POE Tampa

[jhonscotland 2]

I just wanted to explain what I went thru at Tampa POE so anyone arriving here will have some inside knowledge.

I checked in at LGW for my BA direct flight to Tampa. I handed over my 2 x 50 Lbs suitcases and my large solid golf bag. I was not charged anything for this which I thought was a great start.

I filled out the white I-94 on the plane and enjoyed the films that were available.

On arrival at Tampa, we had to queue whilst someone checked that we had completed our forms correctly. As I handed mine over, the lady asked me what Visa I had, when I told her it was K1, she handed back my forms and told me to proceed to the visitors line.

There were a lot of Brits on the flight and the queue was huge. I waited for about 20 mins before it was my turn. I handed over my passport and I-94. I was asked only to scan my right fingers and he took a picture. I was then asked to hand over the brown envelope. I asked if he wanted the X-ray which I had hand carried and he told me not at this stage. He asked me if I had a wedding date. He pressed a few buttons on his computer then told me to get my baggage and take a seat just behind the immigration desks.

I waited for about 5 minutes before I was asked to follow an immigration officer. He was very polite and moved obstacles so I could get thru. We went straight to an office at the back of the hall for further processing. He asked me when I was in Hong Kong (I thought this was going to be the start of the questions). I told him and as it turns out he had visited there as a Marine during the time I served there and we had actualy played rugby against each other.

He wasn't overly confident on what he was supposed to do so he called his supervisor. I told him that I had to be married in the USA within 90 days, and that once married, I could apply for adjustment of status and employment authorisation. When his supervisor entered the office, he told him to stamp my passport and let me on my way.

That was it, no hassles, no worries, nice and simple. I found them all very polite.

[Otto 83]

Sounds like a great experience - welcome and congratulations...

[LiLMermaid 2]

Tha'ts great that it went so smoothly I'm also going to be making the move to Tampa. Congratulations!

[Hell0W0rld 10]

congrats!

[movingsoon1 0]

Thanks for sharing that. What a great experience.

[Rainschild 0]

Congratulations!!!