DO’s and Dont’s at Immigration Port of Entry- While going on Work Visa for Canada

Once you have obtained your work visa to Canada, start preparing yourself for the interview, you will have to go through at the Port of Entry (POE). Most of the times, people overlook this part, it is difficult to enter Canada if you don’t prepare to deal with the Border Service Officials and IRCC Officials at your POE.

To have a comfortable and smooth process at the POE, you should focus on two things, which are:

• Giving truthful answers
• Being consistent with the answers

The officials want to make sure your answers are consistent with the information provided in the work permit’s application form and the supporting documents. 

Let’s learn below the questions you would face at the Port of Entry. Please note that these are only the likely questions and not the only questions you may be asked.       

The Questions you may be asked in the Initial Interview at the POE

• To begin with, you will be asked how have you been. Stay relaxed and polite, and don’t get intimidated.
• Next, you may be asked to show your passport and visa, or any other relevant travel document. Ensure your passport’s expiry date is not before the expiry date of your work permit. If not, your work permit will be adjusted to the passport’s expiry.
• Be familiar with all the personal details given in your passport. If you are not consistent with the information available in the passport, your interview process could be prolonged. In worst cases, you might be denied the entry to Canada. 
• If you are traveling with family members, officials will ask for their travel documents. Ensure they are valid and do not expire before the expiry your work permit. 
• You may be asked if you have visited Canada before, and if yes, when, for how many days, and under what conditions. Do not try to conceal any information about your previous visit. Also, have the complete knowledge of all your abroad travels.
• Next, you will be asked about your health and the results of your medical examination that you underwent before your travel. Answer them correctly. Please know you must have health insurance and obtain workers compensation insurance to work in Canada.
• You would generally be asked about the job offer for which you have been granted the work permit as the officials want to ensure that you have a legitimate job offer. Be familiar with your company and the reporting manager, if possible.
• Next, you may be asked about how your work experience and education qualifies for the job offered. Be prepared to answer it.
• You must be clear about your return to the home country as and when the work permit expires. Proof of funds and specific return plans can help. You may be asked about your source of funds as well. Ensure you have the required funds as per the rules.  
• You will be asked how long you are planning to stay in Canada. Always, answer that you will be returning to the home country as soon as your work permit expires, even if you are planning to gain full-time employment or applying for permanent residence.
• You will be asked if you have any criminal background. Answer correctly, and consistently with your application.

Possible Further Questions in the Second Part of the Interview

These are the questions more relevant to the people who come with a permanent visa. However, they are also applicable to temporary visitors. The officials would want to see your declaration card. You must have the complete details of the list of goods you are traveling with, and that which will arrive later. You will be asked various questions on these lists. Answer them correctly, completely and truthfully.

• You will be asked if you have any plant or animal with you. It is easier if your answer is no and truthful.
• You will be asked if you have any fireworks, firearms, and ammunition with you. Do not travel with them unless they are part of your work.
• You will be asked if you have any dairy products, meat, fruits, or vegetables with you. They have restrictions, so avoid traveling with them.     

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Diksha Garg

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