September 2009 K-1 Visa Filers

[Martyshk 137]

Jenn do you know what kind of tax they would charge. I tried searching google but couldn't find the information. Couldn't even find if she is allowed to bring 5 bottles. This isn't even our idea it's her parents which is the funny part of it.

Seb, the question is......are they half-liter bottles? (standard for E. Europe). I mean I contraband ####### like that every time I go anywhere....and just like Jen, I always put it down on my declaration. I even get searched every time I go through Philly.... Last time I had 5 cartons of cigarettes and 6 1L bottles of boozes coming back and they just put everything back and said, welcome home...

But I am a US citizen...going on vacation. Is couple of bottles of vodka that you can get an a store here (at least ours sell stuff from Ukraine, Russia and Poland) worth risking? I mean this is a pretty important voyage she is taking. I think her parents might not understand, but maybe she just can toss one or two bottles aside later on?

I do not know the regulations for taxes or anything that you bring extra, just wanted to stick my 2 cents in.

Honestly though, I really think no one will search her or care how many bottles she's bringing

[brightskte 18]

Ugh. I officially leave tomorrow. I'm sick as a dog. Why do I have to freak out so bad all the time?

Oh, and mom's employment letter magically disappeared. I'm completely pissed about that. I had it a few days ago. Thankfully I've got her most recent paystubs along with 3 years worth of tax documents so I should still be good. I hope. Oh lord I hope.

[Jenn and Fuat 2]

I have no idea...and I can't find where I read the 2 liter rule either. I read it on a government web page back in 2004.... right before my first trip overseas. I was checking to see what I could bring.

Of course, that was also 6 years ago so it is possible the policy has changed. I will see if I can find anything on it

[Jenn and Fuat 2]

Seb, the question is......are they half-liter bottles? (standard for E. Europe). I mean I contraband ####### like that every time I go anywhere....and just like Jen, I always put it down on my declaration. I even get searched every time I go through Philly.... Last time I had 5 cartons of cigarettes and 6 1L bottles of boozes coming back and they just put everything back and said, welcome home...

But I am a US citizen...going on vacation. Is couple of bottles of vodka that you can get an a store here (at least ours sell stuff from Ukraine, Russia and Poland) worth risking? I mean this is a pretty important voyage she is taking. I think her parents might not understand, but maybe she just can toss one or two bottles aside later on?

I do not know the regulations for taxes or anything that you bring extra, just wanted to stick my 2 cents in.

Honestly though, I really think no one will search her or care how many bottles she's bringing

I still couldn't find anything on the government web pages, but here is what I found on Wikipedia. Not sure how accurate it is...

The amount of alcohol you can bring into the USA duty free is 1250ml bottle of spirit, as at June 2009. The amount NOT duty free will depend on where you are going as determined by the TSA, however, you may be subjected to duty and taxes.

Additional quantities may be entered, although they will be subject to duty and IRS taxes.

Duty is generally 3% of value and the IRS excise tax is generally between 21-31cents per 750ml bottle of wine, 67 cents/ champaigne, and $2.14/ hard liquor.

The total amount of alcohol you may enter the country with is primarily determined by the laws of the state where you will arrive back into the U.S. Each state's ABC board (or equivalent ) sets the amount of alcohol a person may bring into the state without a license or permit from that state. Travelers must check with the appropriate state ABC board, as the amounts vary from state to state. We regret that we are unable to provide this information, but CBP staff is not able to maintain information about each of the 50 State's various requirements.

There is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol a traveler may import into the U.S. for personal use, however, large quantities might raise the suspicion that the importation is for commercial purposes, and a CBP officer could require the importer to obtain an TTB import license (which is required for all commercial importations) before releasing it. If you do intend to travel with a large quantity of alcohol, we suggest you contact the entry branch of the port you will be entering the country through to discuss your situation in advance.

Duty rates on alcoholic beverages can be obtained in Chapter 22, "Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar," in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Alcoholic beverages purchased in duty-free shops are subject to duty when you bring them with you into the United States.

But.. I agree about wondering if it's worth it. You can purchase several kids of Polish vodka at just about any liquor store. Not sure about Florida's liquor laws. Do you have to go to a state run store for it? In Michigan, I could buy it in any gas station, grocery store, etc. When I lived in Ohio, and now in Virginia, I have to buy it at a state liquor agency.. but they have Polish vodka. I like Chopin.. and another kind that I can't remember the name of right now.

[Maggie_Kenyth 1]

Seb best wishes as she passes through the border on Saturday!!!

