Waiting on customs, and moving via father?

[cletus 0]

Hello all, just a quick question. I recently aquired my K-1 visa and am moving to California via airplane from Canada. I was told that when I reached customs in the airport that I would have to submit my visa and that the process could take longer than the usual time with customs. I'm just wondering how early I should be to the airport, I usually give myself an hour and a half which is more than enough usually, but I'd hate to miss my plane due to waiting on customs. OH! And a side question, my dad is driving the rest of my belongings down for me, does he need any copies of my visa to bring it in?

Thanks all!!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to process the K-1 on it's own. The delay may be how many other people are waiting to activate visas or go through immigration. I would definitely allow a lot more time - get there 3 hours before your flight - that way you are able to absorb a two hour delay at immigration and have plenty of time to catch your flight. Better to be waiting on the other side of immigration than in immigration.

When your Dad brings your things down he will need to have a copy of your activated visa and your I-94. You should also fill out the customs form for 'Unaccompanied Goods" (I'll see if I can find the link) and leave it for him to present to Customs. You are allowed to have your personal belongings follow you to the US up to 10 years later and they are admissible duty free, but there is paper work that needs to be done. The form will basically itemize the belongings crossing the border by box or individually as appropriate. Make sure you Dad knows what your status is in the US - mine was given a hard time when crossing last time because he couldn't remember if I had my green card yet or not (they finally let him through with the items he was bringing down for me).

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Ok, here is the link to Customs form #3299 "Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles":

http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_3299.pdf