Finally, someone said it. I see that a lot of the responses on here are from US citizens/residents. As a Canadian, I have run the gamut of questioning when I cross into the USA, as I do often. Do they question me hard sometimes? Yes. Does it feel uncomfortable sometimes? Yes. But I know the officer may have a variety of reasons to go down a particular line of questioning, and after it's complete, I know he's just doing his/her job to protect their country.

I guess people really hate carbs nowadays!

There is a difference. Most Canadians understand when going into the U.S. that they are asking permission from a foreign country to allow them in.

Meanwhile too many 'Muricans believe Canada is the 51st state and that Customs and Immigration should be the Welcome Wagon with a basket of goodies and a warm smile. Think of it as an entire population afflicted with DYKWIA syndrome.

And it's always a laugher when one of them doesn't declare their concealed handgun. They quickly learn that their 2nd Amendment doesn't apply and now qualify for taxpayer-funded meals and accommodation that you don't find on Trip Advisor. :D

I think this once again comes down to the approach the country decides to take. On the one hand you have the US, Canada and Australia who are extremely strict.

On the other hand - most countries in Europe, for example, will admit you following an interview that lasts no longer than stamping your (non-EEC in my case) passport.

Do more scammers (illegal immigrants/workers) enter Europe than Canada ? Probably... OTOH, do the stricter immigration/customs procedures have a real impact on people's travel plans ? Definitely.... I, for example, make an effort to avoid US/Canadian transit as I know that I need to allow for 4 hours+ to account for delays at entry.

Yes, but this is because neither USA or Canada has sterile international-to-international transits, so not really a fair comparison to transiting a European airport. If you are talking about transiting to a domestic US/Canada destination, well then you have no choice in it anyway.

+1

This made me chuckle. Reminded me of when I went with my Canadian husband in London England to convert his "temporary leave to remain" into a "indefinite leave to remain" (i.e. permanent residency) and our interview was carried out by a lady of Pakistan origin with an accent so thick she was barely understandable. On the subject of rude customs people, we find those on the Canadian border so much worse than when returning to the UK. I have always assumed it is because they have never themselves travelled to European destinations and are copying their next door neighbours surly attitude towards people wishing to come and spend money in their country!

Entered YVR from the U-S last month, and they couldn't have been nicer...or more efficient. Same at Billy Bishop (YTZ). Montreal have not always been so friendly, even though I have spoken to them in French and Franglais.

On the other hand, they may very well have...

Aren't most people in Canada obviously of an immigrant background? Yes.

Ethnic minorities working in pasport control type positions tend to ask more questions even of co-national ethnic minorities than those of ethnic majority/plurality backgrounds ask co-national ethnic minorities. This dynamic is observable in many OECD countries. Some of it has to do with ethnic minorities in these positions being relatively more common amongst the younger employees than the older employees in these positions, but that may not explain all of this dynamic. Also, ethnic minority females in these positions tend to slow down co-national, ethnic minority males down more than they slow down co-national ethnic majority males.

If wanting a better immigration processing experience, go for the older employees as they tend to make less fuss for no good reason. This holds true for YVR as well.

My experiences at YVR have been ok. It's at YYZ and YUL where there are a select few whom I don't mind not getting.

ive only had good experiences with Canada immigration

And I suggest older males.

I think I had the shortest Immigration interaction of my last 6 years as an Immigrant to Canada a few days ago, at YUL

"Good morning"
"Good morning"
-looks at documents-
"what's your legal status in Canada"
"student"
-keeps looking-
"have a good day"

and off I went

Pretty sure that's a personal best. usually they ask me what and where I study, not sure if that's out of curiosity or if they have to ask to see if it sounds like I'm lying, but... that was surprisingly short lol.

The older employees' ranks tend to have a much higher proportion of males than females.

On student visas, sometimes, one condition is that you must notify them if you change schools, if your visa allows it (and, if it's your first time, to ensure that your declaration at the border is consistent with your visa application.)