Global Entry is only available if you enter the US Pre-Clearance area via the US check-in area.

If you are a US or Canadian passport holder, you can use the new Automated Passport Clearance machines in the US Pre-Clearance area if you are using the US transit area after arriving from an international flight. Similar to Global Entry, but you need to fill in your customs form still.

Ah, Thanks. Yes, I did hear about APC, and know that it's different from GE kiosk. It's no biggie, given that I have almost 5 hours of layover. The only nuisance is that I need to fill out the blue form, which again is not a big deal. I could even venture into town and come back to YVR to catch my flight (where I could use GE, I presume).

Yup. If you venture into town and then come back, you can definitely use the GE kiosk as you'll be entering US Pre-Clearance like a YVR-originating passenger.

Do you have Nexus in addition to GE? (i.e. did you get a retina scan?)

If so, you can use Nexus to enter Canada, then proceed upstairs to US Depatures and use GE to enter the US transborder area.

No, unfortunately. Just GE.

Actually, I go to Canada (YVR, no less) enough times that I should consider getting NEXUS. I guess that's additional $50, oh well, but could be worth it.

NEXUS includes GE, so it's actually $50 cheaper

I've transited YVR numerous times, and have been frustrated by the chokepoint at the security check from international-domestic flights. Everytime I've been back whether from HKG or NRT, it seems the hold-up at the mini security is longer than the walk. The line-ups aren't bad per se, at most, 10 to 15 people, but things clog up really badly once gets funneled into the line.

If I only have a carry-on, would it be advisable to exit the sterile area after the clearing the customs and immigration area and then "checking in" in the public departures area?

Does YVR have the Canadian version of the TSA pre-check that YYZ offers?

PS: I do have the NEXUS/GE combo, which worked just fine in the past; it's the security check afterwards that always makes connections dicey.

Yeah you can exit the sterile area (by heading left to the Exit instead of to the right towards Canada Connections) and enter the AC domestic area like a YVR-originating passenger, done this coming back from the U.S. In fact sometimes you have to as the mini-security and direct domestic access isn't always open. The walk is a little longer going outside - frankly I think it's a wash as I've done both.

If flying AC, the domestic security has a separate Nexus line with an automated gate - scans your BP and also your Nexus card. However all it does is put you to the front of the regular line, so still stuck behind Joe and Jane Once-A-Year Traveller if you're unlucky.

My experience with this has been the opposite.

I've always found the AC international / USA to domestic connection semi sterile security check (after the elevated walkway) to be much less congested than the regular screening point with all the kettles and families.

I wouldn't advocate leaving a sterile area in the hopes that the public side would be less busy. But you may have other experiences. . .

Thanks to you both for your insight. I've only experienced the mini-security area. There are 3 security lines, but only 1 has been in use when I'm there.

What prompted my curiosity was the fact that the SD from my NRT-YVR flight caught up to me while I was standing in line.

Going from domestic to US often makes sense to leave the sterile area, so that you can use NEXUS/GE.

I've only gone US to domestic without leaving the sterile area once (and it was an accident - I didn't even know you could do this ), but there was no line at security.

Anyone know if duty-free alcohol bought from NRT is ok to continue through to SFO when transiting through YVR as carryon luggage? Or would I need to exit the sterile area and then check in another bag?

No. You will go through a security checkpoint before you board your flight to SFO.

Thanks- is there an opportunity to check an additional bag at an airline counter after arrival in YVR and before the security check point for US flights?

The answer is YES and/or NO.

If you do the internal transit you NRT arrival bags will be sent to US connections. You will be diverted upon arrival to head to US departure CBP.
SO normally it would not work as your carryon will be subjected to CATSA who will confiscate the 100ml+ bottle.

In order for it to work you would need to enter Canada with your checked bag through CBSA. Then you can place the dutyfree into the check bags and then head over to US departure with US-CBP and CATSA.
Whether this works will depend on your Asian departure whether they will short check your bag to YVR as opposed to all the way to SFO. I heard that this is unlikely from YVR people who tried to take advantage of the cheaper ex-US TPAC flights and skipping the final leg.