What to expect at the Los Angeles Point of Entry (POE)?

[KoolBreez 0]

Successful CR1 interview. VISA granted from the US Embassy in New Delhi, India. Two questions:

1. What to expect at the Los Angeles Point of Entry (POE)? Which lane to go thru?

2. Any suggestions on how to handle medical insurance until she (beneficiary) can be a part or my insurance

Thanks

KoolBreez

[misterbigtoe 45]

Can't help you with LAX.

We found that insurers would not cover immigrants in the country for fewer than 6 months.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Successful CR1 interview. VISA granted from the US Embassy in New Delhi, India. Two questions:

1. What to expect at the Los Angeles Point of Entry (POE)? Which lane to go thru?

2. Any suggestions on how to handle medical insurance until she (beneficiary) can be a part or my insurance

Thanks

KoolBreez

Read the POE reviews here on VJ for LAX. Are you talking about adding her to your employer's health care? You should have inticated the life changing event when you got married to your employer or you should do so now. They will want a SSN, but my employer had a work around until my wife received her SSN. Your wife should receive her SSN in about two weeks. If not go to your local office and ask to have it printed out or in some cases you may need to apply again. Once you have the SSN you can add her to your health insirance.

Good luck and congrats on the visa,

Dave

Edited June 26, 2013 by Dave&Roza

[MMPP 0]

Dear KoolBreez,

I live in Los Angeles, about 15 min from LAX. I have extensively traveled from LAX to New Delhi. Here are some pointers that should be of some help:

1. The LAX immigration section is similar to any other major airport - lines could be long, depending on how many other flights have arrived at that time. The POE officers seem a bit less-friendly, as compared to other major airports. Specific to first-time immigrants, I'd suggest have the Embassy letter in hand, and speak to the point to the questions asked by POE Officer. Your spouse will likely be taken to the POE officer stands that are located far on the left side of the immigration section (there is a sign that says something to the effect of 'First Time Immigrants', and that line moves very slowly!). Once the POE interview starts, it will be only about 5 min or so... just basic questions to re-confirm identity, photo shot and fingerprints.

2. I have one suggestion: I have noticed that customs officers in LAX typically ask extra questions to travelers from the Indian subcontinent on any food items they are carrying. I'd suggest not to bring food items (particularly, rice / meat, etc.)

I have one request for you: my spouse has her CR-1 visa interview in New Delhi next week. It would be very nice to receive some suggestions on the documents to carry, and on the specifics of the interview experience. Please let me know how may I contact you (email or phone) to talk with you about it.

Please let me know if I may be of any additional help to you.

Thanks,

MMPP

[sebring 0]

Same here, I have my interview in a few days at Delhi.

Could you share your interview experience and documents carried/verified.

Thanks,

Mudit

[lubnajavid 20]

I added my wife to my insurance as soon as we got married - didnt even need the SSN.

And i have medical insurance with UHC....

Even if you didnt when you got married - this should be a life changing event which should be covered in your group policy