Jenn your place sounds incredible! I have to ask why too on the 4 bathrooms lol, but I am loving the options ..shall I pee here today... or ..over here!!

Kayla.. it will be fine even without that piece of paper. I hope you feel better though, honestly it's probably all the stress of anticipating what is about to happen... you'll feel better after 'APPROVED' is stamped!

If any knew anything about customs or duty.. I'd help answer... but I am canadian and have only crossed the border twice now..without taking anything back. Sorry..but good luck..and I'm sure it won't be too much money if she is taxed.

I'm really happy to see everything falling into place for us all.

[Jenn and Fuat 2]

Ugh. I officially leave tomorrow. I'm sick as a dog. Why do I have to freak out so bad all the time?

Oh, and mom's employment letter magically disappeared. I'm completely pissed about that. I had it a few days ago. Thankfully I've got her most recent paystubs along with 3 years worth of tax documents so I should still be good. I hope. Oh lord I hope.

I'm leaving tomorrow too I hope you are feeling better by the time you go.

So, for Canada, you don't have to send the financial information with Packet # 3? I had to send it all in before we could even get an interview.

[Ney 0]

She's got her visa in hand! We are hoping for an April 2nd arrival. However, my brother-in-law that is in Iran right now said due to business projects she could be here a week earlier. Sooooo she should be here the end of this month or the beginning of next. Can you believe this, she's coming and we don't know exactly when.

Seb, someone else mentioned you can buy what she is bringing here. I think the more you bring the bigger risk for hassle. I know you are beside yourself with her arrival approaching. Butterflies hitting your stomach now?

KJenkins thanks for the SSN links! Congrats on the dress, and I agree Small and intimate is good.

Jenn I have a quick question, is it only JFK that gives the stamp on the I94? Faut will be here in a blink of an eye how's it feel?

Kayla what can I say? Take a deep breath, this is what you have to do to bring him home. It's your turn girl! Go get'em!!!

[Jenn and Fuat 2]

She's got her visa in hand! We are hoping for an April 2nd arrival. However, my brother-in-law that is in Iran right now said due to business projects she could be here a week earlier. Sooooo she should be here the end of this month or the beginning of next. Can you believe this, she's coming and we don't know exactly when.

Seb, someone else mentioned you can buy what she is bringing here. I think the more you bring the bigger risk for hassle. I know you are beside yourself with her arrival approaching. Butterflies hitting your stomach now?

KJenkins thanks for the SSN links! Congrats on the dress, and I agree Small and intimate is good.

Jenn I have a quick question, is it only JFK that gives the stamp on the I94? Faut will be here in a blink of an eye how's it feel?

Kayla what can I say? Take a deep breath, this is what you have to do to bring him home. It's your turn girl! Go get'em!!!

As far as I know, JFK is the only place that will give the stamp.. though I did read a post from someone that said they got it when they came in through Detroit. They don't give it in Washington DC or I would be having Fuat come in through my own airport.. instead of going all the way to New York.

I think the reason most POE's won't give it is the controversy on whether or not it is a valid EAD. Still not sure about that.. so many things say it is NOT valid.. so many things say it is. Even as an HR Director I can't be sure, because there is so much government information that contradicts itself. Even the instruction booklet for employers completing the I9 form has contradictory information. All I know is that I had someone working with the stamp last year and he had no problems with AOS.. and they KNEW he was working with the stamp on his I94... and the government page about this says they can work ( updated March of 2010)...even though one page of the I9 instructions says they can't.. and another says they can.

OH.. and congratulations on her having that visa in hand. It's been a long wait for your family

Edited March 19, 2010 by Jenn and Fuat

[brightskte 18]

Canada requires that you bring the financial documents with you whenever you go to interview. I guess they want to actually SEE you sweat bullets.

I'm doing the last minute scramble because I wont be back here before I leave. I'm going straight to my uncles house in lexington.

[paciencia y fe 2]

Morning everyone! Oh man, we are coming up on some wonderful days, aren't we?? Jenn, Kayla - so soon you will see your honeys!! Jenn, for you it will be permanent, finally after all this time and after all the worry! I am so excited for you.

paciencia y fe .. How are your plans coming along, I see april 2nd is the arrival date! That's coming up fast. I hope POE goes smoothly!

