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Can I go through the same Customs line as my wife?

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Hello, I will be on the flight from Manila to Indiana with my wife. Our POE is St. Paul-Int, MN. I have noticed in my travels that visitors and I think first time entrants into the USA go thru a different Customs line than us US citizens do. My question is can I go thru that same line with her? Or must I go thru my normal line and just meet her on the other side of Customs? I would think that many VJ's here have been with their wives when coming into the country their first time and can answer their experiences with this issue. Thanks in advance for your answers.

Met thru friend May 2006

02/22/2008-Married

04/02/2008-Date I-130 Sent :

04/10/2008-Date I-130 NOA1 (Receipt) :

07/03/2008-Date I-130 NOA2 (Approved) :

07/03/2008-Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill :

07/12/2008- Date Package Received By NVC :

07/15/2008- Return Completed DS-3032 :

09/06/2008- Pay I-864 Bill : Bill in mail while in Philippines for two months

09/12/2008- Receive IV Bill :

09/16/2008- Paid IV Bill online :

09/18/2008- Bill shows paid online :

09/27/2008- Received I-864 Package :

09/29/2008- Mailed I-864 Package to NVC :

10/02/2008- I-864 packet delivered to Portsmouth NH 11AM per USPS tracking

10/03/2008- I-864 package entered into NVC system

10/13/2008- I-864 confirmed approved by phone with NVC

10/20/2008- In Philippines helping assembly DS-230 Documents to send

10/22/2008- Sent DS-230 package by FedEx to NVC :

10/23/2008- DS-230 Package rec'd by R. Pearse 9:27am at NVC

10/24/2008- Now just waiting for NVC to approve DS-230

10/29/2008- NVC approved DS-230, Called today 11/1/2008 from Phils to ask status and was told the good news!!!

11/06/2008- Interview date set 12/12/2008, Received email reply confirming date but still need letter!

11/20/2008- Letter received in Philippines

11/25/2008- Medical at St Lukes everything ok!!!!!!

12/12/2008- Interview complete but need Marriage Index from NSO. Applied for 12/15/2008

01/06/2009- Got Marriage Index at NSO & took it to USEM, was told they will call when Visa can be picked up

01/16/2009- Visa delivered by Delbros....fantastic!!!!

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We were allowed to go through the US citizens/permanent residents line together, even though I was only holding a K1 visa. We were also allowed to stay together at the secondary inspection. Just ask the immigration officers politely, that's what we did. They were very nice to us (POE Washington Dulles).

Good luck and all the best! :thumbs:

07-25-07 petition sent

08-07-07 NOA1

01-23-08 NOA2, 182 days after filing

02-11-08 medical

03-04-08 interview in Frankfurt---approved!

03-11-8 Visa in hand --- what a heck of a procedure for this little sticker ;-)

06-16-08 flight to IAD

07-11-08 Wedding in Santa Barbara, CA

08-07-8 AOS package sent

08-10-08 AOS package delivered to Chicago lockbox

08-14-08 check cashed

08-13-08 NOA1 for EAD,AP,AOS

09-03-08 Biometrics appointment

10-02-08 Case transferred to CSC

10-16-08 EAD and AP approved

01-26-09 AOS approved w/o interview

01-31-09 PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD RECEIVED

02-11-11 Biometric Appointment for Removing of Conditions

Our Wedding Pics:

http://picasaweb.google.com/rahela07/OurWedding07112008

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We were allowed to go through the US citizens/permanent residents line together, even though I was only holding a K1 visa. We were also allowed to stay together at the secondary inspection. Just ask the immigration officers politely, that's what we did. They were very nice to us (POE Washington Dulles).

Good luck and all the best! :thumbs:

Thanks for the reply and I thought there would be many replies with positive results such as yours and maybe even some replies telling of difficulties when others tried what you did. Thanks again

Met thru friend May 2006

02/22/2008-Married

04/02/2008-Date I-130 Sent :

04/10/2008-Date I-130 NOA1 (Receipt) :

07/03/2008-Date I-130 NOA2 (Approved) :

07/03/2008-Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill :

07/12/2008- Date Package Received By NVC :

07/15/2008- Return Completed DS-3032 :

09/06/2008- Pay I-864 Bill : Bill in mail while in Philippines for two months

09/12/2008- Receive IV Bill :

09/16/2008- Paid IV Bill online :

09/18/2008- Bill shows paid online :

09/27/2008- Received I-864 Package :

09/29/2008- Mailed I-864 Package to NVC :

10/02/2008- I-864 packet delivered to Portsmouth NH 11AM per USPS tracking

10/03/2008- I-864 package entered into NVC system

10/13/2008- I-864 confirmed approved by phone with NVC

10/20/2008- In Philippines helping assembly DS-230 Documents to send

10/22/2008- Sent DS-230 package by FedEx to NVC :

10/23/2008- DS-230 Package rec'd by R. Pearse 9:27am at NVC

10/24/2008- Now just waiting for NVC to approve DS-230

10/29/2008- NVC approved DS-230, Called today 11/1/2008 from Phils to ask status and was told the good news!!!

