I'm typing this from a restaurant at YYZ Terminal 1...
I just flew from NYC to Toronto this morning, to apply for a new TN visa (new job). This is what my experience was like. This recount of my experience is for people who are trying to do the same-day return trip to YYZ for a new TN visa.
Flying Out of LGA
This was all pretty straightforward. Airport was actually quite busy even though I got to the airport around 5:15 AM. Seems like travel is back to a normal level of business. I got to my gate around 5:40 AM just in time for my 5:50 AM boarding time.
They checked my vaccination & COVID test records before boarding.
Landing in YYZ
I landed around 7:50 AM. Went straight to immigration. They checked my ArriveCAN app code, vaccination record & COVID test. They also asked for a Canadian address. The officer said they needed it as a Public Health requirement to release me. If you have family or friends living in Canada, I would suggest getting their addresses beforehand. I stood there and tried calling some family and friends with no success (8 AM is a bit early). The officer eventually suggested that I look up the address of a nearby Holiday Inn and he input that into the system for me. He only suggested this because I told him I'm not planning on leaving the airport and my return flight is scheduled for 2:30 PM the same day. I wouldn't bank on this as an option, so be prepared with a Canadian address if you can.
OK....no baggage, so baggage claim was a breeze.
Coming out of baggage claim though, you're required to take a COVID test upon arrival. People will be holding QR code signs for you to register on their testing company's site. Easy breezy. You can take care of that in line. When I got to the "registration counter" they pull up the registration you fill out in line, supplement additional info and then hand you a test kit. I asked the person who registered me about a "test-result quarantine hold" and it didn't sound like it was a thing. He even asked his supervisor about my same-day return situation and the supervisor said that I, unfortunately, had to take the test. No biggie. Better to get tested more frequently anyways. The key takeaway for me here is that there's no quarantine requirement when it comes to waiting for your test result IF you're leaving the same day. They don't care. Your exposure in Canada is going to be limited anyway.
After the test......as I was trying to find my way up to the Departure hall, I was prompted to leave the building. I had to explain my situation again and was then directed to head for some elevators. All Gucci with getting to the US customs/preclearance security checkpoint.
It's about 8:45 AM by the time I get through everything. The rumors about Canadians being nicer are way too real.
Crossing US Preclearance at YYZ Terminal 1
I took a snack and bathroom break at this point. Wanted to gather myself before going into the TN application process. Calm the nerves etc. No line for security at 9:15 AM cruised through that.
Got to the CBP counter and told them I wanted to apply for a new TN. Bit of a casual chit-chat before getting walked to the Secondary Screening area.
After waiting for them to start processing my application, the officer assigned to me handed me a form to fill out essentially "why I was qualified for the occupation I was applying for". First time I've had to do this, but it was a nice substitution of the interview/conversation you have to explain your position. I've applied for TN at YYZ's T3, (3) times before and never had this before. Maybe this is new, maybe this is exclusive to T1. This was the extent of my conversation with the officer besides him asking:
"Is your old visa still active?"
"No, my last day there was yesterday. I got a new job." - me
"Better pay?"
"Oh yea." - me
"Word."
All that was left was paying the application fee and collecting your documents.
Smooth sailing. 10/10 would recommend. Let me know if you have any questions. I'll do my best to answer them. I was stressing out HARD for 3-4 weeks and am so glad that it all went smoothly, and would like to help anyone who's trying to attempt the same thing.
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/immigration/comments/ounxu6/tn_visa_application_via_pearson/