my luggage at the airport?
- Where do I present my CBSA declaration?
- What are my options when leaving the airport?
Overview
Most newcomers to Canada arrive by air, and understanding the process can help make your entry smooth and hassle-free. Here’s what you need to know when arriving at a Canadian airport for the first time.
Key Documentation to Prepare
Before you arrive, ensure you have the following documents readily accessible:
Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or visa: Required for permanent residents.
Travel Authorization: If applicable, an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or visitor visa.
Customs Declaration Card: You will receive this during your flight or upon arrival.
Major International Airports in Canada
Familiarize yourself with the key entry points into the country:
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
2. Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
3. Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
4. Calgary International Airport (YYC)
5. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
What to Expect Upon Arrival
1. Deboarding the Plane: After your flight lands, follow the signs for Customs and Immigration.
2. Immigration Processing:
Present your passport and COPR or visa to the immigration officer.
Be prepared to answer questions about your stay in Canada.
3. Baggage Claim:
After clearing immigration, head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.
Check the screens for your flight number to find the correct carousel.
4. Customs Declaration:
Fill out the customs declaration card. Declare any cash over CAD 10,000, food items, and other goods as required.
Proceed to the customs inspection area. Your declaration card will be reviewed, and you may be subject to a luggage inspection.
Handling Your CBSA Declaration
Ensure you complete your CBSA declaration accurately.
Keep any receipts or documentation provided during this process, as you may need them later.
Leaving the Airport
1. Transportation Options:
Taxis: Available at designated taxi stands outside terminals.
Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft can be booked via their apps.
Public Transit: Many airports offer bus or train services connecting to the city.
Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels provide shuttle services to and from the airport.
2. Plan Your Route:
Familiarize yourself with your accommodation and any local landmarks.
Make sure you have the contact details of your destination.
3. Stay Connected:
Consider purchasing a local SIM card or activating a Canadian phone plan upon arrival.
Final Tips
Currency Exchange: If needed, you can find exchange services at the airport.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of important contacts, including local authorities and your country’s embassy.
Settlement Services: Once you reach your city, look into local settlement services that can help with your transition.
By preparing ahead of time and knowing what to expect, you can make your arrival in Canada a positive experience. Welcome to your new home!
What documents should I bring with me when landing in Canada as a newcomer?
Flying to Canada requires newcomers to bring several key documents for a smooth entry. It’s essential that all required documents are complete, accessible, and ready for assessment by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Here are the four crucial items you must carry on your person during travel:
Essential Documents to Carry
1. Valid Passport and/or Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. If applicable, bring your Permanent Resident Travel Document.
2. Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR): This document proves your approved permanent resident status. If you require a visa, include your permanent resident visa or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
3. Proof of Funds: If requested, carry documentation demonstrating you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your initial period in Canada.
4. CBSA Declarations Card and/or “Goods to Follow” List: Complete your customs declaration card before landing. If you plan to bring items later, include a “Goods to Follow” list.
Tips for Traveling
Keep Documents Accessible: Place these documents in an easily reachable location, such as a travel wallet or folder, to facilitate quick access during inspections.
Make Copies: Consider having photocopies or digital copies of your important documents in case of loss.
Stay Informed: Review any additional entry requirements based on your country of origin or specific travel circumstances.
By being prepared with these essential documents, you can help ensure a smooth entry process into Canada.
What are Canada’s largest airports?
Here’s a list of major international airports across Canada where newcomers can complete their initial arrival processes, organized by province:
Alberta (AB)
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
British Columbia (BC)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Manitoba (MB)
Winnipeg International Airport (YWG)
New Brunswick (NB)
Fredericton International Airport (YFC)
Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM)
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)
Gander International Airport (YQX)
St. John’s International Airport (YYT)
Northwest Territories (NWT)
Yellowknife Airport (YZF)
Nova Scotia (NS)
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Nunavut (NU)
Iqaluit Airport (YFB)
Ontario (ON)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Charlottetown Airport (YYG)
Quebec (QC)
Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Quebec/Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
Saskatchewan (SK)
Saskatoon John G Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE)
Regina International Airport (YQR)
Yukon (YU)
Whitehorse International Airport (YXY)
When you arrive at any of these airports, you’ll be able to complete the necessary arrival processes as a newcomer to Canada.
What to do when you arrive in Canada as a newcomer
Upon departing your flight and entering any Canadian airport, you’ll begin your journey as a newcomer to Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the important steps to follow:
1. Follow Airport Signage
After deplaning, look for signs and airport staff directing you to the appropriate processing area. There will be designated counters for newcomers, including permanent residents (PRs) and students.
2. Immigration Processing Area
For Permanent Residents (PRs): Head to the specific line for first-time PRs.