11/06/2008- Interview date set 12/12/2008, Received email reply confirming date but still need letter!

11/20/2008- Letter received in Philippines

11/25/2008- Medical at St Lukes everything ok!!!!!!

12/12/2008- Interview complete but need Marriage Index from NSO. Applied for 12/15/2008

01/06/2009- Got Marriage Index at NSO & took it to USEM, was told they will call when Visa can be picked up

01/16/2009- Visa delivered by Delbros....fantastic!!!!

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Philippines
Timeline

the usual case is not...you will be in US citizen line and she in visitors line...but it depends on the situations...sometimes you can go together most especially when long line for visitors...or you can ask the personnel in the airport that will assists you...In my case we are in separate line...

Happy Trip!!!

ea924d6b6b.png

FILING FOR LIFTING OF CONDITION

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the usual case is not...you will be in US citizen line and she in visitors line...but it depends on the situations...sometimes you can go together most especially when long line for visitors...or you can ask the personnel in the airport that will assists you...In my case we are in separate line...

Happy Trip!!!

Thanks for your reply! Are there any others who would like to tell me their experience going thru customs together when it is her first time to enter the USA?

Met thru friend May 2006

02/22/2008-Married

04/02/2008-Date I-130 Sent :

04/10/2008-Date I-130 NOA1 (Receipt) :

07/03/2008-Date I-130 NOA2 (Approved) :

07/03/2008-Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill :

07/12/2008- Date Package Received By NVC :

07/15/2008- Return Completed DS-3032 :

09/06/2008- Pay I-864 Bill : Bill in mail while in Philippines for two months

09/12/2008- Receive IV Bill :

09/16/2008- Paid IV Bill online :

09/18/2008- Bill shows paid online :

09/27/2008- Received I-864 Package :

09/29/2008- Mailed I-864 Package to NVC :

10/02/2008- I-864 packet delivered to Portsmouth NH 11AM per USPS tracking

10/03/2008- I-864 package entered into NVC system

10/13/2008- I-864 confirmed approved by phone with NVC

10/20/2008- In Philippines helping assembly DS-230 Documents to send

10/22/2008- Sent DS-230 package by FedEx to NVC :

10/23/2008- DS-230 Package rec'd by R. Pearse 9:27am at NVC

10/24/2008- Now just waiting for NVC to approve DS-230

10/29/2008- NVC approved DS-230, Called today 11/1/2008 from Phils to ask status and was told the good news!!!

11/06/2008- Interview date set 12/12/2008, Received email reply confirming date but still need letter!

11/20/2008- Letter received in Philippines

11/25/2008- Medical at St Lukes everything ok!!!!!!

12/12/2008- Interview complete but need Marriage Index from NSO. Applied for 12/15/2008

01/06/2009- Got Marriage Index at NSO & took it to USEM, was told they will call when Visa can be picked up

01/16/2009- Visa delivered by Delbros....fantastic!!!!

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I just wanted to bump this thread - Was hoping for more replies too.

Service Center : California Service Center

Consulate : Manila, Philippines

I-129F Sent : 2008-12-02

I-129F Receipt Notice : 2008-12-05

RFE: 2009-02-26

Approval Notice: 2009-03-13

NVC Received: 2009-03-23

Left NVC: 2009-05-12

Stuck at NVC 50 days

Interview: 2009-06-23 Passed!

Visa picked up: 2009-06-25

POE Detroit: 2009-07-04

Married: 2009-09-11

Filed for AOS: 2009-09-22

Biometrics taken: 2009-10-29

Advance Parole approved 2009-11-04

Employment Authorization approved 2009-11-04

AOS Appointment 2009-12-15

AOS Approved 2009-12-15

Green Card Received 2010-01-02

Filed for ROC: 2011-09-17

ROC approved 2012-03-21

Green Card Received 2012-03-26

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Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Nepal
Timeline
the usual case is not...you will be in US citizen line and she in visitors line...but it depends on the situations...sometimes you can go together most especially when long line for visitors...or you can ask the personnel in the airport that will assists you...In my case we are in separate line...

