Canada: Whether an individual can represent another and speak on their behalf at the Primary Inspection Line (PIL) at Port of Entries, specifically Pearson International Airport, Toronto
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 10 January 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CAN38094.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Canada: Whether an individual can represent another and speak on their behalf at the Primary Inspection Line (PIL) at Port of Entries, specifically Pearson International Airport, Toronto, 10 January 2002, CAN38094.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4be198.html [accessed 15 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
In a 8 January 2002 telephone conversation, a Senior Immigration Officer (SIO) at Terminal 3 of Pearson International Airport explained that, prior to arrival in Canada, passengers are asked to fill out a E311 Customs Declaration Card. People living at the same residence are able to complete one card between them (ibid.). The current Customs Declaration Card provides space for up to five people to claim common residence and, therefore, be represented by one Customs Declaration Card (CCRA 30 Nov. 2000).
According to the SIO, when called forward by the customs inspector at the Primary Inspection Line (PIL), the group associated on the card may go forward together (8 Jan. 2002). At this primary examination, a representative of the group may speak and present documentation on behalf of others on the card (ibid.).
If the documentation appears to be in order and the customs inspector deems that there is no reason to refer any individual in the group to a secondary examination, the group is granted entry (ibid.).
If the customs inspector is given reason to refer any individual in the group to a secondary examination, the individuals are separated and proceed alone (ibid.). Reasons for referral to a secondary examination are outlined in the Port of Entry Processing Manual's Chapter PE1's Appendix B, titled "Immigration Secondary Referral List" (CIC Dec. 1999).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA). 30 November 2000. "E311: Canada Customs Declaration Card."
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Pearson International Airport, Terminal 3, Toronto. 8 January 2002. Telephone interview with Senior Immigration Officer (SIO).
_____. December 1999. "Appendix B: Immigration Secondary Referral List". Chapter PE1, Port of Entry Processing Manual.
