Getting ready to cross the border

[b_fowler 0]

If you know what POE he is entering you should go to the reviews that people have given for that POE. It can help give you a feel for what you ,ight expect from that POE. I know not everyone fills out their review of the POE but they should, because it helps people see what kind of things they can expect!! It helps all those that will follow, giving them a peek at how they previous people were treated, and maybe even what questions they were asked.

Edited August 4, 2009 by b_fowler

[mox 298]

Dammit, wish slim was here to back me up on this. But I'll say again: POE is no big deal unless you truly have something to hide. Very VERY few people are even delayed at POE. You're probably more likely to be hit by a car once you've made it through POE than to suffer a delay. Most of the tips and strategies about improving your odds are just snake oil, and cause unnecessary worry. Unless you have something to hide, you've already been through everything that would have stopped or delayed you. Wait in line, hand them your visa and unopened medical packet, and welcome to America.

[Brad and Vika 129]

Dammit, wish slim was here to back me up on this. But I'll say again: POE is no big deal unless you truly have something to hide. Very VERY few people are even delayed at POE. You're probably more likely to be hit by a car once you've made it through POE than to suffer a delay. Most of the tips and strategies about improving your odds are just snake oil, and cause unnecessary worry. Unless you have something to hide, you've already been through everything that would have stopped or delayed you. Wait in line, hand them your visa and unopened medical packet, and welcome to America.

I agree mox. The most likely trouble spot would be immigration officers just being slow - making you miss a connection or something. If your documents are in order and you have them with you, should be smooth sailing.

[BluesTraveler 0]

Dammit, wish slim was here to back me up on this. But I'll say again: POE is no big deal unless you truly have something to hide. Very VERY few people are even delayed at POE.

I was delayed for about 378 hours at the POE, suffice it to say I missed my connecting flight. The reason I think I was delayed was I was traveling on a Pitcairn passport. The POE staff had never seen one before and weren't sure it was real. Also I was using the traditional luggage of the Pitcairn people, old coconuts glued together. They kept hassling me about not being able to bring fruits and vegetables into the USA. I kept telling them it is luggage not fruit. They took away my coconuts, I mean luggage. Oh and one other small thing that caused all sorts of grief, I was over the weight for my luggage. The only reason I was over the weight was, I was carrying 50KG of cocaine because a guy at the airport asked me to carry it for him. He said he would give me $20 USD to carry it for him. $20 USD is sooo much money, that I agreed.

After I left the airport I couldn't sit properly for about a week, otherwise not a bad experience and the POE staff are very friendly people. Bruce from the airport keeps emailing and suggesting we should go out for drinks, but I have been too busy lately.

[johnj 0]

Dammit, wish slim was here to back me up on this. But I'll say again: POE is no big deal unless you truly have something to hide. Very VERY few people are even delayed at POE.

They took away my coconuts, I mean luggage.

Good thing your wife was not with you; as I remember, the Pitcairners wear coconuts as bras. I gotta admit, a coconut bra is kinda sexy, especially when she is bigger than the coconut

[SuperDuper! 230]

Dammit, wish slim was here to back me up on this. But I'll say again: POE is no big deal

Bullroar! Entering a POE is much different from a day at the beach or something, where you don't have to care and prepare. Yes, one acts naturally, yet be alert and aware. It's better to have a modicum of alertness and anxiety, than to be slipshod and careless in this final, yet still important step in entering our fine country. After getting thru the POE, one can imbibe his favorite libation, including a Mr. Pibb, or single-malt scotch and then let go of one's inhibitions and participate in unspeakable carnal activities. Ay, Baboo!

Edited August 4, 2009 by itzallgood

[mendeleev 68]

IR1 is the best visa of our type you can have Mox. I means you're already married, and have been for over two years. It means that from the moment you step foot on US soil, you are a permanent resident eligible for a 10-yr green card.

No further USCIS hassles unless you decide to go for citizenship for a whole decade. (Well, I suppose you're supposed to tell them if you move.) Sweet! Congratulations, OP.

