Question about Atlanta and Vancouver POE

[simistar 2]

Hello everyone!

Okay, so this may seem like a weird question buuuuut...

My husband and I have finally decided on when we're going to cross the border to activate my CR-1 visa...yay!:-)

(We're kind of moving in increments....LOTS to do...:-))

We're flying to Atlanta from Vancouver...

My mother-in-law has done this trip many times (when she comes to visit) and she says that within the past year or so she has noticed that the she has had to go through customs TWICE...once in Vancouver, and once in Atlanta...

Usually, when you fly to the US from Vancouver, you go through customs at the Vancouver Airport and then you just land and get your luggage in whatever U.S city you're in and go...

BUT, I think maybe there are some cases where you have to go through customs both in Vancouver AND at your destination (New York may be this way too if I recall correctly...)

SO, has anyone had to do this...?

And if so, would we be going through the process in Vancouver or in Atlanta...? Or both...?

It would be helpful to know so we can plan how early to get to the airport:-)

Thanks in advance:-)

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Atlanta is a bit of a odd duck airport and I've going through customs twice as well. You'll go through the process in Vancouver (since that is where you'll first see the US agents). When you get to Atlanta, it should be ok since you'll have the stamp and visa in your passport. However, you may get pulled into secondary in Atlanta in order for them to verify everything.

good luck

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Welcome to Atlanta as well - another Canadian/American couple to join our party:-).

[simistar 2]

Atlanta is a bit of a odd duck airport and I've going through customs twice as well. You'll go through the process in Vancouver (since that is where you'll first see the US agents). When you get to Atlanta, it should be ok since you'll have the stamp and visa in your passport. However, you may get pulled into secondary in Atlanta in order for them to verify everything.

good luck

Thanks so much!

VERY good to know:-)

We'll be sure to get to Vancouver airport early... and also be prepared to maybe be delayed in Atlanta...

Yikes -- sounds like it's going to be a loooong day:-)

Welcome to Atlanta as well - another Canadian/American couple to join our party:-).

Thanks! Good to know there are more of us out there, haha:-)

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Where in Atlanta are you moving to? We're close to Marietta

[simistar 2]

Where in Atlanta are you moving to? We're close to Marietta

Initially we're going to be staying with my in-laws, who live in Buckhead...

And then depending on the job situation, we may be moving, either into our own place still in Atlanta, or out of state:-)