POE Rainbow bridge Niagara Falls, NY

[cndwife 0]

Well I just officially became a PR of USA!! I'm sure my experience is similar to others except maybe my wait time was probably longer. I waited for about 50 minutes before I was called and it took about 15 minutes to process my visa.

I'm a little confused though because they did not ask me if I was bringing anything in with me...so once the visa was processed they told me I was finished and I left. However...I brought my car. I thought I would have to fill out some paper work for it...but they never asked and I was just so glad it was over I never said anything!! So can someone tell me if I will need to go back to the border or can I just go to the nearest DMV and register??

[shawna7 4]

Well I just officially became a PR of USA!! I'm sure my experience is similar to others except maybe my wait time was probably longer. I waited for about 50 minutes before I was called and it took about 15 minutes to process my visa.

I'm a little confused though because they did not ask me if I was bringing anything in with me...so once the visa was processed they told me I was finished and I left. However...I brought my car. I thought I would have to fill out some paper work for it...but they never asked and I was just so glad it was over I never said anything!! So can someone tell me if I will need to go back to the border or can I just go to the nearest DMV and register??

I didn't import my car when I POE'de either (much like you..they didn't mention it..I was to nervous and excited so I forgot) It didn't cause me any problems..I went to the DMV and registered no problem(I'm in SC and I did have to go to a particular DMV that handles **international** cases.in fact until I'm a citizen I have to do my DL through this specific DMV) ANYWAY..lol..bottom line I had no problem registering..welcome home! hee hee

[OBX 51]

Congratulations on the smooth POE.

I was not asked about my car when I crossed; I had to tell them I was importing it. I definitely needed the import papers here in NJ. I was also questioned on one trip back into the US while I still had my Canadian plates if I had in fact imported my car yet. I believe you have a year to import the car so if you are close to the border you can do it at a later time.

[ValerieA 350]

Congratulations!

[sdw 10]

Congrats!!

[Peachey 10]

You have to tell them you're importing your car. Chances are you'll have to go back at some point and get all the paperwork filled out.

But welcome home!!!

[HeatDeath 430]

You will almost certainly need to import your car at some point. But you don't need to return to a land PoE to do it. The CBP "Deferred Inspection Unit" at your nearest international airport can do it too, if your nearest land PoE is too far to be convenient.

Importing your car is really just filling out a form and having it stamped by the border officer. You'll need paper proof of ownership, and you'll need to know the blue-book value of the car. I did mine when I PoEd at a land PoE, but it was the easiest part of the whole process.

If you get there and aren't quite sure about your car's value, lowball it a little if you can. That figure gets used as the basis for a 1-2% import tax in some state's DMVs, depending on the age of the car.

Edited June 29, 2010 by HeatDeath

[Bern. 3]

Congrats. Welcome to the US. :]

[beantown79 0]

Well I just officially became a PR of USA!! I'm sure my experience is similar to others except maybe my wait time was probably longer. I waited for about 50 minutes before I was called and it took about 15 minutes to process my visa.

I'm a little confused though because they did not ask me if I was bringing anything in with me...so once the visa was processed they told me I was finished and I left. However...I brought my car. I thought I would have to fill out some paper work for it...but they never asked and I was just so glad it was over I never said anything!! So can someone tell me if I will need to go back to the border or can I just go to the nearest DMV and register??

Hey, I didn't get my visa yet I can't even find it in the tracking system. Hope they didn't lose it!!! ha ha, We both had the same CO so he better had taken care of my visa too, anyway glad you POE'd ok and can't wait till July 30 to come. Nice meeting you at the Consulate it made it fun, I am still wondering what happend to all those people behind us Ha Ha!!!

[Peachey 10]

You shouldn't have to pay tax on your car if you've owned it for longer than 6 months.

[cndwife 0]

Thank you!! Just an update..I went to the DMV here in Niagara Falls and they said I do need the form from customs...so I will have to get that. Also I need a SSN do get my driver's license changed over...an ITIN isn't good enough.

[antda 13]

Cdnwife-Congrats on a successful POE and Welcome to America!!!

Glad that it didn't take you too long to cross on the Rainbow Bridge either, and that you made it across ok...

(lol..for me it took me 2 hours at the Rainbow Bridge...but that's another story...)

I don't know about cars at POE (lol..we drove my USC husband's car when we crossed over)....But I do know that yes, you do need an SSN and a Green Card and other documents to prove residency to get a driver's license here in NYS.

You can find more info at the NYS DMV website here: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/

As well, I do know that you need to get Auto Insurance coverage and State Inspection ASAP, as they will not issue you registration and plates without it.

Hope this helps too. Good luck.

Welcome to America Cdnwife!

Ant

[HeatDeath 430]

You shouldn't have to pay tax on your car if you've owned it for longer than 6 months.

It depends on which state you're in. DMVs are run by the state, and the DMV import tax is a state tax, and varies wildly from state to state.

[cndwife 0]

Hey, I didn't get my visa yet I can't even find it in the tracking system. Hope they didn't lose it!!! ha ha, We both had the same CO so he better had taken care of my visa too, anyway glad you POE'd ok and can't wait till July 30 to come. Nice meeting you at the Consulate it made it fun, I am still wondering what happend to all those people behind us Ha Ha!!!

Wow I can't belive you didn't get your visa yet...and of course you won't get it today because it's a holiday. Good thing you weren't planning to move right away. Mine got sent out on the friday and I received it monday...so it was over night. I was waiting for my compliance letter from Chrysler...finally got that yesterday and I did go through customs and filled out the paper work for the car and imported it. I have to wait for my SSN to get my license so I may as well wait till then to register the car.

It was weird at the consulate how we were separate from the rest of the people...it's a big deal getting in with a letter I guess? It was funny you and I got the same people...the blonde lady who was super nice (she asked if I was on Visa Journey), and the nice man. You know I could have killed my husband...when we were in the interview room and were asked to swear an oathe..he said I'm an American citizen what do I need to swear an oath for? I just looked at him in unbelief (because I told him he would have to take an oath...but he wasn't listening!!)as the very very nice man told him that he was swearing that he was telling the truth...to which hubby said the last time he took an oath he ended up in the army...hahaha. Anywho...that started a whole other conversation which turned out to be quite pleasant. So glad the man was nice and didn't take offence to my dufus hubby!! haha

It was fun at the consulate wasn't it?...so glad you were there too...the wait time just flew by...I hope others have a similar experience...the other girl that was there...I didn't catch her name...was great too. Anyways...good luck with the rest of your journey and keep me posted on how you progress!!