Question about Clearing Customs at Pearson Airport

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I have always wondered why is it that when you clear United States Customs at Pearson the Americans have their own line, but when Canadians are trying to Clear Canadian Customs they don't have a line like that?

 

[bavaria]

Technically, you are considered to be 'entering' the US at that point. Most countries have an expedited line for returning travellers, just as when one returns to Canada there is a line for 'residents'. I just completed 6 weeks of travel through Europe and Asia, and every time used the EU resident line in Europe (which is often significantly less wait time)

returning residents often require less time for screening than arriving travellers, who may require visas, etc.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Well I guess when clearing Canadian Customs we have not noticed the line for Canadains, because I remember when clearing US Customs the odd times an official would say any Americans can go in their line.

 

[bavaria]

typically when clearing customs at an airport on arrival in Canada there are four areas

• Nexus card holders
• flight crew/diplomatic staff
• residents
• residents and/or visitors

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I think part of the reason why I might not have noticed at least the residents line is when clearing Canadian Customs in Toronto, (can't speak for other Airports in Canada) they have a row of 20 booths and my family and I always go to the one with the shortest line if it's possible. When clearing USA Customs in Toronto everyone goes in one line and eventually you go the next both that is available. I do recall seeing all the four areas you were referring to however I did not pay to much attention to where they were, because my family and I just want to get threw Customs, get our checked bags and get home.

 

[bavaria]

Since I use the Nexus line most frequently, I don't need to look for the shortest line (Nexus has no line ) But for my non-US flights landing at peak time of day I can't use Nexus so am well aware of the signs.

At some international airports, one is invited to use the resident line if it is not busy. At other international airports, this is not permitted.