The Most Important Things to Know About Landing Interviews in Canada

The landing interview is a standard part of the Canadian immigration process for many applicants. If you’ve received a letter telling you to appear for a landing interview, you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. While the interview is mainly to confirm your identity and basic eligibility, it’s natural to worry about making a good impression.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ace your landing interview in Canada

What is a Landing Interview?

A landing interview, also known as a port of entry interview, is one of the final steps for permanent resident applicants before receiving your confirmation of permanent residence document

It is conducted by immigration officers when you first arrive in Canada as a permanent resident. The interview is meant to:

• Confirm your identity
• Verify the information you provided on your permanent residence application
• Ensure you are admissible to Canada

Landing interviews typically last 15-30 minutes and take place at a port of entry into Canada, such as an airport or land border. In some cases, they may be scheduled at a local IRCC office within Canada for inland applicants.

Who Needs to Attend a Landing Interview?

If you are immigrating to Canada through one of the following categories, you can expect to be called for a landing interview:

• Federal skilled worker program
• Canadian experience class
• Federal caregiver program
• Provincial nominee program
• Family class sponsorship
• Quebec skilled worker program

In most cases, the principal applicant is required to attend the interview, along with their spouse and any dependent children over the age of 18.

When Does the Landing Interview Happen?

The interview is usually scheduled around the time you first enter Canada as a permanent resident. However, the exact timing can vary depending on your application stream:

• For overseas applicants, it will occur when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry for the first time after getting your visa.
• For inland applicants, it may be scheduled at a local IRCC office, usually within a few months of receiving your confirmation of permanent residence.

No matter when your interview occurs, make sure to have all the necessary documents ready to avoid any delays.

What Documents Do I Need for My Landing Interview?

You should bring original copies of the following documents to your landing interview:

• Passport – Make sure your passport is valid and not expiring soon. Have passports ready for all family members attending the interview.
• Permanent resident visa (if applicable) – Overseas applicants will have a visa sticker in their passport. Inland applicants get the visa after the interview.
• Confirmation of permanent residence letter – This confirms your approved permanent residence status.
• Two passport-sized photos
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• Right of permanent residence fee receipt – You need to pay this $490 CAD fee before landing.

Having these documents readily available will make the interview process faster and smoother.

What Happens During the Landing Interview?

The landing interview starts with the immigration officer confirming your identity and verifying your documents. You will be asked to take an oath promising that the information you provide is truthful.

The officer will go through a series of questions to further confirm your eligibility and admissibility:

• What is your planned address in Canada?
• What are your dates of birth, marriage, divorce, etc.?
• Have you lived in any other countries besides your country of citizenship?
• Have you ever been refused entry into Canada?
• Do you have a criminal record or any charges pending?
• What are your intended activities in Canada?

In some cases, the officer may go through your entire application and confirm important details about your education, work experience, family composition, and more. Answer all questions honestly. Admit any mistakes in your application.

If applicable, your sponsor may be asked some basic questions to prove their relationship is genuine. Common sponsor questions include:

• How did you meet your spouse/partner?
• When and where did you get married?
• What are your wedding anniversary dates?
• How many times have you met your spouse in person?

Minor discrepancies are understandable, but major inconsistencies could lead to further review. Try to be as accurate as possible.

As long as there are no major issues, you will be issued your permanent resident visa and/or COPR document after a successful interview.

Sample Landing Interview Questions

Here are some of the most common questions asked during the landing interview:

For the Principal Applicant:

• What is your full legal name?
• What are your dates of birth?
• What is your current marital status?
• Do you have any children? What are their names, dates of birth?
• What will be your address in Canada?
• What do you plan to do in Canada – study, work, etc.?
• Have you lived in any countries other than your country of citizenship?
• Have you ever been denied entry or removed from Canada?
• Do you have any criminal convictions in Canada or abroad?
• Are you suffering from any medical conditions?
• Do you have the ability to support yourself financially in Canada?

For the Accompanying Spouse:

• What is your full legal name and date of birth?
• When and where did you first meet your spouse?
• When did you get married?
• Do you have any children together? What are their names and birth dates?
• Have you lived together continuously as spouses since getting married?
• How much time have you spent together in-person as a couple?

Tips for Acing Your Landing Interview

Follow these tips to make a good impression at your landing interview:

• Tell the truth. Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with immigration officers. Do not attempt to lie or cover up parts of your story.

• Remain calm under pressure. It’s normal to feel nervous, but try to stay composed. Take your time thinking before you respond.

• Provide clear and concise answers. Listen closely to each question. Keep your answers short but with enough detail to satisfy the officer.

• Bring an interpreter if needed. You have a right to interpretation services. Don’t hesitate to request an interpreter if your English skills are weak.

• Ask clarifying questions if unsure. It’s better to double check if you don’t fully understand a question rather than answering incorrectly.

• Maintain appropriate body language. Make eye contact, sit upright, and avoid fidgeting or other distracting mannerisms.

• Review your application beforehand. Refresh your memory on important dates, addresses, travel history, and other key details.

• Dress appropriately. Wear clean, tidy clothing. Business casual attire is recommended.

With preparation and confidence, you can breeze through your landing interview. Stay focused on making a good first impression in Canada!

What Happens After the Landing Interview?

Assuming you pass the landing interview without any issues, you will soon become a permanent resident of Canada!

Here’s what to expect next:

• Visa Issued – Overseas applicants will be issued a visa sticker in their passport, while inland applicants will receive the visa by mail a few weeks later.

• COPR Document – You’ll be given your Confirmation of Permanent Residence document, which serves as proof of your PR status.

• PR Card – Within 3 months, you must apply for your Permanent Resident card which will be mailed to you. Carry this card at all times when traveling.

• Welcome to Canada! – You can now begin your life in Canada as a permanent resident with most of the same rights as citizens!

While waiting for your PR card, make sure to take steps like getting a SIN card, opening a bank account, finding housing, and more to settle into Canada.

Can I Fail the Landing Interview?

While most applicants pass without trouble, it is possible to fail your landing interview in certain cases:

• Misrepresentation – If you significantly misrepresented yourself in your application, your PR visa could be refused.

• Inadmissibility – Discovery of criminality, health, or security risks could result in a denied landing.

• Spousal Sponsorship – Major inconsistencies in your relationship story may lead to suspicion of a fraudulent marriage.

• Non-compliance – Failing to provide required documents or refusing to answer questions could also result in a denied entry.

If the officer finds serious concerns with your application, they have full authority to deny your landing. You may be reported for misrepresentation or barred from reapplying for a certain period.

Thankfully, this outcome is rare as long as you are truthful and cooperative. Still, make sure to follow all instructions closely to avoid complications.

While landing interviews can seem intimidating, being prepared with the right documents and information will ensure the process goes smoothly.

Focus on making a good first impression by dressing appropriately, maintaining composure, and providing clear answers to the officer’s questions. As long as you are honest and consistent, you will be on your way to officially becoming a permanent resident in no time.

Use this guide to feel fully ready for your big landing day