Maple Leaf Book

PRE-LANDING

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 PRE-LANDING
Table of Contents

1 - Before you Leave for Canada 3

2 - Attending Workshop 3
3 - Important documents to carry 4
4 - Goods to Follow/Accomp. List 6
5 - Getting a driving License 8
6 - Preparing for the G1 Written test 9
7 - Proof of Funds at landing 9
8 - Money Transfer 11
9 - Health Insurance 12
10 - Pre-Departure Shopping List 12
11 - Declaring Goods 14
12 - Booking a flight Ticket 15
13 - Cargo and Shipping 18
14 - Canadian Phone Number 18

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1 - Before you Leave for Canada
When should you land?

After getting the PR visa, we are supposed to complete our 'record of landing', on or before the
Visa Expiry Date [mentioned on the visa].

The visa Expiry Date is related to EITHER*:

a) 1yr. from the meds, or
b) Passport expiry date of the PA or anyone of his/her accompanying Dependents *Whichever
of the above 2 is earlier.

WHO SHOULD LAND FIRST:

It is the obligation of the Principal Applicant (PA) to 'land' first. Which can be 'along with' one or
more or all the accompanying family members.

Note : The PA's dependents CANNOT land first.

Tips

There are certain circumstances in which you may delay the landing date. Check the detailed
section later in this phase.

2 - Attending Workshop
Look for workshops run by the Canadian consulate or Canadian sponsored organizations.

These workshops, though not mandatory, help you get aquainted with life in Canada, and will
help ease your journey.

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3 - Important documents to carry
For your first time landing formalities, there are certain documents you must have at
immigration. You may also need many of the other documents listed below at a later date or
you might not need them at all but it's best to carry whatever you have with you.

Essential documents needed at immigration:

1) A Canadian immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family
member traveling with you. (If dependents are not travelling with you carry photocopies of their
visas and COPR)

2) A valid passport for each family member traveling with you

3) Two copies of a list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you
(Explained in detail later)

4) Two copies of a list of items that will follow. (If you want to ship your goods at a later date
after your arrival in Canada, as new immigrants if you were to present this list during your first
time landing you don't pay any customs or taxes on it. This is only a one-time advantage for
goods shipped at a later date. Only exception to this is Jewelry. You need to mention any
jewelry in this list that you will be carrying with you in your second visit to avoid duties and
customs on it)

5) CBSA declaration card (You will get this on the plane)

6) Proof of funds (Explained in detail later in the document)

7) SIN Apps Form (NAS 2120) - Not Needed at the Airport [Can be done later at Services
Canada]

Other documents beneficial to take along:

1) Birth certificate if you have

2) Marriage certificate or divorce certificate

3) Death certificate for a deceased spouse

4) Adoption records for adopted children

5) Educational diplomas and certificates, transcripts that list the courses you took to obtain a
degree

6) Trade or professional certificates and licenses

7) Certificates of any trainings attended

8) Academic credential evaluation report

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9) Letters of reference from former employers

10) Copies of your updated resume

11) Medical and dental records

12) Immunization records ( only for children )

13) Official school records for children Basic Documentation

14) Private health insurance as most provinces have a waiting period of 3 months for the
healthcare coverage

15) Current driver’s license, International Driver’s Permit (if you wish to start driving immediately
upon arrival. It will only be valid for 60 days), driving extract (letter from RTO that shows your
driving experience) and a letter from your auto insurance company (stating your driving record)

16) Car registration documents (if you are importing a motor vehicle into Canada)

17) Photographs and valuation certificate for Jewelry if you are planning to carry real Jewelry
with you

18) Record of any current foreign income, properties or investments as worldwide income is
taxable in Canada

19) Additional photos - not generally asked for, but it is better to carry. They may ask you to re-
submit photos for PR Card application at the time of landing, but generally if there is an issue
with photos, a mail will be sent to you regarding this

Tips

▶ All important documents must be translated into English or French (Depending on where you
are moving) before arriving to make it easier for people in Canada to understand them.

▶ Do not pack these documents in your luggage. Keep them with you at all times.

▶ Photocopies of all essential and important documents are necessary, in case the originals
get lost (be sure to keep the photocopies in a separate place from the originals)

▶ Do not laminate your documents. There are reports of some laminated documents not being
accepted.

NOTE: The more you are organized before hand, the better 1st impression you deliver and the
IO/CBSA officer shall be happier, And you'll be out faster.

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4 - Goods to Follow/Accomp. List
All goods that we carry, either ‘on person’ or ‘following’ needs to be ‘listed’ in form B4 / B4A,
separately.

