preclearance for H1B at Pearson

[Ednap]

Hi,

I would be movingto the US via Pearson under H1B along with my wife and 2.5 year old son. I was wondering how long does the preclearnace at the airpot would take? And what are the documents that I need to carry with me - other than passport and H1B approved notice (I797?)

Do I just go the immigration like most people or I have to go somewhere to do some paper work first?

Thanks in advance.

Ed

[agnelson]

Pre-flight inspection should not take long for H1/H4; just as long as the regular customs line-up. It is an international flight, so you are supposed to arrive 2 hours before departure in any event.

If your family all have H4 approvals, it would be even faster. Otherwise, make sure you all have your passports, you have your marriage certificate, and kid's birth certs.

You are all Cdn, right?

[Ednap]

Yes, we are Canadian and we are all travelling together. So, we just go straight to the customs together, that's it? I thought for work related stuff like TN and H1, there is some prescreening. Maybe I did not know.

Thanks
Ed

[agnelson]

For TN, yes, since you would be obtaining the TN from CBP.

But for H1, CIS has already decided your case. You merely go thru immigration (they stamp your passport and issue I-94, just like everyone else) and customs.