LANDING PROCEDURE

Step 1:

You will enter the Immigration Landing or Voluntary Compliance (VC) room, follow posted signs to meet the Community Airport Newcomers Network (CANN) staff and get a number for your Immigration interview.

You will receive a welcome package and a 5-10 minutes info session delivered by one of the CANN Officers. Then you will be directed to the Immigration Officer for an Immigration interview and PR card processing.

Documents you need for the Immigration interview:

1        Passport or travel document

2        Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR)

3        CBSA Declaration Card

You will be required to provide a valid Canadian address to the Immigration Officer. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send your Permanent Resident card (PR card) to you by mail.

However, if you did not provide a Canadian mailing address to the Immigration Officer or if you change your address before you receive the PR card, you can use the online address notification form at https://services3.cic.gc.ca

If you did not provide a Canadian mailing address when you became a permanent resident and you do not notify IRCC of your address within 180 days, the PR card will be cancelled and you will have to re-apply for a PR card and pay applicable fee.

STEP 2:

After the Immigration interview, you can proceed to collect your luggage. Ask a CANN officer or YVR Green Coat volunteer for the baggage carousel number of the flight you arrived on. Oversized luggage and other special items can be located on carousel 35. 

YVR Green Coat volunteer

 Source: www.yvr.com

Things you should be aware of during your landing

• Photos for your Permanent Resident card (PR card)

You will only be asked to take a new photo at the airport if your attached photo does not meet the requirements.

• Dependant

You need to inform CBSA if your dependant who is on your Immigration file does not come with you at the same time.

The Principal Applicant (PA) must land first or together with the accompanying family members. If the PA did land alone, the dependents can land at any date at any Canada border before the expiry date of their visa.

• Wait Time

There is often a long wait for the landing procedures in Vancouver, which can take up to four hours in total. Newcomers destined to another city in Canada are reminded to ensure that your transit time is sufficient.

• Food & Beverage

There is no food available inside the customs and immigration area. However, drinks and light snacks are available for purchase through vending machines. You can use Canadian coins or credit card to purchase these products. Currency exchange service is also available inside the arrival hall.

• Lost Luggage

If you are unable to locate your checked baggage upon arrival, you'll need to notify a representative of the airline with which your flight terminates. The agent will ask you to provide your contact information as well as a detailed description of your baggage in order to prepare a baggage claim report. You will then receive:

- A delayed baggage card (which explains the baggage recovery process) and

- A File Reference Number made up of five letters and five numbers that you'll use to check the status of your delayed baggage.

• Courtesy Phone Service

There are public phone booths in the international arrival area. If you want to make a short local telephone call, you can approach the YVR Information Desk at the end of Carousel 23 and ask for assistance. YVR information service staff will provide courtesy phone service for you.