These forms are available in the CBSA website, link given below:
http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf

It is the same form for ‘Goods Accompanying’ & ‘Goods to follow’. We should club similar
items in groups [e.g. DVDs: Qty-98, Books: Qty-42 etc.].
The entire list should be priced against each group & totaled in the end. We should carry
‘original’ invoices for high-end items. Others can be broadly/generally priced, but appropriate.

Jewelry items MUST be listed [each item wise]; and should carry their photographs.
We'll need 2 copies of each form, as one would be kept by the CBSA & one would be returned
to us, for ‘customs’ clearance. This 2nd copy will be signed & stamped by the CBSA at the
POE.

The form B4A is an extension of the form B4 [which is the main one to file]. Writing the B4A is
optional.
As the form B4 contains 'only' 8 rows to fill the goods/items, use only 8 groups of things. How?
Explained later.

What should you carry?

You should make 2 copies of the form B4. One for the 'Goods Accompanying' & one for the
'Goods to Follow'. Along with the attachments.

STEP-1:
a) Group all similar items into one list and thus make 8 lists.
b) Type these groups in Excel Sheets* [separate for each group]. Title each Sheet. And a Page
No.
c) Enlist the Columns as: Sl.No | Item Description | Qty | Value (CAD) |
d) Total the Value, of each Excel Sheet.
e) Take printouts of each Excel Sheet in A4 size paper [2 copies].
*E.g. 1.Electronics, 2.Jewelries, 3.Clothing & Personal Effects, 4.Books & DVDs, 5.Gadgets &
Mobile Phones, 6.Cutlery & Utensils, 7.Home Decorations & Murals AND 8.Linens & Drapers.
[the Title Heading can vary as per your choice & requirement]

STEP-2:
a) Place all jewelry in Groups* & click Pictures [Must, else they'll not be accepted].
b) Title each Sheet. And put a Page No.
c) Take printouts of each Jewelry Group in A4 size paper [2 copies].
d) Make an Excel Sheet, for the Summary of the Jewelry Sheets. And place a Value against
each group.
e) Total the Excel Sheet Value, in the end. *E.g. 1.Rings, 2.Bangles & Bracelets, 3.Chains &
Necklaces, 4.Cummerbunds, 5.Diamond Sets, 6.Ear-Rings & Pendants, 7.Headbands &
Chokers etc. (each in one group/sheet). [the Title Heading can vary as per your choice &
requirement]

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 STEP-3: [Major Step]
a) Fill-out the form B4, as per the 8 Title Headings AND write the Total Value of each Excel
Sheet.
b) Make a box [by hand] at the End of the 8 rows' Value Column. Write the Total Value* of the
Goods.
c) For the Name field, write the PA's name.
d) For the Importer's Address, write the Canadian Address.
e) For the Country of Export, write your Home Country's Name.
f) For the Goods to Follow BOX [below the list rows], Tick it.
g) At Page-2 of the form B4, Tick the Newcomer BOX.
h) Bottom of the Page-2, Sign, Date [the day of Landing] & Location [write your Landing POE's
name]. You must write the Total Value of the entire goods, as that's needed by the CBSA to log
on their system.

STEP-4:
a) Print-it out [on regular A4 sheets], both pages [1 & 2] separately.
b) Take 2 printouts [one for the CBSA & one for U, with their Stamp, Sign & Date].
c) Staple all the Excel Sheets & the Jewelry Sheets, into each form B4.

Tips

All goods bought for ‘landing’ are non-taxed. If we were to bring-in goods ‘later’, either by
personal carriage or thru a transporter, this list MUST be stamped on the 1st Landing. Else,
they will be ‘dutiable’. No compromise on that is possible. That’s the law.

1. Do not forget to take 2 printouts of each form B4 and its attachments. One will be kept by
them.
2. Do not forget to take pics of the Jewelry. Else, they'll not accept it*.
3. Do not forget to get it stamped on landing. Sometimes the BSO doesn't ask. It's our
prerogative. *In that case they'll ask u to get it by email or visit the airport the next day for
stamping your B4. Though it can be done, but u get into unnecessary hassles, time & effort.

Links

WHERE TO FIND THE FORM?

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/b4-eng.pdf

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5 - Getting a driving License
The following is the process outlined for Ontario, Other provinces would have a slightly
different process.

G1 Licence
The initial car license is G1, which is acquired through a written test and an eye test, and
another G license holder is required to accompany the G1 holder while driving on city roads
only. No highways allowed. Only a G license holder is allowed in the vehicle's front seat while
the G1 holder is driving. Anybody can occupy the rear seats. Blood alcohol level of the G1
driver needs to be 0. G1 holders cannot buy a car.

