How to go through customs at JFK if coming from Canada?

[shawndoc 0]

>How to go through customs at JFK if coming from Canada?

I'd suggest doing it with your pants pulled down and screaming jibberish at the top of your lungs.

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

>How to go through customs at JFK if coming from Canada?

I'd suggest doing it with your pants pulled down and screaming jibberish at the top of your lungs.

I don't think that will work

[suzukiwookie 1]

Well, under no circumstances will I risk being kicked out of the US for working illegally for cash under the table. The risk is just not worth it. My plan is just to be able to maximize the time that I CAN work legally and minimize the time of sitting around not being allowed to produce an income. I plan to get married really soon after getting there (once K-1 is approved, ofcourse) and putting the AOS papers through quite quickly, so I am hoping that within 90 days I will have the EAD. I just can't immagine sitting around for 90 twittiling my thumbs! lol

The problem seems pretty simple: How to go through POE at JFK from Canada and get the EAD stamped without spending thousands of dollars on airfare to circumvent toronto US customs. And the solution may take some creativity! I thank the VJ community for posting their thoughts on my thread. You guys are really helpful! I welcome anyone else's input on this. So please keep your ideas coming.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Basically, there is no way to fly from Canada and use JKF as your port of entry- all port of entries for Canadian air travellers is via the US pre-clearance facilities in the Canadian airports. Another option you may wish to explore is to find a land POE that does issue the Work stamp - there are a few along the border that people have used successfully by asking for it. I believe Windsor/Detroit was one. You may wish to phone the various border stations along the way and ask them if they do issue the work stamp when you activate a K-1 visa, and if they do, then rent a car and drive through the border. Then if you need to travel by air, drive to a US airport and then fly to your new home.

Edited March 26, 2008 by Kathryn41

[Neonred 3,551]

Remember that K-1's are authorized to work in the US without the stamp. I'm sure that's why most POE's don't bother with the stamp. Wouldn't make sense that the people entering through JFK where some how "special" and were the only people work authorized.

Read https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx...33;opendocument Read employment authorization by class of admission.

The biggest problem will be convincing your ignorant employer that you are authorized.

Also you don't necessarily need to quit after 90 days unless you are asked to up front... any problem with working after the 90 days is automatically forgiven at AOS.

[Izoom 0]

Hmm, is that soooo?

Either way, I'm sure that immigration won't be coming and knocking down my door anytime soon so no worries

[suzukiwookie 1]

Remember that K-1's are authorized to work in the US without the stamp. I'm sure that's why most POE's don't bother with the stamp. Wouldn't make sense that the people entering through JFK where some how "special" and were the only people work authorized.

Read https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx...33;opendocument Read employment authorization by class of admission.

The biggest problem will be convincing your ignorant employer that you are authorized.

Also you don't necessarily need to quit after 90 days unless you are asked to up front... any problem with working after the 90 days is automatically forgiven at AOS.

Wow, this is good to know. I'm definitely going to look further into this. I wonder why this isn't common knowledge? I'm going to call the USCIS and ask them about this. Thanks!! You may have possibly shed some light at the end of my employment tunnel.

[Neonred 3,551]

Remember that K-1's are authorized to work in the US without the stamp. I'm sure that's why most POE's don't bother with the stamp. Wouldn't make sense that the people entering through JFK where some how "special" and were the only people work authorized.

Read https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx...33;opendocument Read employment authorization by class of admission.

The biggest problem will be convincing your ignorant employer that you are authorized.

Also you don't necessarily need to quit after 90 days unless you are asked to up front... any problem with working after the 90 days is automatically forgiven at AOS.

Wow, this is good to know. I'm definitely going to look further into this. I wonder why this isn't common knowledge? I'm going to call the USCIS and ask them about this. Thanks!! You may have possibly shed some light at the end of my employment tunnel.

Call USCIS?? Good luck. If you call the misinformation line three times you will get three different wrong answers. Also, DHS and not USCIS determine wok authorization. Even at the Social Security office most workers don't understand the rules and that is why people bring in the SSA print out.

[Carlawarla 1]

If you're a Canadian citizen, and you're moving down on a K-1, without a stamp, you can collect EI if you're eligible. See the pinned threads in the Canadian Regional Discussion Thread.

