Baggage handling at JFK in transit Toronto-JFK-Vancouver

[swilk]

I have a Finnair round the world ticket. One sector involves travel from JFK to YVV on CX metal.

I will be visiting Niagara (from Toronto) whilst in New York and flying AA4367 from Pearson International in Toronto to JFK. I have a 2 hour transit before picking up the CX889 flightnto Vancouver.

My understanding is that
1. AA will not through check my bags as the AA flight is on a separate PNR
2. I will go through US Customs prior to boarding AA4367 in Toronto and therefore will not be required to go through immigration in JFK prior to picking up my bags and re-checking with CX

Has anyone done something like this who can confirm this is the case?
I assume I arrive with my bags at the domestic part of JFK and this is why immigration is not required

Thanks in advance

 

[madrooster]

You will arrive as a domestic passenger at JFK so you will simply re-collect your bag and recheck it.