Landing Procedures

After presenting your customs declaration to the officer at the Pre-Inspection Line (PIL) you will proceed to the Immigration hall where you will wait in line to see a CBSA officer. For your interview with the CBSA officer, remember to have all your documents ready, including your:

• Passport AND/OR Single-journey travel document
• Canadian immigrant visa
• IRCC-issued Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), both IRCC and Client copies
• Medical Surveillance Form (if applicable)
• Goods-to-follow documentation (if applicable): if you have shipped goods to Canada prior to departure, you must present your Bill of Lading form from the shipping company to the CBSA officer at Customs

The CBSA officer will collect your documents, conduct an interview with you and, upon their discretion, grant you your permanent residence. To find out more about the immigration interview process, click here.

Be aware that the Community Airport Newcomer’s Network (CANN) kiosk is located in the immigration hall. CANN officers will greet you with a warm welcome and provide one-on-one orientation, information, and referral services to all new immigrants.

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.