Canada Border Services Agency – Rainbow Bridge Border Crossing

Yesterday, on April 27th at noon, my parents and little brother drove three hours from Toronto to the Canada Border Services Agency to renew my brother's study permit for his health card. They were greeted by an officer who was a Caucasian man with a black beard and claimed Italian heritage. When my mother explained their reason for being there, the officer informed them that they should have arrived earlier and declined to assist them, despite the agency still being open for service. Throughout the interaction, the officer displayed a negative attitude towards my parents upon seeing their Iranian passports. My mother kindly requested an exception since it was challenging to take a day off and make such a long trip. However, the officer refused to help and even disrespected my mother by holding her work permit by the corner with two fingers while making a rude comment.When my mother asked what he meant, the officer stated that he wouldn't be able to get a work permit in Iran, and if he did try, he would end up in jail. This comment was not only unprofessional and unnecessary but also disrespectful. My mother tried to explain that the government and regime of Iran should not be mixed with its people, who come to Canada for a better life with freedom and to contribute their talents to the country. The officer was not interested in hearing this, stating that he preferred dealing with people from Italy and disliked handling cases related to the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America. He recommended that they seek assistance at another border agency three hours away.Fortunately, after speaking with another officer, they were able to complete the process in just five minutes. However, this experience left them feeling uncomfortable and awkward, especially since they have been living in Canada for four years and have done nothing wrong but study, work, and live normal lives. Being treated in such a manner was unacceptable, particularly in a country known for having less racism towards immigrants. We hope that this never happens again to us or any other family that goes to this agency.

3 days ago at 10:30 am I went with my wife to do flagpoling to extend our visas (student visa for my wife and work visa for me). Before arriving, we researched on the official website of IRCC to check if it was possible to do this procedure in this place or not. Once we got back to the Canadian side, we told the immigration officer what we wanted to do, and he told us that during that day they had attended to 40 people, and that they were not going to attend more people. We remind them that their schedule is from 8:00am to midnight. The officer's response was to say that he was a simple messenger, and that it was not possible to do this procedure. Can you imagine going down the street and witnessing a traffic accident, you call 911 to ask for an ambulance, and they answer saying that they have already attended 40 calls today, and that they do not attend any more? This is Canada?

I went to border for flagpole yesterday at 7.30 am, waited on the line till 9 am. They told me that the immigration office opens at 8.00 am and closes at 8.15 am (so you have 15 min to get in). Today I crossed the border again at 6 am, waited for 2 hours and they told me that they reached the capacity which is EIGHT PEOPLE 8!! I am so disappointed. I wasted money to stay in hotel to go border early and 2 days is Niagara. My advice is to go to border at 12 am and wait for 8 hours. Be the first on the line, It’s the best scenario :)

Are you flashpoling? Don't waste your time here. Tried 4 times with CERO luck,they can only take 5,6 or 11 people which it doesn't mean they will all be processed.My question is why don't they change their schedule 8am till midnight if it's actually less than an hour? If you get any luck crossing to the office,they will find you something. If you don't get any luck the officer will tell you to try in other provinces. What a waste of money,time,energy...

The officer at the second booth to the left in the morning of 2023/06/11 was very rude. We didn't say anything but he started yelling. It seems like he doesn't like his job. Please help fire him so he can do what he really likes

It's easy to cross either from both sides.....just did it from usa to canada and vice versa last night ....no covid restrictions just carry your passport .for my case I had both usa and Canadian visa.....5mins walk to cross ....I just hoped evening to Canadian side and came late night back to usa. .carry 1 $ change ita must for the gate at candadian exit .and wear proper winter dress and water proof shoes recommended .

The customs agent was friendly. Good first impression of Canada as this was my first time in this country.

Always trying make people miserable, just like every Canadians custom. The line is super long and slow, took me 20min to get past. Aside from there is only one people works their, they ask some stupid questions, I remeber them saying Did you went to the US?" Umm... pardon me..."