What is the port of entry in Canada?

When you arrive in Canada, you will arrive at a port of entry. A port of entry (POE) is a point of entry into Canada chosen by the Canadian government. Usually, the port of entry you pass through is the first airport or land port of entry for your stay in Canada.

For example, if your last stop is Winnipeg, but you arrive in Vancouver first, your port of entry is Vancouver International Airport. At the port of entry, everyone is “screened.” This means you will be asked to show identification and may be asked to answer questions and provide personal information to determine if you are allowed to enter Canada.

Checks are usually conducted by Border Service Officers (BSOs) who are employees of the Government of Canada's Canada Border Services Agency. Most likely, your passport will also be stamped. If your passport is not stamped, you can ask the BSO to stamp your passport before you leave the POE.

To prevent overstaying, you should apply for an extension of your Canadian status before your current status expires. You can also request a change of status under certain circumstances, such as changing from student to visitor status. Even if your official status has expired, your status will remain while your extension application is being processed. This is either “implied status” or “maintained status”, again depending on certain requirements. If your renewal application is ultimately denied, you will be considered to have lost your status in Canada as of the date of the denial letter.

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