Port of Entry Processing

Presented by Client Services GTA Region

Who We Are

Since December 2003, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been an integral part of the Public Safety Portfolio, which was created to protect Canadians and maintain a peaceful and safe society.

Mandate

The Agency is responsible for providing integrated border services that support national security and public safety priorities and facilitate the free flow of persons and goods, including animals and plants, that meet all requirements under the program legislation.

Acts We Administer

The CBSA administers more than 90 acts, regulations and international agreements, many on behalf of other federal departments and agencies, the provinces and the territories.

A key role of the CBSA is to ensure compliance with the provisions of The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its prescribed Regulations as part of it’s Immigration function.

Passenger Flow at the Ports of Entry

Primary Inspection Line (PIL)

Secondary (Admissibility of people)

Secondary(Admissibility of goods)

Personal Exemptions

When you return to Canada, you may qualify for a personal exemption. This allows you to bring goods of a certain value into the country without paying duties, except for a minimum duty that may apply to some tobacco products.

Personal Exemptions-Eligibility

Qualify for a Personal Exemption if you are:

• A Canadian resident returning from a trip abroad.

• A Former resident returning to live in Canada.

• A Temporary Resident returning from abroad.

• A Parent making a declaration for a child.

Personal Exemptions

Canadian residents returning from a trip abroad

are eligible for the following:

• $50 after 24 hours (excludes alcohol/tobacco)

• $400 after 48 hours (includes alcohol/tobacco exemption)

• $750 after 7 days (includes alcohol/tobacco exemption)

• You must have the goods with you when you arrive for the 24 and 48 hour exemptions.

Personal Exemptions

Alcohol• Minimum age

restrictions where you enter Canada- age 19 for Ontario.

• 1.14 litres (40 oz) of liquor, or

• 1.5 litres of wine, or

• 24 x 355 ml (12 oz) cans/bottles, beer or ale.

Tobacco

• 200 cigarettes, and

• 50 cigars or cigarillos, and

• 200 tobacco sticks, and

• 200 grams of manufactured tobacco.

Cross Border Currency Reporting

You have to report to a customs officer, amounts equal to or greater than CAN$10,000 that you are bringing into or taking out of Canada.

• Intended to fight criminal activities such as money laundering, terrorist financing and organized crime

Failure to report• Currency and monetary instruments of a value equal

to or greater than $10,000, or its equivalent in a foreign currency which are not reported, may be subject to seizure and the assessment of penalties or forfeiture. Penalties range from $250 to $5,000.

• Travellers play a vital role in protecting the health of Canadians and their environment.

• Food/plants/animals/related products must be declared at Canadian points of entry. It’s the law!

• Potential for destructive pests, viruses and diseases imported into Canada from other countries.

• Food, plant, animals and related items are added and removed from restriction daily. So each time you prepare for a trip outside Canada, you should find out about the most up-to-date rules and restrictions.

• Consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website for this information (www.inspection.gc.ca).

Failure to declare could lead to:

• Confiscation of goods;

• Fines of up to $400/undeclared goods;

• Prosecution.

• www.BeAware.gc.ca

Documents Required Upon Re-Entry

Valid passport or a valid travel document

Note: if you are from a country designated by the regulations then you also require a visa.

Valid Study Permit

For a full list of countries that require a visa please visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

Documents Required Upon Re-Entry

Example of a Visitor Visa for Canada which is pasted in the travelers' passport.

Study Permit

Client Services - Hamilton

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