declaring at immigration

[texas-gal 3]

My fiance and I are wondering what types of things he has to declare with immigration when he comes here to stay? Everything will be personal belongings that he has now. He also has a stamp collection. Is that something he would have to declare?

[Jason_Do 7]

GC starting date...

[texas-gal 3]

For when he comes on the K1 visa.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

He doesn't have to pay duty on his personal items. I don't think a stamp collection would warrant a duty either, but not completely sure. He can always ask customs when he comes. They are his personal belongings for his own use. Good luck.

[Jason_Do 7]

Cleared....

Edited February 1, 2011 by Jason_Do

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Actually the date declaring u are an immigrant is on the first day u come the US with approved VISA. Then later, they will send you the green card with the issuing date ( day you first come to US) and expiration date which is 3-10 years... from the issuing date... If u asking this for Citizenship application, they should instruct you on their USCIS website when its the best time to file.

She is not asking about that at all. She is asking about import duties/fees.

Besides which, someone entering on K-1 would NOT count their entry to the US as their immigrant date, because the K-1 is a non-immigrant visa which allows immigrant intent. K-1's apply for LPR status at a later date, from within the US. And, GC's are not good for 3 years at all (it's either 2 or 10 years).

Edited February 1, 2011 by Harpa Timsah

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

You shouldn't have to declare stuff as long as they are your personal items/ collection, and will remain in your posession. If you are bringing over goods to sell, that is a different matter, as is if you later sell the stamp collection.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

My fiance and I are wondering what types of things he has to declare with immigration when he comes here to stay? Everything will be personal belongings that he has now. He also has a stamp collection. Is that something he would have to declare?

That's a very interesting question. I've not been able to find a concrete answer to it. The CBP customs declaration makes a distinction between returning citizens/residents and visitors, but there is no distinction for someone who is technically a visitor but will become a resident during their stay. Citizens and residents are supposed to pay duties on the total value of anything they purchased abroad, with an $800 exemption. Visitors are supposed to pay duties on anything they are bringing in that will remain in the United States, with a $100 exemption. There isn't anything on the forms about a specific exemption for personal property of an intending immigrant that they are bringing into the United States for the first time. I'm assuming that such an exemption exists because most K1's are not asked to pay any duty.

When my wife (then fiancee) went through customs we checked "visitor" on the form since she wasn't either a citizen or permanent resident. We declared the value of everything she was bringing, including some relatively expensive religious items. We were not charged any duties.