I guess it would be the worst nightmare if you landed without the correct documentation so hopefully we can help avoid that! It is essential that these items are carried in your HAND LUGGAGE and not packed away in a suitcase. All the Immigration processing takes place before you reclaim your baggage.

Your Canadian Immigrant visa and confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member with you.

A valid Passport or other official travel document for each family member (normally must have a minimum of 6 months left before expiry).

Sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for 6 months.

Two copies of a detailed list of ALL the personal or Household items you are bringing with you. These lists must state how much the items are worth in Canadian Dollars.

Two copies of a list of items to follow - if you are shipping things later. Again, the values in Canadian Dollars must be shown.

With the 2003 regulations regarding ID cards for all immigrants, you may be required to bring correctly sized photographs with you – this requirement will be detailed in the detailed instructions for arrival you receive with your visa and may have changed since I arrived.

For the goods to follow we used the insurance values we had stated to make it easier (as described above) and had made detailed lists of everything to come and in what shipment they were in. The Canadian Customs and Border Crossing Agency (CBSA) are responsible for enforcing the laws and provide the form B4 for personal effects accounting. You should receive a checklist and detailed instruction on what is required for your arrival in Canada when you receive your immigration visa’s I know when we had our visa's issued they were accompanied by a checklist of documents.

If you have any questions please contact your nearest High Commission or the CBSA BEFORE you leave your home country – one good tip is to ensure any important documents or transcripts are translated into English or French as required (if they aren’t already) before you arrive . For a more detailed overview go to our Customs and Immigration page.

It may be advisable to carry any other personal documents in your hand luggage as well. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada E-Book “A Newcomers Introduction to Canada” gives excellent advice on this matter.