G2 Licence
Then after one year (8 months if you do an Approved Drivers Training Course) of practice and
passing a G1 road test comes the G2. With a G2 the driver can drive alone on any Ontario
roads. Blood alcohol level of a G2 driver MUST STILL BE 0. All passengers MUST WEAR a
seatbelt. You can only drive with as many passengers as there are working seat belts in the car.
Insurance is usually higher as a G2 holder as compared to a G holder while owning /
purchasing a car... However in some cases ONLY the first year insurance is lower due to a
government subsidy for G2 holders.

G Licence
Then after one more year of practice comes the full fledged G which has a more intensive road
test. With the G License (also called FULL LICENSE) you can drive pretty much anywhere with
or without anyone else in the car. Blood alcohol level needs to be within legal limits (Below 0.8
at all times. If caught between 0.5 and 0.8 there are provisional penalties).

Links

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-
canada/driving.html

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6 - Preparing for the G1 Written test
Begin preparing for the G1 written test before you land, so you can immediately give the test
after landing and don't spend crucial time preparing for it after landing.

The G1 licence is a very important govt. issued ID and address proof for many other places
(e.g. for applying for the OHIP card)

1) Read The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver's Handbook. Details in the Links
section.

2) Install the G1 Genius app on your phone, and give the sample tests.

Recommendations

Use the G1 Test preparation quiz in this app to prepare for the test.

Links

https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook

7 - Proof of Funds at landing

If you are carrying more than C$10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If
you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison.
These funds could be in the form of:
• Cash
• Securities in bearer form (for e.g., stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) or
• Negotiable instruments in bearer form (for e.g., B/drafts, Cheques, TCs or MOs).

What is the limit to Funds I can Carry?

There is no upper limit, as long as you can prove its legitimate source & declare anything at/or
more than $10,000 [that's the CBSA regulation]. There is a minimum limit though. You must
carry at least or more than what CIC requirement states, vis-a-vis for the no. of people in the
family [accompanying].

The minimum amount of funds you need to have in order to settle in Canada depends on the
size of your family. You must be able to show that you have enough money to support yourself
and your family after you get to Canada. The funds must be easily available to you and
transferable to Canada throughout your PR process and also while landing. They must be
unencumbered by debts or other obligations. These minimum amounts are elaborated in the
links provided

You do not have to show that you have these funds if:
• You have a valid offer of arranged employment in Canada.
• You are currently working or authorized to work in Canada

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• Invited to apply under Canadian Experience Class

Acceptable Proof of Funds (POF)

For proof, you must get official letters from any banks or financial institutions where you are
keeping money. This letter should be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead including
their contact information (address, telephone number and email address), your name or your
spouse’s name, list any outstanding debts such as credit card debts and loans, include for
each bank and investment account (account numbers, the date each account was opened,
current balance of each account and the average balance of the past 6 months).

Proof of funds can be a combination of the following:

• Cashable investments ( stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills) in your name or the name of
your accompanying spouse/common-law partner;
• Cashable fixed deposits in your name or the name of your accompanying spouse/common-
law partner;
• Bank accounts in your name or the name of your accompanying spouse/common law partner
Cash, banker’s drafts, cheques, traveller’s cheques, money orders and forex cards ( with
balance and receipt )

Not acceptable are :-

• Bank accounts in some else’s name
• Bank accounts which are joint in your name and someone else (other than your
accompanying spouse/common-law partner
• Bank accounts in the name of your spouse who is not accompanying you to Canada
• Property valuations
• Vehicle valuations
• Jewellery valuations

You are not required to carry your funds in cash when you arrive in Canada. You are, however,
required to show documentary evidence that you have the funds available (in bank accounts or
cashable investments), and that they can be transferred to Canada. A port of entry officer in
Canada may seek to confirm these funds before granting you permanent residence.

Tax & Duties Component

The funds we bring inside Canada are Non-Taxable. It is only the 'interest' earned on that
which is taxed. The moment our funds start accruing interest [while lying in a Canadian Bank a/
c] the bank will start deducting tax 'on source'. The same applies for any 'investment' in
Canada that we make with these funds.

Links

Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/funds.asp

(Please refer to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/offer.asp for job offers for more

clarity)

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8 - Money Transfer

The best way will be to open a bank account in Canada and transfer the settlement through TT
in one go, incurring least banking fee and one time conversion charge. The account can only
be opened post CoPR. This is what they call a deposit account. You can only deposit money
and not take it out before landing in Canada. The deposit account can be converted into any
preferred bank account upon visiting the chosen bank's branch.