[b_fowler 0]

Dammit, wish slim was here to back me up on this. But I'll say again: POE is no big deal unless you truly have something to hide. Very VERY few people are even delayed at POE. You're probably more likely to be hit by a car once you've made it through POE than to suffer a delay. Most of the tips and strategies about improving your odds are just snake oil, and cause unnecessary worry. Unless you have something to hide, you've already been through everything that would have stopped or delayed you. Wait in line, hand them your visa and unopened medical packet, and welcome to America.

I was not entering my two cents to hype up the POE experience, just help ease the tension these poor folks are feeling. The notes on what happens at POE generally are the very small talk that is made during the processing of the paperwork. Not trying to make it difficult just guide them to read the reviews, and see what other people experienced!!! Which is about what you said Mox!!! Now pass the pie!!

[slim 1,523]

Dammit, wish slim was here to back me up on this. But I'll say again: POE is no big deal unless you truly have something to hide.

I'm on vacation!

I just snuck away for a few minutes (water in my ear is keeping me up at night) and realized I can't go a whole week without VJ so here I am. Anyway, mox is absolutely correct (As usual, guys, come on. Give him some credit!) the POE is over-hyped. Especially JFK which is the modern-day equivalent of Ellis Island. She/he will be fine.

I think it's also important for everyone to realize their S/O is a grown person and an adult that's functioned their whole life without our help (or in my case, interference) and they'll be just fine without us, even if we can't hold their hand the whole way. Relax, take it easy, and await their arrival in peace. They'll be here soon, and they'll be OK, even at the POE!

[mox 298]

I think it's also important for everyone to realize their S/O is a grown person and an adult that's functioned their whole life without our help (or in my case, interference) and they'll be just fine without us, even if we can't hold their hand the whole way. Relax, take it easy, and await their arrival in peace. They'll be here soon, and they'll be OK, even at the POE!

Yep yep. This is a common theme that keeps popping up over and over. For some reason we (myself included) have a tendency to want to treat our SO like it's their first day of kindergarten. "Now honey, don't forget to gargle before POE!"

Hope the vacation's going well slim, welcome back!

Edited August 6, 2009 by mox

[baron555 934]

Dammit, wish slim was here to back me up on this. But I'll say again: POE is no big deal unless you truly have something to hide.

I'm on vacation!

I just snuck away for a few minutes (water in my ear is keeping me up at night) and realized I can't go a whole week without VJ so here I am. Anyway, mox is absolutely correct (As usual, guys, come on. Give him some credit!) the POE is over-hyped. Especially JFK which is the modern-day equivalent of Ellis Island. She/he will be fine.

I think it's also important for everyone to realize their S/O is a grown person and an adult that's functioned their whole life without our help (or in my case, interference) and they'll be just fine without us, even if we can't hold their hand the whole way. Relax, take it easy, and await their arrival in peace. They'll be here soon, and they'll be OK, even at the POE!

I agree. I was talking with my SO the other day and floated the idea that I come over to Moscow and accompany her and the little one back. One reason I gave was to help her through passport control. She would have none of it.

"You save your vacation time for when I get there, I have been to many countries so I know all about passport control."

I'll have to watch it when we first meet in the airport; she may whip out her rolling pin and bash me on the head for being stoopid. (Slim please help me!)

Phil

[slim 1,523]

I'll have to watch it when we first meet in the airport; she may whip out her rolling pin and bash me on the head for being stoopid. (Slim please help me!)

Just make sure she brings the plastic one because the wooden one is too heavy.

[Brad and Vika 129]

I'll have to watch it when we first meet in the airport; she may whip out her rolling pin and bash me on the head for being stoopid. (Slim please help me!)

Just make sure she brings the plastic one because the wooden one is too heavy.

I doubt she would get past customs with such an obvious weapon It does however, sound like some one has rolling pin beat-down experience

[sashitaski 3]

He's here! My husband made it through the immigration process and is here for good! No more immigration paperwork until citizenship!!!

Thanks, everyone, for all your help along the way!

And, of course, you were right, POE was no big deal.

[chili74 0]

Yay! Congratulations!