Arriving at Toronto Pearson Airport for the first time as a newcomer

Arriving at Toronto Pearson Airport marks an exciting milestone after months of planning and immigration paperwork. However, your journey has just begun, and settling in starts as soon as you step off the plane.

If your flight takes you directly to Toronto, it will most likely land at Lester B. Pearson International Airport, commonly known as Toronto Pearson or YYZ. Many newcomers may feel uncertain about what to expect upon arrival. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of what you need to do when you land at Toronto Pearson Airport as a newcomer to Canada.

Submit your customs declaration

When you arrive at Toronto Pearson Airport, the first task is to confirm your identity and submit your customs declaration. This can be done at a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) or eGate. While customs declarations are a standard procedure at most international airports, Toronto Pearson (along with several other Canadian airports) has automated the process for convenience.

If you are traveling with others from the same country, up to five people can use one kiosk at the same time. If you need assistance, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer is available to guide you through the process.

The process is straightforward, with on-screen instructions to guide you through each step:

1. Choose Your Language Preference: You will be prompted to select a language. In addition to English and French, other languages like Hindi, simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Korean, and more may be available. Choose the language you are most comfortable with to proceed.
2. Scan Your Passport: The kiosk is equipped with a scanner where you can scan your passport or travel document.
3. Capture Your Photo: The kiosk will prompt you to take a photo of yourself to confirm your identity.
4. Verify Your Fingerprints (if required): Some foreign nationals may be required to provide fingerprints through the kiosk.
5. Submit Your Customs Declaration: You will need to declare any restricted items, items exceeding the currency limit of $10,000 CAD, or anything else specified in the customs declaration. Additionally, you’ll answer questions about past criminal records, prior entry denials to Canada, and more.
6. Take Your CBSA Receipt: Once you submit your declaration, the kiosk will generate a receipt. This receipt is important and must be kept to present to the CBSA officer when you proceed to immigration.

Immigration and landing interview

Once you have submitted your customs declaration, proceed to the Arrival and Customs area (also known as the immigration area). If you’re entering Canada for the first time with your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), you are required to report to an immigration officer for a landing interview and to complete paperwork for your Permanent Resident (PR) card processing. Be sure to join the line designated for non-Canadian citizens.

When you reach the front of the line, the immigration officer will review essential documents, including your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), passport or travel document, visa, proof of settlement funds, and CBSA declaration card. They will also ask questions to verify your identity, validate your customs declaration, and confirm details regarding your PR application. The officer will record your landing date on your CoPR and ask you to counter-sign it. They will also retain a copy for their records. It’s crucial to check the information carefully to ensure there are no errors such as spelling mistakes or typos. If there are any issues, address them immediately as correcting them after leaving the airport can be very difficult.

During the PR card application process, the officer will ask for a Canadian address where your PR card can be mailed. Although most newcomers may not have a permanent address in Canada when they arrive, you can provide a temporary address or the address of a friend or family member. If your address changes before you receive your PR card, make sure to update it by submitting the online address notification form available on the Government of Canada website.

Collecting your luggage at YYZ Airport

After completing the necessary immigration steps, head to the baggage claim area to pick up your luggage. Typically, before disembarking, the flight crew will announce the conveyor belt number where your checked luggage will be available. It’s helpful to make a mental note of the belt number so that you can easily locate your suitcases.

If you miss the announcement or if the conveyor belt number changes, don’t worry. The baggage claim area at Toronto Pearson has screens that display the carousel number for luggage from each flight. Since immigration processing can take some time, you’ll likely find your luggage waiting for you at the carousel.

Customs process at Toronto Pearson Airport

Once you’ve collected your luggage, head to the customs area. As a newcomer, you can bring your personal belongings into Canada duty-free, provided you complete the BSF186 and BSF186A Personal Effects Accounting Documents (also known as B4 and B4A forms). These forms are required to declare the items you’re bringing to Canada and must be submitted to a customs officer.

While you can fill out these forms at the airport, it’s recommended to complete them beforehand to save time and ensure a more accurate listing of your belongings. If you’re bringing valuable items like jewelry, use descriptions from the appraisal or insurance documents and include photos that are signed by a jeweler or gemologist.

The customs officer will review your documents, take copies of the forms and any photos, and return the stamped originals to you. They may also inquire about the amount of currency you’re carrying and its source, so it’s important to have receipts for the Canadian currency you bring to avoid delays or confusion.

Occasionally, customs officials may select international travelers for random checks. If this happens, they may inspect your luggage to confirm that all items and currency have been properly declared and ensure you’re not carrying prohibited goods.

Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada

Newcomers arriving at Toronto Pearson Airport during business hours may have the opportunity to obtain their Social Insurance Number (SIN) directly at the airport. There is a Service Canada center inside the airport, although it has been closed during the pandemic. If the center is open when you arrive, you can complete a form to apply for your SIN. To do so, you will need to present your passport, signed Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and a Canadian address (which can be temporary). The SIN will be issued to you on the spot within a few minutes.

