Did my interview at YUL today. Apparently a whole family had cancelled on Sunday, granting lots of us short-notice interviews.

On an aside, the Canadian CBSA agent I dealt with there may be the most friendly person I've ever met, while the US CBP/ICE person was perhaps the most unfriendly person I've ever met. Contrast.

This precisely why the NEXUS/GE system is such a good system. It minimizes the amount of interaction you will have with US CBP Officers, who in my experience are overwhelmingly the most unpleasant people I have the displeasure of encountering when I travel.

Where else have you been through? For me, the only place I never stood in line for a CBP Officer was YYZ. For YUL, YEG, YYC, and YVR, I've had to wait for an officer. And half the time they ask the questions all over again, effectively making Nexus a "front of the line" card, not a "trusted traveller" card.

Mostly US Airports, YYZ & YUL. Interesting about the other Canadian airports.

Sorry if this has been answered previously - tried searching.

If I return to Canada thru Nexus lane at, say, Whirlpool bridge, from a day trip (ie, <24 hours), and I have goods with me for a total of ~$150 - what happens when I make a verbal declaration? is there a chance that they can wave me through, which is a normal practice at the regular crossings? Or if they don't, do they send you to pay duty (where?) Anyone can share their experience?

I tried to find the thread in the Security forum where someone indicated that ORD is changing its GE process to require you to see an officer right after you get your receipt. But I do like that the US airports don't require you to talk to an officer every time.

Almost makes you wonder if this is some kind of job security preservation.

I do agree also with the above statement despite being a US citizen. CBSA officers and also Swiss and german border police are amongst the best in the world.

Not familiar with the processes behind transiting YUL but we arrived from ZRH and were proceeding to EWR. We had to clear and then re-enter.

NEXUS was a savior. First time ever using it. On exit, a quick scan of the iris and answer of a few questions and then we walked (a while) straight to the exit. Handed the officer our receipt & customs form.

Upon pre-clearing to US, another iris scan and some questions. Printed receipt and went to the NEXUS lane to wait for one officer who was servicing 3 lines (I think 1 crew & 1 diplomat or something). Gave him my receipt & US form and was on my way. Not as quick but still better than waiting in line.

At YUL and YVR, they have a system that releases your bags through customs once you clear US Immigration (see the thread here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...clearance.html)

So I believe the visit to the CBP officer is to complete that step in case you do have bags that need releasing.

YWG also has that system now.

I've been through YUL and never needed to see an officer. Maybe a random check??

Who took the receipt from the machine from you?

Did my interview at YVR yesterday. The biggest confusion was regarding my passport that expires in july 2013.

US officer: Global entry office can update for NEXUS and USA
Canadian Officer: You must bring new passport in person before expiration
Different canadian officer: You can fax first page of new passport
Different canadian officer: Update in GOES, but bring new passport next time you come to Canada

:confused:

It has been mentioned previously.

I have been told quite specifically by the agent doing my wife and kids interview that you can make a verbal declaration and they will direct you inside to pay, or wave you through. This was something that changed, the agent I spoke to said, about a year and a half ago.

Others have said they did and were scolded for it and told to fill out a TDC elsewhere in this thread. Search for verbal declaration.

So, two choices; fill out TDC online form and pay and don't worry about it, or try it out and report back here your experience so we can gather anecdotal evidence to say it works.

I have only done it once, and it was fine I was waved through. I was with my family and we had $175 worth of stuff, some of which was groceries.

My spouse updated her NEXUS with a new passport at YYZ yesterday, after the old passport expired. That seemed to work fine.