prncssjenn

I'm planning to go to SFO to Sydney via Vancouver. I have heard only the US requires you to clear immigration for international transfers. Not sure if it's the same case in Canada. I have an hour layover so obviously me going around VanCity isn't an option and I'd LIKE to be able to go to Sydney.
Do I need to have some sort of immigration clearance and wait in line, or do I just sashay my way down to a security checkpoint, get my things checked and be on my merry way to the Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge (to abuse the free food) or the transit area waiting zone?
I'm a US citizen, so I believe I don't need a transit visa and will be on Air Canada.
Thanks! Just been trying to find this info out online and using Google, but nothing.

CanadianConnection33

Enter your trip's vital details at the following website and you will be given detailed instructions.

http://www.yvr.ca/en/navigating-yvr/...rough-yvr.aspx

gglave

Correct.

Usually not - Just a passport / immigration check, with your bag checked through. Wizard link above should tell you.

If your layover is only an hour, you aren't going to be in the lounge. You might be able to dash in, grab a cookie and dash out - That's probably about it.

:D!

Umm, is a passport/immigration check not "clearing immigration"? You basically need to enter Canada in order to transit, the only difference from the US being that they don't automatically suspect you of wanting to live in Canada forever just because you are passing through.

gglave

When you 'clear immigration' at YVR you are then clear to enter Canada.

This check does not clear you to enter Canada.

tentseller

The travel document check only get you into the departure holding area for intl or US bound departures.

opethfan

International only, as US-bound departures have to pass through US CBP.