If the Service Canada center is closed or unavailable, you can apply for your SIN online, by mail, or in person at another Service Canada location. For more details, check out our guide on how to apply for a Social Insurance Number in Canada.

Buy a Canadian SIM card at the Airport

It’s a good idea to consider purchasing a Canadian SIM card at the airport before leaving. Providers such as Chatr set up temporary stores or kiosks just outside the arrivals area at Toronto Pearson Airport.

In Canada, mobile carriers typically offer both postpaid and prepaid plans, but you generally need to have an established credit history in the country to qualify for a postpaid plan. As a newcomer, you’ll likely begin with a prepaid (pay-as-you-go) plan and can upgrade to a postpaid one later if needed.

Although purchasing a SIM card at the airport isn’t mandatory, it’s a convenient way to check something off your list quickly. Additionally, having a Canadian SIM card can help you contact your family and friends to let them know you’ve arrived safely. If you prefer to explore phone service options later, Toronto Pearson offers free Wi-Fi to help you compare deals.

Heading home from Toronto Pearson Airport

Once you’ve completed your landing formalities and collected your luggage, it’s time to head to your temporary accommodation. Below are some options for an easy and convenient journey:

Ask a Friend or Family Member for a Ride
If you have friends or family nearby, you can ask them to pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation. Be sure to confirm with them how much luggage you’re carrying and whether it will fit in their vehicle. It’s a good idea to have them arrive 2-3 hours after your flight’s scheduled arrival to avoid unnecessary waiting.

Take a Taxi or Limo
You can either pre-book a taxi or limo before your flight or arrange one after you land, depending on availability. Popular services at Toronto Pearson include Pearson Air Limo, Toronto Pearson Airport Taxi, and Aeroport Taxi and Limousine Service. Fares are fixed, based on your destination, and it’s typical for drivers not to use the meter. Taxi queues are usually short. When booking, you can choose to pay either by cash or credit card (in Canadian dollars). Remember to factor in a 10-20% tip, as tipping for services is a common practice in Canada.

Use Uber, Lyft, or Prepaid Cabs
As you exit the terminal, you’ll find kiosks for prepaid cabs, where you pay the fare upfront (either by cash or credit card) based on distance. Alternatively, you can download the Uber or Lyft app to arrange a ride before you leave the airport. Toronto Pearson offers free Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect with your driver easily. Pickup locations for Uber and Lyft are typically at Gate Q or P (ground level) at Terminal 1 or Gate D (arrivals level) at Terminal 3, so be sure to follow the signs to the correct gate.

Take Public Transportation
Toronto Pearson is well-connected to the city and surrounding areas via public transit. The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) provides a direct link to Union Station in Downtown Toronto. It runs every 15 minutes during peak hours (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. The last train departs from Pearson at 11:27 p.m. You can purchase tickets online, use a PRESTO card, or buy tickets at the UP Express Terminal using cash.

Alternatively, the 900 Airport Express bus runs frequently to Kipling Station, with several stops along the way. From Kipling, you can transfer to the subway. The 52A bus also operates to the Lawrence/Lawrence West station, where you can access subway line 1. For those arriving overnight, there are options such as the 300A Bloor-Danforth bus, the 332W Eglinton West bus, and the 352W to Lawrence West.

Distance from Brampton to Toronto Airport
Brampton’s city centre is about 24 kilometres away from Toronto Pearson Airport. The trip typically takes around 20 minutes by taxi, assuming light traffic. Alternatively, you can take the 115 bus to Bramalea, then transfer to the 501 or 501A bus to reach Downtown Brampton.

Distance from Mississauga to Toronto Airport
Although Toronto Pearson Airport is situated in Mississauga, the city centre itself is about 17 kilometres away. A taxi ride from the airport to Mississauga takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Public transportation options include the GO Transit bus route 40 to Square One or MiWay bus 7 to the Mississauga city centre transit terminal.

Distance from Downtown Toronto to Pearson Airport
Downtown Toronto is located around 28 kilometres from Toronto Pearson Airport. By taxi, the journey typically takes 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. For a quicker and convenient option, the Union Pearson Express (UP Express) can get you to Union Station in 25 minutes, especially if you are traveling light.

Which terminal do international flights arrive at: T1 or T3?

Toronto Pearson Airport’s T1 and T3 terminals accommodate both domestic and international flights, with your arrival terminal determined by the airline you fly with. For example, airlines like Air Canada, Air India, Emirates, EgyptAir, Lufthansa, and United Airlines typically arrive at Terminal 1, while airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Airlines, Etihad Airways, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines generally arrive at Terminal 3.

For newcomers landing at Toronto Pearson Airport for the first time, the experience can be exciting. Although navigating immigration and customs may take some time, understanding the process and having your documents ready can make it relatively smooth. Once you pass through these steps, you can leave the paperwork behind and begin your new life in Canada.

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