Least painful POE experience?

[thejoz 0]

Hello all! Amy got her Visa in hand last week, and she's now looking into flights into the US!

She is wondering what she should expect at the POE experience. She wants to know what airport seems to be the best in terms of least amount of hassle for K1 holders, and she wants to know what to expect as far as how long it should take. She's going to have her parents, coming on the VWP with her, so she just wants to get an idea before she books the flight.

Thanks!

[English Muffin 59]

Hello all! Amy got her Visa in hand last week, and she's now looking into flights into the US!

She is wondering what she should expect at the POE experience. She wants to know what airport seems to be the best in terms of least amount of hassle for K1 holders, and she wants to know what to expect as far as how long it should take. She's going to have her parents, coming on the VWP with her, so she just wants to get an idea before she books the flight.

Thanks!

I went through Philadelphia and it was very easy. It took about 10 minutes in total and the IOs were very friendly and nice throughout. You can view reviews of the POEs here; http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php

Gillian

[Sal and Jay 2]

Congrats on obtaining the visa, I wish you much happiness together.

[*julez* 124]

Griff arrived through JFK and had no problems. The only one I've recently heard that was a bit tougher was O'Hare.

[Peikko 1,575]

I could be wrong because I was K3, but if you are K1 isn't JFK the only airport where they will stamp your visa with the EAD so you can work? Might be worth thinking about.

[SnowyTater 0]

Yep. I think there are other airports that'll give you the EAD stamp, but it seems like they never break it out and you never hear about them. JFK on the other hand almost always seems to give it to you when you request it. Definately a plus.

To the OP, this might be overkill but just a sidenote your fiance's parents might want to bring proof of their ties to the UK with them, if they're coming over with their daughter. You never know, some guards might think they're trying to stay or something.

[thejoz 0]

As far as EAD goes, I mean, yeah we want to get her to work ASAP, but at the same time, I don't think we have any serious problem filling out the form and waiting the month or whatever it is to get that back...or...whatever. I don't know. What is the exactly timeline for waiting for EAD/AP to be completed?

I know AOS takes forever, but that's expected...

[Mags 112]

Actually, JFK is the only airport that will give you the temp EAD. There are other places at the Canadian border that will do it - but that's a land crossing.

I entered through CVG Cincinnati airport and it took me all of 2 minutes. He took the MBE, stamped my passport and I was on my way. In fact, it probably took me longer to type this than it took for me to get through POE!

Edited April 21, 2008 by Mags

[English Muffin 59]

As far as EAD goes, I mean, yeah we want to get her to work ASAP, but at the same time, I don't think we have any serious problem filling out the form and waiting the month or whatever it is to get that back...or...whatever. I don't know. What is the exactly timeline for waiting for EAD/AP to be completed?

I know AOS takes forever, but that's expected...

You won't be able to apply for EAD until after you marry, you can only apply for it along with AOS. Once your application is in it usually takes around 60 days to get (based on VJ timelines) but it can take up to 90.

Gillian

[JandC 0]

I arrived through Houston, Texas on my K1 visa.....I had no problems at all. The IO's were very nice and chatty....it took about 10 minutes to get processed then I was on my way.

[Toshtishtash 1]

I wonder why JFK is the only POE that issues the EAD stamp??

[TracyTN 237]

Hubby went through O'hare on all visits AND to activate his K1 and had absolutely no hassles. Though I know some recently haven't had the same experience - I suspect it depends on the officer you happen across. Personally I'd say it's worth the risk, esp. considering you can get some decent fares through O'hare. But it does depend a bit, I suppose, on your final destination.

[*JG* 2]

We went through Miami. Lots of agents. Short lines. They were quick and efficient. Except for not taking his brown envelope before they let us go and me having to speak up about it, it was a dream.

[william_wallace 8]

I went through Mempis on the VWP and i was inline for well over 2hrs. I dont know what it will be like for hassle wise for the K1 but the CBP were a bit ignorant and rude to a few. I certainly wouldnt want to go through there with my K1 lol

[Muuuuah 0]

I went through JFK. it was a piece of cake..... and also got my temp work stamp