A. Carrying All finances to Canada during landing

1. All Cash = Provide declaration.

2. Cash + Forex Card = if cash >10k, provide declaration+forex card statement.

3. Cash + Traveler's cheque/DD = if cash >10k, provide declaration along with Traveler's
cheque

4. Transferred all to Canadian bank via Wire = Show account statement of Canadian bank.

B. Carrying Some to Canada:

1. All Cash = if cash >10k, provide declaration + Bank Certificate for the Remaining amount
present in bank + account Statement (better to have 6 months statements)

2. Cash + Forex Card = as mentioned above+ Bank Certificate for the Remaining amount
present in bank + account Statement (better to have 6 months statements)

3. Cash+Traveler's Cheque/DD: as mentioned above + Bank Certificate for the Remaining

amount present in bank + account Statement (better to have 6 months statements)

4. Wire Transfer: as mentioned above + Bank Certificate for the Remaining amount present in
bank + account Statement (better to have 6 months statements)

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9 - Health Insurance

It’s wise to obtain a ‘temporary’ health coverage before you fly. Not required if you are going to
Alberta or Manitoba. That temporary coverage shall come in the way of “Travel Insurance”,
which you can obtain from ANY insurance company in your homeland.

The costs depends on the length of coverage. Usually taken it for 3-4 months, as that is the
waiting time in most provinces.

Tips

▶ It may be a good idea to obtain the Travel Insurance from home country for 2 reasons:

[1] You are covered from day-1 even before landing.

[2] In Canada it will be costlier & you’ll be covered only from the day you apply.

▶ If you have medical insurance and need to go to the hospital, call the claim company and
relay your conditions and ask for the which hospital you can go to.
There is a tele health number in Ontario that you can call 24/7 by dialing 1-866-797-0000 and
speak with the registered nurse who will diagnose your situation over the phone. This is a free
service provided by the govt to ensure that people who are in emergency medical care need
only go to the hospital.

10 - Pre-Departure Shopping List

Do your math, would the extra baggage costs be worth the effort? Most items are readily
available in Canada at very reasonable price.

Besides, many items are also not permitted entry. There is otherwise a quality/quantity
restriction as well. Check the CBSA website for more information on them.

What Should I Bring Along? [Suggested List]

1. Personal effects [for immediate use, but not in large quantities]
2. General clothing [some warm ones also, however remember that it is advisable to take
Winter clothing from Canada]

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3. Laptop [no desktop, printer etc.] :)
4. Digicam / Camcorder
5. Heirlooms [heritage collections, murals, artifacts etc.] -Check CBSA rules.
6. Original Certificates / Documents
7. Prescription + Medicines
8. Mobile Phone* [non-CDMA] - a Canadian charger or a universal adapter will be needed

What “Not” To Take? [Suggested List]:

1. Furniture [whatever, small or big]
2. TV [even if it’s an LCD], Fridge, Washing Machine etc.
3. Curtains, Bedspreads, Pillows & linens
4. Cars, Bikes etc.
5. Large-sized Toys of kids
6. Food [Perishable or Non-perishable] items
7. Over-the-Counter Medicines
8. Meat or Meat products [including Fowl, Fish etc.]

▶ Asian make electronic/electrical items won’t work in Canada [230 vs 110 Volt difference]

▶Start packing early. Don't procrastinate packing till the last moment as you won't find time
later, and in the tension you may miss out on some important things. Make sure you make a
list of all stuff you are carrying. Label all the suitcases both inside and outside with both your
home address in Lebanon or your country. Include the phone numbers also. Make sure you
are within the luggage allowance (you can do this by carrying the suitcase to the nearest
scrap metal shop/rice), though it can exceed up to 1-2 kgs

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11 - Declaring Goods
What to declare
Use the Customs Declaration Card to declare the following: Any amount of money more than
CDN $10,000 that you are bringing into Canada Any items that you must pay duty on,
including alcohol, tobacco and gifts that you are bringing in to Canada Any business goods,
plants, food, animals, firearms or other weapons that you are bringing into Canada

Money
If you are carrying more than CDN $10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada.
If you do not tell an official, you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form
of: Cash Securities in bearer form (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills)
Negotiable instruments in bearer form (for example, bankers’ drafts, cheques, traveller’s
cheques or money orders)

Food, Plants, Animal Items

All food, plants, animals and related products must be declared. Food can carry diseases such
as E.coli. Plants and plant products can carry invasive alien species such as the Asian long
horned beetle. Animals and animal products can carry diseases such as avian influenza and
foot and mouth disease.