Happy Trip!!!

Thanks for your reply! Are there any others who would like to tell me their experience going thru customs together when it is her first time to enter the USA?

Hello,

Based on my experienced, I was also a CR1 Visa, you and your wife will be going to different counter.. You will line up the USC counter, and your wife will be going to separate line for IMMIGRANTS only.. VISITORS line is different as this is much more people. and the counter for FLight Stewards/Pilot is different as well.

In the IMMIGRANTS counter, the Officer will ask your wife for an envelope (sealed) that came from US Embassy in Manila.. This is the envelope that was given to your wife and was intructed "DO NOT OPEN" until the OFFICER ask her at the PORT OF ENTRY. After the officer opened the envelope.. he will ask a few questions (nothing bad) and take biometrics for her and fingerprint.. After the officer reviewed the paperwork in the envelope, he will tell her that the greencard will be in the mail soon.

The IMMIGRATION line is kind of slow, I would advise you that you better hurry after the plane boarded out passenger, so you can be the first one in the line and you dont have to wait that long for her.. Occasionally there will be families inline and that kills the time for the other people waiting...

I entered the US with my son and my husband.. My son and him went to the USC line as my son is already a USC and I went to different line... They have to wait for me for almost an hour, as I was at the last, with 3 families in front of me...

Hope this helps,.

Edited by Completely
jamesfiretrucksg2.th.jpgthpix.gif
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oh yeah! i want to ask abt this too..i will be bringing my son soon here in USA and i already have a greencard,and my son is his first time entry...where we go fall in line in the immigration? of course i cant let my son fall in line by his self,he is only 5 years old.

Nov. 23, 2009 mailed the I-751- Lifting of Conditions

Nov. 30,2009 USCIS sent it back to me coz i sent it 1 day earlier

Dec. 05, 2009 mail it again

Dec. 15, 2009 NOA1 recieved - GC 1 year extension

Dec. 24, 2009 recieved Biometrics Appointment

Jan. 08, 2010 Biometrics

Jan. 27, 2010 Approved...my card will be here within 60days

Feb. 01, 2010 Recieved 10 yrs. GC in the mail

March 17, 2008 papers for son sent to chicago

March 19, 2008 chicago recieved the papers

March 27,2008 NOA1

June 03,2008 NOA2 Petition Approved

July 19, 2008 AOS fee bill send to me...with MNL case number.

Aug. 14 2008 notice for visa payment

Aug. 16, 2008 I-864 download instructions

Sept 4, 2008 DS-230 instruction recieved

Sept. 29, 2008 NVC asking for missing documents for my son

Oct.18,2008 mail the letter of consent from the father

Oct 20, 2008 NVC recieved the letter of consent

Nov. 4,2008 recieved letter from NVC with the date of interview

Dec.09,2008 Medical at St. Lukes

Dec 22,2008 Interview for my son at Manila embassy

Jan.7,2009 Submit the proof of relationship

Feb. 02, 2009 going home to Phils

Feb.20,2009 Fly to USA...Mnl-Detroit

Sept.1 2009 Embassy sent a re medical form (almost 9 months waiting)

Nov. 9, 2009 Son re medical at St. Lukes...passed!

Dec. 08, 2009 VISA issued...thanks God!

April 25, 2010 son flying to USA---nxt journey,CITIZENSHIP!

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Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Nepal
Timeline
oh yeah! i want to ask abt this too..i will be bringing my son soon here in USA and i already have a greencard,and my son is his first time entry...where we go fall in line in the immigration? of course i cant let my son fall in line by his self,he is only 5 years old.

you can bring him in the line with you... that is exceptional..

jamesfiretrucksg2.th.jpgthpix.gif
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Filed: AOS (pnd) Country: Philippines
Timeline

I think the best way to try to do it with both of you, is for you and her to get in the visitors line. They can easily handle you, but there may be some special needs for her. And if you get there and they tell you to go to the other line, then you can wait till she gets through, and then she can wait for you on the other side while you get done in the other USC line. But I am sure they would go ahead and help you too, in the visitors line.

08-21-2008 Mailed I-129F Package (via USPS)

08-25-2008 NOA1 (This is the date on the I-797, did not recieve it in my mail til Aug 29)

12/18/2008 NOA2

12/24/2008 Received at NVC

01/05/2009 Received at USE Manila

01/07/2009 Scheduled Interview (1/21/09)

01/12/2009 Medical Appointment SLEC (Passed: Done by 1:30pm)

01/21/2009 Interview at U.S. Embassy - APPROVED!