Yes, 2 weeks from today!! Plans are coming along...but my plans don't actually consist of anything yet except cleaning! I am going to be so busy because i'll be gone three days next week travelling for work, and then out a couple days the week after for a conference. I've got this weekend for major cleaning, and then next weekend for trying to make space and of course do more cleaning and as many final things as i can. At some point i've got to sit down and make a list of everything we need to do for when he's actually here - like setting up a cell phone, getting wedding rings, and clothes for wedding, warmer clothing if it doesn't stay warm here, anything else we need to plan out for the wedding, figuring out english classes...and then starting to get organized for AOS stuff too! Oh and I promised I would send him a list of the most necessary documents he needs to bring here, because he always forgets things and is so worried he will do that this time! but i still haven't had any time to sit down and do it, since it's been so damn crazy at work...

Karen: lovee the picture!

Thanks lady!

She's got her visa in hand! We are hoping for an April 2nd arrival. However, my brother-in-law that is in Iran right now said due to business projects she could be here a week earlier. Sooooo she should be here the end of this month or the beginning of next. Can you believe this, she's coming and we don't know exactly when.

Congratulations! Oh it would be so cool if she was coming in April 2nd. That's when my love is coming. She coming through JFK?

I'm doing the last minute scramble because I wont be back here before I leave. I'm going straight to my uncles house in lexington.

Hang in there sweetie! Everything is going to be great. Just breathe (and follow your packing list ).

[jkminney 30]

Canada requires that you bring the financial documents with you whenever you go to interview. I guess they want to actually SEE you sweat bullets.

I'm doing the last minute scramble because I wont be back here before I leave. I'm going straight to my uncles house in lexington.

I would be very cautious of just supplying paystubs. On the I-134 it doesn't list paystubs as evidence. I think people bring them along (I did) more for back up. The information listed as supporting evidence are Statement from the officer at the Bank, Statement from your Employer, or if Self Employed previous Tax returns. I would really really try to find that letter from her employer!

[Maggie_Kenyth 1]

yay Ney!! I hope she makes it for April 2nd - keep us posted and congrats!!!!

Yeah As far as I remember, have to check when I get home, I have a pay print out of his Marine Corps Allowance/pays, a letter from his Shop SGT confirming that he works there and how much he makes and that he is and will be a Marine, a copy of his marine ID to confirm that it is true, a statement of his bank accounts for a year I think ..and I'm not sure if i have when it was opened though :S..His bank is in california, and hes now stationed in South Carolina.. theres no branch in SC for him to go to .. so I hope I don't need an official letter from the bank.

[kjenkins86 5]

You can bring in 2 liters without having to pay tax. I always bring more than that, but have never had my luggage searched. Even when I have listed it on my customs form they never noticed.. but, she has a higher risk of having her luggage checked. Worst case is that she would have to pay tax on it.

As for the bathrooms.. well 3 bathrooms and a half bath. The place is not all THAT big. It's a 2200 square foot condo. Upstairs there is a master bath, guest bath, there's one in the hallway outside the downstairs living room and a half-bath on the main floor. FAR more than any one ( or even two) person needs...I will admit that. When I told Fuat how many bathrooms we had his only response was... "WHY?"

I ask myself that question every time I have to clean them.

Wow, I would ask the same thing "why?" Lol, you bought that place Jenn?

[kjenkins86 5]

Seb, the question is......are they half-liter bottles? (standard for E. Europe). I mean I contraband ####### like that every time I go anywhere....and just like Jen, I always put it down on my declaration. I even get searched every time I go through Philly.... Last time I had 5 cartons of cigarettes and 6 1L bottles of boozes coming back and they just put everything back and said, welcome home...

But I am a US citizen...going on vacation. Is couple of bottles of vodka that you can get an a store here (at least ours sell stuff from Ukraine, Russia and Poland) worth risking? I mean this is a pretty important voyage she is taking. I think her parents might not understand, but maybe she just can toss one or two bottles aside later on?

I do not know the regulations for taxes or anything that you bring extra, just wanted to stick my 2 cents in.

Honestly though, I really think no one will search her or care how many bottles she's bringing

OMG I just noticed you got your NOA2, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[kjenkins86 5]

Ugh. I officially leave tomorrow. I'm sick as a dog. Why do I have to freak out so bad all the time?

Oh, and mom's employment letter magically disappeared. I'm completely pissed about that. I had it a few days ago. Thankfully I've got her most recent paystubs along with 3 years worth of tax documents so I should still be good. I hope. Oh lord I hope.

Relax mama, everything will be ok. The day before our interview, we lost (or thought we did) a greeting card he sent me, we found it when we came back from the interview under the pillow! Wasn't even nothing to stress about because they didn't look at one ounce of evidence so it's better not to worry. You even said that Canada and the U.S. are best friends, so you're good.