Why is YVR immigration such jerks?
Jul 29, 2015, 7:50 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: United 1K, AC 50K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Platinum
Posts: 689
I can't really comment too much without knowing any specifics. Are you suggesting that YVR is different than other entry points into Canada, or that Canada in general has unfriendly immigration agents? I've found Canadian immigration agents on the whole to be fairly no nonsense. They do their job without being overly friendly or familiar but you rarely see them on a major power trip. I find that US immigration agents often fall into one of these categories.
Jul 29, 2015, 9:15 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,876
They grill you, like you are being interrogated.
I guess I don't know what it is like being a non-citizen and going through US immigration. But in Europe and Asia immigration is never that bad.
I don't know if "no-nonsense" means rapid-fire questions. I also don't get why it is "doing their job".
I guess I don't know what it is like being a non-citizen and going through US immigration. But in Europe and Asia immigration is never that bad.
I don't know if "no-nonsense" means rapid-fire questions. I also don't get why it is "doing their job".
Jul 29, 2015, 9:45 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,784
YVR is known to be tough, especially for Asians or immigrants, etc...
Even worse for single females, questioning their reasons for travel, afraid of illegal activities
Don't feel too bad, I think even Ben (lucky) from OMAAT gets grilled by YVR CBSA agents
Even worse for single females, questioning their reasons for travel, afraid of illegal activities
Don't feel too bad, I think even Ben (lucky) from OMAAT gets grilled by YVR CBSA agents
Jul 30, 2015, 12:25 am
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Jul 30, 2015, 11:54 am
#9
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,553
I wonder if it's just a Canada / US immigration thing? Even then I find it a bit hit and miss.
I don't recall encountering any problems with immigration in Asia and Europe either.
While I skip the regular line nowadays with Nexus, I do recall a lot of questions coming back to Canada in the past. I was complaining to my friend who works in customs (and YVR specifically in the past) about getting the third degree waiting for my luggage at the carousel and IIRC, his answer was that part of it is to get you somewhat uncomfortable and see how you react.
On the flip side, even with Nexus, I feel I get grilled by US pre-clearance at YVR lol
I don't recall encountering any problems with immigration in Asia and Europe either.
While I skip the regular line nowadays with Nexus, I do recall a lot of questions coming back to Canada in the past. I was complaining to my friend who works in customs (and YVR specifically in the past) about getting the third degree waiting for my luggage at the carousel and IIRC, his answer was that part of it is to get you somewhat uncomfortable and see how you react.
On the flip side, even with Nexus, I feel I get grilled by US pre-clearance at YVR lol
Jul 30, 2015, 12:42 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 3,759
Unless you are crossing at the same port of entry on a very regular basis it's hard to generalize an individual agent's attitude into a statement about CBSA more generally. There is a trusted traveler program in place for frequent travelers, if you are entering Canada from the US often enough to have an opinion about YVR immigration you should consider joining.
At the end of the day, visa-free entry to a foreign country is a privilege. If you do not understand this perhaps it is the traveler's attitude that is causing the problem. You try giving attitude to a US CBP officer as a foreigner and let me know how that goes.
At the end of the day, visa-free entry to a foreign country is a privilege. If you do not understand this perhaps it is the traveler's attitude that is causing the problem. You try giving attitude to a US CBP officer as a foreigner and let me know how that goes.
Jul 30, 2015, 12:50 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Left
Programs: FT
Posts: 7,285
i suspect that dealing with liars and cheaters and smugglers on a daily basis just makes them cynical and assume everyone is a liar. don't take it personally. it is others than cause you this pain.
i used to think the same of US agents but then i got nexus and they go my fingerprints and now i never get a hard time.
i used to think the same of US agents but then i got nexus and they go my fingerprints and now i never get a hard time.
Jul 30, 2015, 4:58 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
Jul 30, 2015, 4:59 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
Jul 30, 2015, 6:38 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: KWI
Programs: I travel for fun these days.
Posts: 383
Confirming they are nasty to Canadians too.
Confirming they are nasty to Canadians too; there are no "travellers" only potential smugglers.
Got to make sure they get their import duties on every drop of liquor we're all trying to smuggle back into the Great White North.
Jul 30, 2015, 7:36 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,876
Unless you are crossing at the same port of entry on a very regular basis it's hard to generalize an individual agent's attitude into a statement about CBSA more generally. There is a trusted traveler program in place for frequent travelers, if you are entering Canada from the US often enough to have an opinion about YVR immigration you should consider joining.
At the end of the day, visa-free entry to a foreign country is a privilege. If you do not understand this perhaps it is the traveler's attitude that is causing the problem. You try giving attitude to a US CBP officer as a foreigner and let me know how that goes.
At the end of the day, visa-free entry to a foreign country is a privilege. If you do not understand this perhaps it is the traveler's attitude that is causing the problem. You try giving attitude to a US CBP officer as a foreigner and let me know how that goes.