02/13/2009 Visa Delivered

03/21/2009 Ann has arrived

AOS, EAD, AP, Petition

03/14/2011 AOS, EAD, AP, Petition mailed by Priority Mail through USPS

03/16/2011 Delivery Confirmation USPS

04/22/2011 NOA1 Emails(3) Received and check cashed (I-485, I-765, I-131)

04/29/2011 Check Cashed for I-130 Petition (We are petitioning our son, he is 13 yrs old)

05/02/2011 Biometric Appointment Letter for May 25 (But we will do a walk-in this week)

05/04/2011 Biometric Completed today.

05/14/2011 Email and Text of I131 Travel Document is APPROVED

05/14/2011 Email and Text of I765 Employment Authorization "Ordered Production of New Card Ordered"

05/16/2011 Email and Text and Rcv'd Appt Letter in the mail for June 16

05/19/2011 EAD card received in the mail today!!

06/16/2011 AOS Interview COMPLETED -SUCCESSFUL

06/17/2011 Email/Text Card Production - APPROVED

06/20/2011 Received SS card in the mail today

06/27/2011 Received Green Card in Hand today!

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Philippines
Timeline

the best advice if you are unsure is to ask the crowd control officer... YOU MAY BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT THE ANSWER!!!!!!!

YMMV

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the best advice if you are unsure is to ask the crowd control officer... YOU MAY BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT THE ANSWER!!!!!!!

I thank you all for the thoughts regarding this and I will take the advise given here. I will go with her to the visitor line and ask if I can go thru with her. Wishing everyone facing this the best of luck. If anyone has experience with this before March 31st please bump this thread back to the top. I will bring her home on that date. Thanks again everyone

Met thru friend May 2006

02/22/2008-Married

04/02/2008-Date I-130 Sent :

04/10/2008-Date I-130 NOA1 (Receipt) :

07/03/2008-Date I-130 NOA2 (Approved) :

07/03/2008-Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill :

07/12/2008- Date Package Received By NVC :

07/15/2008- Return Completed DS-3032 :

09/06/2008- Pay I-864 Bill : Bill in mail while in Philippines for two months

09/12/2008- Receive IV Bill :

09/16/2008- Paid IV Bill online :

09/18/2008- Bill shows paid online :

09/27/2008- Received I-864 Package :

09/29/2008- Mailed I-864 Package to NVC :

10/02/2008- I-864 packet delivered to Portsmouth NH 11AM per USPS tracking

10/03/2008- I-864 package entered into NVC system

10/13/2008- I-864 confirmed approved by phone with NVC

10/20/2008- In Philippines helping assembly DS-230 Documents to send

10/22/2008- Sent DS-230 package by FedEx to NVC :

10/23/2008- DS-230 Package rec'd by R. Pearse 9:27am at NVC

10/24/2008- Now just waiting for NVC to approve DS-230

10/29/2008- NVC approved DS-230, Called today 11/1/2008 from Phils to ask status and was told the good news!!!

11/06/2008- Interview date set 12/12/2008, Received email reply confirming date but still need letter!

11/20/2008- Letter received in Philippines

11/25/2008- Medical at St Lukes everything ok!!!!!!

12/12/2008- Interview complete but need Marriage Index from NSO. Applied for 12/15/2008

01/06/2009- Got Marriage Index at NSO & took it to USEM, was told they will call when Visa can be picked up

01/16/2009- Visa delivered by Delbros....fantastic!!!!

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Filed: AOS (apr) Country: Philippines
Timeline
the best advice if you are unsure is to ask the crowd control officer... YOU MAY BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT THE ANSWER!!!!!!!

I thank you all for the thoughts regarding this and I will take the advise given here. I will go with her to the visitor line and ask if I can go thru with her. Wishing everyone facing this the best of luck. If anyone has experience with this before March 31st please bump this thread back to the top. I will bring her home on that date. Thanks again everyone

There is no doubt you can go with her to the visitor line, however, after asking the control officer, my wife (then fiancee) went with me through the Citizen line.

YMMV

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Russia
Timeline
the best advice if you are unsure is to ask the crowd control officer... YOU MAY BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT THE ANSWER!!!!!!!

I thank you all for the thoughts regarding this and I will take the advise given here. I will go with her to the visitor line and ask if I can go thru with her. Wishing everyone facing this the best of luck. If anyone has experience with this before March 31st please bump this thread back to the top. I will bring her home on that date. Thanks again everyone

There is no doubt you can go with her to the visitor line, however, after asking the control officer, my wife (then fiancee) went with me through the Citizen line.

When I was not citizen I always went to Citizen line with mu US husband!!!

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