For Work Permit Holders: If you’re arriving with a work permit, you’ll begin by confirming your identity using your fingerprints. This is done either through a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) at larger airports or a fingerprint verification device at smaller airports.
3. Meeting the Immigration Officer
Once you reach the immigration counter:
For PRs: An immigration officer will ask you intake questions and verify your details, including your Canadian address. This information is crucial as it establishes where Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send your PR card once processed. The officer will sign and stamp your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) with the official date of arrival.
For Work and Study Permit Holders: The officer will ask questions to ensure you meet Canada’s entry requirements and confirm that you will leave Canada when your permit expires. They will also check your medical exam results and make a final decision on your entry.
4. Receiving Your Documents
PRs: After the officer processes your CoPR, you can proceed through the airport.
Work Permit Holders: If admissible, your work or study permit will be printed on-site for you to take with you.
5. Proceeding Through the Airport
After completing the immigration intake process, you can continue with baggage claim and exit the airport, ready to embark on your new life in Canada.
These steps are crucial to ensure a smooth transition upon your arrival, so be sure to have all necessary documents ready for inspection.
How do I collect my luggage at the airport?
Once you’ve completed your intake procedures with the immigration officer, you’ll move on to the baggage collection area. Here’s what to expect:
1. Baggage Collection
Locate Your Carousel: Look for digital screens displaying flight information to find out which carousel your luggage will arrive on. Airport personnel can also assist you if needed.
Collect Your Bags: Once you see your bags on the rotating platform, retrieve them.
2. CBSA Declaration Area
After collecting your luggage, proceed to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Declaration area if required. Here, you’ll complete any necessary customs declarations regarding the items you are bringing into Canada.
3. Final Steps
If you have nothing to declare, you can proceed to the exit. If you do need to declare items, ensure you provide the relevant information to the CBSA officer.
4. Leaving the Airport
Once all procedures are complete, you can exit the airport and start your new journey in Canada. Be prepared for transportation options to your new home, whether it’s by taxi, ride-sharing, or public transit.
This process is designed to be straightforward, helping you transition smoothly into your new life in Canada.
Where do I present my CBSA declaration?
If necessary, before leaving the airport, you’ll need to proceed to the CBSA Declaration area to present either your CBSA declaration form or your “Goods to Follow” list. Here’s how that process works:
1. CBSA Declaration
Present Your Documents: At the CBSA Declaration area, show your completed declaration form or your “Goods to Follow” list to the officer.
Receive a Receipt: The officer will provide you with a receipt for the goods you are declaring, whether they are items you are bringing into Canada now or items you plan to bring later.
2. Saving Time with the ArriveCAN App
Advance Declaration: To streamline your arrival process, consider using the ArriveCAN app. This government-created mobile application allows you to complete an Advance CBSA declaration up to 72 hours before your arrival in Canada.
Benefits: By using the ArriveCAN app, you can expedite your processing at the airport, potentially reducing wait times at the border and making your arrival smoother.
For more detailed information on the ArriveCAN app and how to use it, visit the Government of Canada’s official page [here](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/arrivecan.html).
3. Departing the Airport
After completing your CBSA declaration and receiving your receipt, you can exit the airport and start your new life in Canada!
This streamlined process helps ensure a smoother transition as you embark on this exciting journey.
What are my options when leaving the airport?
Once you’ve completed all necessary procedures at the airport, the final step is to exit and start your new journey in Canada. Here are a few options to consider for your departure:
1. Connecting with Loved Ones
Free Wi-Fi: Most Canadian airports offer free wireless internet, which you can use to contact friends or family who will pick you up. This can be helpful to coordinate your arrival and ensure a smooth pickup.
2. Ridesharing Services
Using Apps: You can also use ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft to arrange a ride to your new residence. Just connect to the airport’s Wi-Fi and book your ride.
3. Public Transportation
Finding Transit Options: If you prefer public transport, use the airport’s Wi-Fi to look up the nearest bus or train services. Many airports provide information on local transit options, making it easier to navigate your way to your new home.
4. Taxis
On-Site Taxi Services: Most airports have designated taxi stands outside the arrival areas. Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to your destination.
By utilizing these services, you can ensure a smooth transition from the airport to your new life in Canada. Enjoy your arrival and the exciting journey ahead!
Contact The Millennium Immigration for Assistance
Do you require assistance with Canadian immigration?
The Millennium Immigration is a prominent Canadian immigration law firm with over 11 years of experience. Our team comprises more than 60 dedicated Canadian immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals committed to helping individuals achieve their immigration goals. We specialize in areas such as skilled worker and business immigration, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, citizenship, and addressing inadmissibility issues.
TheMillenniumImmigration.com, established in 2013, serves as our online presence and has become one of the most trusted resources for Canadian immigration. Please reach out for assistance; we’re here to help!