Meat and Meat Products

Cream, milk, cheese and other dairy products Plants, trees, cut flowers and their soil (may
require an import permit), Wood and wood products, Fruits and vegetables (may require an
import permit), Pets, birds and other live animals (require an import permit or vaccination
documentation), Feathers and down, Seeds and nuts, Baby formula Keep in mind that items
brought into Canada need to be free of pests, soil and roots. In addition, proof of the product’s
country of origin may be required.

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12 - Booking a flight Ticket

Here are just some of the tips that can be used to identify good fares. I am borrowing them
from some othe sites that list them on their best tips.

1. Preferably book on Tuesday

The best time to book a U.S/North American flight is usually Tuesday at about 3 p.m. eastern
time. Many airlines release weekly airfare sales in the early morning hours of Tuesday, and by
mid-afternoon, competing airlines have matched sale prices. In other words, shoppers now
have the most deals to choose from.

2. Keep your searches top secret

Based on the cookies in your browser, flight prices do increase when a particular route is
repeatedly searched, as the site wants to scare you into booking the flight quickly before prices
get even higher. Always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to see the
lowest prices.

3. Use good fare aggregators

www.momondo.com (you can use different country domain for this site) is my personal
favourite. If I have a lot of time in hand and based on which country exchange rate has crashed
recently I login from that country to check the same fares and invariably I find decent deals out.
But you can also try www.skyscanner.com (though it doesnt have a lot of airline connections)
www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.kiwi.com, www.airwander.com
and ofcourse Google Flights gives you a good comaprison or flight timings and schedules
(though never good prices).
Some of the sites I have mentioned actually make the whole trip into 2 trips if you are up for
some travel or dont mind extended layovers.

Also try www.secretflying.com, on many occassions I have found excellent deals.

4. Know When to Buy

The hardest part of booking a flight is knowing when to stop tracking fares and make that final
purchase. Kayak.com can help you reach that decision, offering fare predictions for most major
cities. Just plug in your itinerary and the site will advise you either to book now or to wait,

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depending on whether the fare is expected to rise or drop. It also shows a fare history graph,
allowing you to see whether your fare is headed in an upward or downward direction.

The Hopper app will track itineraries and notify you when the fare drops.
Keep in mind that many airlines launch fare sales on Tuesdays — so if you decide to buy on a
Monday, you may be gnashing your teeth when your destination goes on sale the next day

With a mixture of the above tips, some effort and patience you can always find good deals,
even during the peak and busy period.
However trends suggest that the best time to buy is 5-7 weeks before the travel date.

Tips

1. Ensure dimensions and weight of your luggage is in accordance with airline guidelines.

2. Keep clothes and daily need items in hand baggage (only the permissible ones). This would
ensure you can survive a day or two in case your luggage gets delayed (this happens with
approx. 1 in 500 ppl)

3. Keep your hand bag light as you would need to carry it between transit gates.

During Travel

1. Always hold on to your boarding passes and especially the one that has stickers/chits with
your checked in luggage details.

2. In case of transit, keep the local currency with you for food and water, if required. you can
pay from your cards but apparently it would cost you much more. Most airports don't even
have drinking water facilities (these are scattered and hard to find).

3. For in flight food, try and taste with a bit before eating. Apparently most ppl don't get along
well with the cheese and butter served. Avoid things which you feel not comfortable with as it
would be a while before you could alight.

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4. Check to see if you require a transit visa for your connecting flight

UK:
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/transit-visas

Links

AIRLINE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Get the information about the transit country before booking flight

Flight booking websites Ratings: https://ca.trustpilot.com/review/www.kayak.com

Seating Arrangement http://www.seatguru.com

Searching for Flights:

https://www.google.co.in/flights
http://www.skyscanner.co.in/
https://cheapticket.in
https://www.expedia.co.in/
https://www.kayak.co.in
https://www.yatra.com/
https://www.goibibo.com/
https://www.makemytrip.com

Baggage https://www.skyscanner.ca/airlinefees

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13 - Cargo and Shipping
You can use various cargo and shipping services to send additional luggage after you arrive.

Please ensure you add these items in the goods to follow list, so you can get them later without
extra charges.

14 - Canadian Phone Number

You can use free apps like TextNow to get a virtual (IP) Canadian phone number.

You will be able to receive and make calls when you are connected to the internet

You can use this number to call a Canadian number for free, or for others in Canada to call you
for the cost of a local call

Tips

▶ Some people use a virtual number to put on their resume before applying for jobs.

It would be advisable to inform the recruiter that you are not present in Canada, so as not to
mislead them into thinking that you have already landed.

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