CBP Preclearance Goes Live at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Effective March 10, 2026, the travel landscape for Canadian professionals and corporate transferees has changed. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) has officially launched U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance operations.
For the first time, U.S.-bound travelers departing from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will complete all US immigration and customs inspections prior to boarding their flights in Canada. This allows passengers to arrive in the United States as domestic travelers, bypassing the often-lengthy immigration queues at major U.S. hubs.
Preclearance at Billy Bishop will operate separately from Toronto Pearson and functions as its own CBP preclearance facility. With the addition of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Canada now hosts 9 airports with U.S. Preclearance facilities, providing an important alternative to the high-traffic of Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Billy Bishop Preclearance will also include expedited screening for NEXUS card holders.
Advantage for TN and L-1 Visa Applicants
The most important change for Canadian citizens is the ability to apply for TN Visa (under USMCA, former NAFTA) and L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee) directly with the CPB at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Prior to March 10, 2026, Billy Bishop lacked the necessary CBP inspection facilities to process these work visas for Canadian citizens.
Applying for a TN Visa at Billy Bishop
The TN visa is one of the most efficient work visas for Canadian professionals —such as engineers, accountants, management consultants, economists, teachers, audiologists, scientists and others — seeking to work in the United States.
Now, with CBP Preclearance at YTZ, Canadian citizens can apply for TN visa directly at Billy Bishop by presenting a complete TN application packages to a CBP officer in Toronto. This allows for:
- Pre-boarding Adjudication: Your TN visa can be approved or denied before you ever leave Canadian soil. In case of denial, you will be refused admission to the United States before bording the flight.
- Convenience: The ability to handle your immmigration matter in a more accessible, downtown location.
- Reduced Stress: Arriving in the U.S. with your status already secured, ready to begin your professional engagement.
New Opportunities for L-1 Intracompany Transferees
Perhaps the most significant impact is for those seeking L-1 status. Previously, it was virtually impossible to apply for an L-1 visa when flying directly from Billy Bishop to the U.S., as L-1 processing for Canadians typically requires a CBP “Class A” port of entry or a preclearance station.
With the new Preclearance facility, executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees (L-1A and L-1B) can now have their petitions adjudicated at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This opens another door for multinational companies to transfer key personnel from their offices in Canada to US offices without applying at Toronto Pearson Airport.
To learn more about the L1 visas, visit L-1 for Canadians, L-1B specialized knowledge, L-1 New Office, L1 Visa Employment Termination and Layoffs, Can L1 Visa Holder Work at Client Location, Can an L1 Visa Holder Work Part-Time, L1 Visa Transfer to New Job or Employer or contact our L1 visa lawyer.
Conclusion
The introduction of U.S. CBP Preclearance at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an important update for the Ontario business community. By providing a secondary, downtown location for the adjudication of TN and L-1 visa applications, CBP has enhanced the mobility of the Canadian workforce.
Why Partner with Malescu Law?
Malescu Law is a leading business and immigration law firm that specializes in TN and L-1A/L-1B visa applications for Canadian citizens and multinational companies.
Our team provides comprehensive legal solutions for employment-based immigration. We ensure that every application package is prepared for immediate adjudication at CBP Preclearance facilities. By providing strategic planning and pre-flight guidance, we help our clients minimize the risk of delays and successfully secure their U.S. work authorization at Billy Bishop.
We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
Malescu Law P.A. – Business & Immigration Lawyers
