POE at Toronto Pearson

[Rose416 1]

Hello,

I'll be making my POE at Toronto Pearson next week and am unsure about the process. I've been reading reviews but still have a few questions.

When and to whom do I declare that I'd like to activate my K1 visa?

Also, do I check in with my airline (VirginAmerica) before hand? I'm concerned because I will be arriving before the check-in counters open. I plan on giving myself at least 4 hours before my flight.

Also, for anyone flying to LA, Virgin has just launched a new direct route from Toronto. They fly to other US cities as well, and the fares are pretty reasonable. They also allow you to check in up to 10 bags (for a $25 fee/bag.)

Thanks for your help!!

[SapphireDreams 71]

You go through the same check-in process as you would any other time you fly. I wouldn't bother arriving before the check-in desk opens, because you'll just have to wait for it to open to continue through into customs. Once you check-in, you are required to fill out the white I-94 and take all of your bags with you through the customs line.

From there, you'll go through customns and tell the agent you get that you have a K1 Visa and then they'll send you into secondary. You take all of your bags with you into secondary where they will process you, ask you more questions, finger print you and possibly take a look through your stuff. Depending on how busy they are can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, so be prepared to wait if it is busy.

I had 3 large bags with me and my carry-on/purse and it was a lot to handle, even with a cart, so definitely don't check more nags than you can comfortably handle on y our own because you don't drop them off right away!

[Amanda2020 1]

Great thanks for the info...I am POE at pearson tomorrow I am flying to Florida

[canadian_wife 1,822]

In Toronto, you'll check in at the counter and proceed to the immigration line. At primary (the first agent you'll see) you pass them your brown envelope and say you'd like to activate your K-1 visa. They'll do some stuff in the computer and send you to secondary screening.

In secondary, you'll wait for a while as they go through your packet and then you'll be called up to review the terms of your K-1, get your I-94 (make sure you get this and make sure they stamp it for 90 days - if they don't, correct them so you don't have problems later). Then you'll be on your way

YYZ is polite and courteous but busy. You shouldn't have any problems.

Good luck

[Rose416 1]

Thank you for your replies. I'm no longer nervous!!!

[Veronik 19]

Thank you for your replies. I'm no longer nervous!!!

Hey Rose416! Did you receive your enveloppe yet?

And I was just reading, and do you guys know if every airport is like that, meaning you bring all your bags with you? I will POE from Montreal most likely...

[Rose416 1]

Hi Vero,

I assume it would be the same experience at Montreal. The officers might want to search your bags, so you would need to bring them with you.

I was recommended to make a written list of all of my belongings in specific suitcases. Sometimes the officer will just scan over the list rather than go through the bags.

I hope this is all they'll do! I didn't do a very good packing job (:

I haven't received my package yet. If it doesn't arrive by Wednesday I'm rescheduling my flight. I probably shouldn't have booked it, but there were only 2 seats left on the flight I wanted so I'll take my chances! Hopefully my visa will be in my mail box tomorrow!!!!

I hope you manage to sleep tonight. Good luck tomorrow. You will do great!!!

[Amanda2020 1]

I just POE yesterday and it went well.....very reliable and friendly officers which I had. Only downside is the wait. I went through check in at 12 30 but did not get into secondary till 2 30 they called me in. They asked a few questions and about what I am bringing into US they didnt search my bags though just my handbag with my daughters stuff. Yes having the written list is helpful we had one and gave it to the officer he said we made his job much easier. Other than that nottin to fret, just make sure you got your package to hand in. Once you get your I-94 make sure they make it for 90 days and explain it to you. We found ours very helpful he even went into the details of what would happen if I lost it. Good Luck....coming live from Florida.