YVR recently added GE. It has been several years since I departed YVR for USA destination and was surprised to find that unlike my last such departure from YVR and recent departures from YYC and YEG (the latter two this year), one clears security screening before CBP. It appeared that checked bags are loaded onto the plane while one is dealing with CBP, which must be a mess when CBP refuses an entry. Otoh, YVR has been different from other pre clearance airports for some time given that after clearing CBP you departure area is basically a shopping mall and a license to blow the $800 exemption, which when the Canadian dollar drops well below the USD, expect many people to leverage.

Any way, unlike YYC and YEG there is no ridiculous requirement that your flight must be departing within two hours before proceeding to the gates. Very nice since there is a *G lounge in the trans order gate area.

Once you get through security there is clear signage for nexus and GE. The two GE kiosks are to the left of the two nexus kiosks, and all four kiosks are on the right hand side of the CBP hall.

Unlike a CBP arrival at a USA airport, after using the kiosk, even if you have no X, you are processed at a booth that is staffed by a CBP officer. However, all he does is stamp your GE receipt and look at your BP. He had zero interest in my green card, reasoning that the kiosk verified it. ^ And you do get front of line access.

Unlike YYC and YEG, there is a CBP officer collecting customs cards before exiting the CBP hall. For what possible reason I have no idea, because they can't inspect checked bags because it is a sterile area (CATSA has already screened pax by that point). There is front of line access for nexus, but no sign saying it is for GE. I made the assumption it was for GE too, and provided my stamped GE receipt. Again, the CBP officer had no interest in my green card or CBP sticker.

Overall, I was quite happy with the process. YYC is a total pain these days, and someday I hope GE comes to Alberta.