The short answer
When you arrive to settle in Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer checks your documents at the port of entry. IRCC's official guidance says to keep your key documents with you at all times, not packed in checked luggage, and to prepare two copies of a list of the goods you are bringing. If you are coming as a permanent resident, the officer signs your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and authorises your entry. This guide summarises IRCC's page for newcomers.
Key terms in plain English
- Port of entry: an airport, land crossing or other place where you enter Canada.
- COPR: your Confirmation of Permanent Residence, which IRCC sends if your permanent residence application is approved.
- Settler's effects list: a list of personal and household goods you bring with you or that will arrive later, with their values.
- Customs declaration card: the form on which you declare certain things, such as items that attract duty and funds above the official limit.
- BSF186: a CBSA form used for personal effects accounting documents. IRCC says filling it in before you travel can make the process easier.
What to keep in your hand baggage
IRCC lists the essentials. For most newcomers settling as permanent residents they are:
- your Canadian immigrant visa, if one applies to you
- the COPR for each family member travelling with you
- a valid passport or travel document for each family member
- two copies of a detailed list of the personal and household goods you bring with you
- two copies of a list of goods arriving later, with their money value
Check IRCC's page for everything else you may need, such as vaccination records, marriage and birth certificates, school records and professional certificates. Make photocopies and keep them separate from the originals. If you are travelling on a work permit or another temporary status, follow the instructions in your approval letter.
The goods lists
Prepare typed lists, with each item's value, make, model and serial number where it has one, split into goods arriving with you and goods arriving later. Hand the lists to the officer even if you bring no goods at the time.
What happens at the border
IRCC describes two screening interviews. In the first, an officer checks your travel documents and asks questions much like those on your application, including about family, health and your plans. In the second, you declare what you are bringing, and the officer reviews your lists and may inspect your luggage. Be ready to answer questions about animals, plants, food, firearms and similar items. Answers must be true: IRCC warns that false statements are a serious offence and can affect your status.
Declaring money
IRCC says you must tell an officer if you carry funds above the official limit, whether in cash or in similar forms. If you do not, you may be fined and the money may be seized. Check the exact threshold on the official page.
Checklist
- To do: Check your COPR or approval letter against your passport before you fly
- To do: Travel before your COPR expires, because it cannot be extended
- To do: Keep passports and immigration documents in your hand baggage
- To do: Prepare two typed copies of both goods lists
- To do: Fill in the BSF186 form before you travel if you want to speed things up
- To do: Carry vaccination records, certificates and other documents IRCC suggests
- To do: Check what you may and may not bring, and declare what you must
- To do: Book your first nights of accommodation
- To do: Keep photocopies in a separate bag
Common mistakes
- Packing the COPR in checked luggage. Keep it with you.
- No goods list. The officer asks for it.
- Not declaring items or funds. The penalties are serious.
- Travelling after the COPR has expired. It cannot be extended.
- Guessing answers. If you are unsure, say so and ask.
Things that change
Entry requirements, the funds limit and CBSA procedures can change. Check the official pages shortly before you travel.
Verify before you act
Read IRCC's page on how to prepare to cross the border as a newcomer and the CBSA's BSF186 form page. Express Entry applicants can also read what happens if your application is approved.