POE - flight via Toronto

[MrsP2010 20]

I might be being dumb about POE.

There's some good flights from the UK via Toronto flying into LAX, and I'm planning to do my POE next week. Would Canada be my POE? Or would it be LAX?

Thanks!

Oh, and received my visa today, so it's official - I can finally announce APPROVED!! It's right in front of me now. I can finally go home

[Done--Really 331]

LAX is the POE--it is the first entry into the US that counts

[together4evr 360]

congrats!! Have a great flight

and please edit your timeline to show interview date and received visa date!

[N&S 32]

Just FYI - my better half flew through Toronto the other week and if I remember correctly they did all the immigration stuff in Toronto, which meant for him clear sailing once in BOS but meant he had to pick up and drop off his bags again. Not sure it's their standard procedure or if it was that airline but if you're flying through Toronto make sure to allow enough time to go through immigration there.

[N M 96]

Toronto is the POE.

It'll be where you go through US Customs and immigration control (aka preclearance). America has had a border presence in Toronto for decades - and has similar arrangements at other Canadian airports and in Bermuda, Eire and The Bahamas.

After going through preclearance in Toronto, your flight to LAX is to all intent and purpose, an internal flight - and just as if you were flying from say, Denver to LA, you won't go through any customs or immigration at LAX.

Beware though - the lines at Toronto can be LENGTHY. Hope you don't have too short a connection.

[MrsP2010 20]

Just FYI - my better half flew through Toronto the other week and if I remember correctly they did all the immigration stuff in Toronto, which meant for him clear sailing once in BOS but meant he had to pick up and drop off his bags again. Not sure it's their standard procedure or if it was that airline but if you're flying through Toronto make sure to allow enough time to go through immigration there.

Lands at 18:05 in Toronto (YYZ) Departs: 19:55, do you think this will be enough time to do immigration and connection?

[N M 96]

Not sure whether it's any different at a POE for IR-1/ CR-1 holders....

But speaking from my experience arriving on a K1 (long lines at Houston), I'd recommend a minimum of three hours for the connection:

20 minutes to get to Immigration.

40 minutes to stand in line.

An hour in the back room waiting for the official "ok".

Then an hour to go through security, get to the gate, and grab some refreshments!

[stronger 43]

I was born in Canada and became a naturalized citizen. You do indeed do POE in Toronto. Did it several times a year. As long as you are on the same carrier, you might be fine with the connection time. However, this is a massive airport. So double check your Terminal numbers. Transferring between them is horrible.

[wee carrington 33]

Great news!! This has been a long time coming hasn't it? Best of luck and a good journey You've got to be over the moon, HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!! x

[JoannaV 174]

Check where your flights are so you know in advance how far you will have to walk.

When you get off the flight, focus on getting through everything quickly: this is the one time you don't want to be content to hang back!

Your need to make a connection never lets you get through a line any quicker. However, hopefully it'll help you avoid having to wait around in a room for ages when someone could be dealing with you but can't be bothered.

Look at the reviews for Toronto POE: this will give you some idea of how long it takes on average.

[Done--Really 331]

Oh yes...preclearance...forgot about that !!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Remember besides Immigration, you have to get your bags, clear customs, then re-check the luggage for your onward journey. And being December there's always potential for weather delays. I sat on a plane at Newark for two hours with the arrival gate just 50 yards away, but it was so icy they couldn't safely pull up to it, so we waited for a tow vehicle to ease it to the gate.

[MrsP2010 20]

Ok kids, it's booked but it's via Calgary... and I have a 3 hour 45 minute layover which I'm hoping will be enough.

[Allegra+Hadrien 2]

CONGRATS !!!!! AHHHHHH> EXCITING!!! Are you moving to LA? Hit a girl up!

[MrsP2010 20]

CONGRATS !!!!! AHHHHHH> EXCITING!!! Are you moving to LA? Hit a girl up!

Actually San Diego, but LAX had the cheaper flights and we have friends who owe us a ride!

Can't believe it, I really can't. It's all booked and sorted, I'll be waking up next to him this time next week!