What exactly do I need to make sure they do at POE?

[Veronik 19]

Hi guys!

I will be doing my POE on Thursday, and I just want to make sure I get it right! Some people have said to make sure the customs agent gives you something... What is it? And I need to fill in the I-94, right? Was it that exactly?

Thanks!

[Ken y Leidys 20]

Hi guys!

I will be doing my POE on Thursday, and I just want to make sure I get it right! Some people have said to make sure the customs agent gives you something... What is it? And I need to fill in the I-94, right? Was it that exactly?

Thanks!

When you are asked if you will marry within 90 days, you say, "Yes".

When you are asked for your fingerprint, you stick out your thumb.

When asked for your Passport, you will notice that the I-94 page will show when the 90th day will take place. Traveling through your POE is a no-brainer. The most stressful part will be collecting all of your bags when it is over.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Basically, what you need to make sure you get is the I-94 stapled into your passport. You need it for the next stage of the Immigration process - Adjusting your status to a permanent resident after you get married. Also make sure they take your sealed envelope - they will open it, do some work with it as they process you through the border, and then will forward the package to the USCIS office that has jurisdiction over where you will live. It will meet up with 'you' again when you file for the AOS and will form the base upon which your USCIS immigration file is built over the next few years.

[TimandJoyce 1]

Are you flying, or driving? If flying, the cost of the I-94 is included in the price of your airline fare. If your driving across the boarder, then you will have to pay for it, $6 I believe, and I *think* that is in US but someone that has had to pay can tell you for sure. The POE isn't all that stressful, but because you will be pulled into secondary inspection, allow your self enough time, especially if your needing to follow a schedule. I went through the airport at least 2 hours before my flight, and was in secondary almost an hour. (There were lots of people there and very busy).

[HeatDeath 430]

You need to make sure you get an I-94 stapled into your passport. You need to make sure the expiry date of the I-94 is for 90 days after your date of entry. You need to make sure your name is spelled correctly on the I-94. You should make sure (though it doesn't matter as much as the others) that your I-94 is single use [Even iif your I-94 says multiple use, DO NOT try to leave the country and get back in with it!]. Also, make sure they take your sealed envelope.

If you are driving through a land PoE, you will almost certainly want to import your car. Make sure you leave with a completed, stamped car import form that has a reasonably correct number (the bluebook value, if you know it, slightly lowballed otherwise) for the value of your car.

I think that's everything the PoE can screw up that you have any control over before you leave. I can't recall, and don't have it handy whether the I-94 actually lists the type of visa but if it does, make sure that's right too.

To sum up, the two pieces of paper you need to leave the PoE with are an I-94 (stapled into your passport) and, if applicable, a vehicle import form. Go over both papers with a fine-toothed comb and make sure every detail is correct. The I-94 should be single-entry, for 90 days.

Edited August 14, 2010 by HeatDeath

[TimandJoyce 1]

Very good point HeatDeath. I hadn't thought of the corrections and all on the 1-94, as I went through Vancouver airport, and the guy there actually had me fill out my own! (which I didn't like doing as I don't have that great of penmanship)

FYI: mine wasn't "stapled" to my passport. I just kept it in there so I knew where it was. I think they staple it to assure that it doesn't get lost, as you do need it for AOS, EAD and AP applications.

[Veronik 19]

Wow! Thanks you guys! This is great! Now I feel ready! I actually am pretty calm about it, which is VERY strange in my case!

I will be flying from YUL, and AandB said it was pretty simple and painless there, so I`m knocking on wood!

Thanks again!

[SupportGeek 21]

Are you flying, or driving? If flying, the cost of the I-94 is included in the price of your airline fare. If your driving across the boarder, then you will have to pay for it, $6 I believe.

I crossed by land and imported my car, I was not asked for one red cent, so I think this is wrong, or possibly only implemented at some crossings to recoup administrative costs perhaps.

[SupportGeek 21]

Very good point HeatDeath. I hadn't thought of the corrections and all on the 1-94, as I went through Vancouver airport, and the guy there actually had me fill out my own! (which I didn't like doing as I don't have that great of penmanship)

FYI: mine wasn't "stapled" to my passport. I just kept it in there so I knew where it was. I think they staple it to assure that it doesn't get lost, as you do need it for AOS, EAD and AP applications.

I think the reason its stapled to the passport is because one of the directions they have to follow is one of the stamps for it needs to be half on the I-94 and half on the passport where the I-94 is affixed to the Passport. I had like 3 officers reviewing the instructions while I was being processed

(I really should actually post my POE review, even though its 6 weeks later, I suck

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I was definitely charged $6 for my I-94 at the Peace Bridge. I guess some borders do it and others do not, unless they forgot to ask you for the money due to the mass confusion of the visa SupportGeek

In the end, as long as you get the I-94, it doesn't really matter.

Good luck with the big move!

[TimandJoyce 1]

I think the reason its stapled to the passport is because one of the directions they have to follow is one of the stamps for it needs to be half on the I-94 and half on the passport where the I-94 is affixed to the Passport. I had like 3 officers reviewing the instructions while I was being processed

(I really should actually post my POE review, even though its 6 weeks later, I suck

Well, here's another case of not everyone being on the same page! The guy at the airport stamped the I-94 as well as my passport, but it wasn't like you mentioned! Guess it's up there with paying at the border or not...depends on whose processing you through!

*didn't seem to make a whit of difference for AOS either*

[Hendea3 4]

I was definitely charged $6 for my I-94 at the Peace Bridge. I guess some borders do it and others do not, unless they forgot to ask you for the money due to the mass confusion of the visa SupportGeek

In the end, as long as you get the I-94, it doesn't really matter.

Good luck with the big move!

Just curious...what made you choose Peace Bridge for POE over Rainbow or Queenston? One of these days I will have to decided which to use so I figured i would ask....

[Canadiandggal 49]

I have had extremely bad experiences at the rainbow bridge. I am unsure of anyone else, all though all my family and friends avoid it as well. Mt take peace bridge or 1000 islands one.

[Veronik 19]

Has anyone ever had to give a detailed list of what`s in their suitcase? I`m taking the plane, btw...

[HeatDeath 430]

Has anyone ever had to give a detailed list of what`s in their suitcase? I`m taking the plane, btw...

I was at a land PoE, but my list was more along the lines of "Box 1: Books. Box 2: Books. Box 3: More books.Box 4: Even more boks. Box 5: toys..." Etc.