A lot of couples, if two salaries or monies are needed, and it's extremely difficult to wait until you get your EAD, will use the time now to start saving money in anticipating on not working. This can include moving in with parents or siblings now, getting rid of items you're not going to be taking to the US, etc. Something to think about!

It could be it's not just about money as well, in which case, getting involved in your community, knowing your way around the town/city. Getting driver's license, SSN card, library card can take some time. If you're extremely bored, you could also look at volunteer work.

Edited March 27, 2008 by Carlawarla

[KimandRuss 0]

Wow, this is good to know. I'm definitely going to look further into this. I wonder why this isn't common knowledge? I'm going to call the USCIS and ask them about this. Thanks!! You may have possibly shed some light at the end of my employment tunnel.

It's not common knowledge because the wording is tricky and each employer seems to have their own standards/interpretation of the law.

[suzukiwookie 1]

Remember that K-1's are authorized to work in the US without the stamp. I'm sure that's why most POE's don't bother with the stamp. Wouldn't make sense that the people entering through JFK where some how "special" and were the only people work authorized.

Read https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx...33;opendocument Read employment authorization by class of admission.

The biggest problem will be convincing your ignorant employer that you are authorized.

Also you don't necessarily need to quit after 90 days unless you are asked to up front... any problem with working after the 90 days is automatically forgiven at AOS.

Wow, this is good to know. I'm definitely going to look further into this. I wonder why this isn't common knowledge? I'm going to call the USCIS and ask them about this. Thanks!! You may have possibly shed some light at the end of my employment tunnel.

Call USCIS?? Good luck. If you call the misinformation line three times you will get three different wrong answers. Also, DHS and not USCIS determine wok authorization. Even at the Social Security office most workers don't understand the rules and that is why people bring in the SSA print out.

A few more questions for you:

What does DHS stand for? And which gov office can I call to verify this info? It's not that I don't believe you, it's just that I want to make 100% sure that I will be able to start working when I get there (self-employed) wihthout any problems from the gov. I assume that when I start making an income, I will have to put that date down when doing my US taxes (which is another thing that I will have to look into), so I want to make sure that I can prove that I was legally able to work at that time.

I really appreciate all of your help (and this goes to the other posters as well!) Thanks guys! This is all great information!

[Steve and Amara 0]

I have just read on the UCSIS website that when the K1 fiancee arrives at the major port of entry (ie: JFK) the immigration officer can issue her with a 90day work visa to allow her to work whilst in the country on the K1.

From the *vibe* of the article it didnt seem like this was common practice...more so if the K1 Fiancee requested it.

Does anyone know anymore info on this? Obviously, if the fiancee could legally work whilst as a k1 (before the AOS comes through) it would be a big plus!!

cheers,

thanks in advance

[suzukiwookie 1]

If you're a Canadian citizen, and you're moving down on a K-1, without a stamp, you can collect EI if you're eligible. See the pinned threads in the Canadian Regional Discussion Thread.

A lot of couples, if two salaries or monies are needed, and it's extremely difficult to wait until you get your EAD, will use the time now to start saving money in anticipating on not working. This can include moving in with parents or siblings now, getting rid of items you're not going to be taking to the US, etc. Something to think about!

It could be it's not just about money as well, in which case, getting involved in your community, knowing your way around the town/city. Getting driver's license, SSN card, library card can take some time. If you're extremely bored, you could also look at volunteer work.

Well since i'm self-employed, I don't think I qualify for EI (I assume that you mean EI from the Canadian Gov?) But will take a look at the posts regarding that subject. Thanks a lot for your post!

[MarkNAshley 0]

DHS - department of homeland security!

[Eric-Pris 1,606]

What does DHS stand for? And which gov office can I call to verify this info? It's not that I don't believe you, it's just that I want to make 100% sure that I will be able to start working when I get there (self-employed) wihthout any problems from the gov. I assume that when I start making an income, I will have to put that date down when doing my US taxes (which is another thing that I will have to look into), so I want to make sure that I can prove that I was legally able to work at that time.

DHS=US Dept of Homeland Security.

When doing your taxes, there are no dates of employment asked for or given, it's just a cumulative total earned for the whole calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31), so you don't need to worry about that. As long as your employer allows you to work before you receive your EAD, you will have no problems.