Immigration Interview Finished and Intending Immigrant Approved - Now What?

[sammy060382 1]

Hi folks,

My husband (the intending immigrant) and myself (the American citizen) are currently in the process of movers and looking to move permanently in the United States within the next month or so. Just so we're not caught with any surprises, I thought I would ask the following:

1) Apart from my husband's immigrant visa and the unopened envelope that was sent with, what do we need to bring at the point of entry?

2) What do the movers need when they cross the border? Based on my research, they need a copy of my American passport, a copy of my husband's immigrant VISA and form 3299. Is there anything else?

3) The movers we have talked to have advised me to have the moving shipment under my name since I am both an American and Canadian citizen and only list my husband as accompanying household member on form 3299. Is this an advisable thing to do?

4) What types of things will be taxed at the border? We're moving our furniture, electronics, dishes, books, cd's, dvd's, paintings, bedding, clothes, etc.

I think that's it for now, but knowing me, i'm sure i'll come up with more questions.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help out.

- Sam

[Heather&Matt 0]

Hi folks,

My husband (the intending immigrant) and myself (the American citizen) are currently in the process of movers and looking to move permanently in the United States within the next month or so. Just so we're not caught with any surprises, I thought I would ask the following:

1) Apart from my husband's immigrant visa and the unopened envelope that was sent with, what do we need to bring at the point of entry?

2) What do the movers need when they cross the border? Based on my research, they need a copy of my American passport, a copy of my husband's immigrant VISA and form 3299. Is there anything else?

3) The movers we have talked to have advised me to have the moving shipment under my name since I am both an American and Canadian citizen and only list my husband as accompanying household member on form 3299. Is this an advisable thing to do?

4) What types of things will be taxed at the border? We're moving our furniture, electronics, dishes, books, cd's, dvd's, paintings, bedding, clothes, etc.

I think that's it for now, but knowing me, i'm sure i'll come up with more questions.

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help out.

- Sam

Hi Sam,

Looks like we are both at the same point in our journey. I am moving on March 19th.

1) Other than the Visa (passport) and the unopened envelope...thats all that is needed for the immigration part.

2)You should have an addendum listing all the things in the moving truck (unless you can fit it all on the 3299)

3) Not sure about this...sorry

4) Nothing should be taxed, they are all personal belongings. Maybe that answers question #3, if you're husband is immigrating than they should be all his belongings.

Is your husband bringing his vehicle across the border? If so, then he will need a letter from the manufacturer stating that it meets Safety Standards. This is also his personal belonging and will not be taxed on it.

[Moosker 7]

From what I've read around VJ, label your boxes like crazy! If they feel like it, they may want to tear into the boxes. Be specific as to what's in them (it'll help you when you unpack too )Also have his paperwork from the medical/xray, the unopened envelope, passport, etc. Just bring all documentation that says he is who he says he is!

Good luck!

[Heather&Matt 0]

From what I've read around VJ, label your boxes like crazy! If they feel like it, they may want to tear into the boxes. Be specific as to what's in them (it'll help you when you unpack too )Also have his paperwork from the medical/xray, the unopened envelope, passport, etc. Just bring all documentation that says he is who he says he is!

Good luck!

The X-ray is not needed for POE. The consulate officer told us when we asked about it at our interview. Also, in the package you receive from DHL it specifically states that you do not need the xrays for the POE and just keep them our records.

Labeling the boxes is good, just make sure they match with your 3299 addendum.

Edited March 15, 2011 by Heather&Matt

[sammy060382 1]

Thanks everyone!

Let me rephrase question 3: knowing my situation (American and Canadian wife and Canadian husband with immigrant visa), what do you feel would be the best approach for what to give the movers as far as documentation?

Thanks,

- Sam

[Heather&Matt 0]

Thanks everyone!

Let me rephrase question 3: knowing my situation (American and Canadian wife and Canadian husband with immigrant visa), what do you feel would be the best approach for what to give the movers as far as documentation?

Thanks,

- Sam

When I talked to a Customs Officer about 3 weeks ago about my POE, he said that my husband would only need his identification, a copy of my passport, and the 3299...as he was he one driving the moving truck. So I would say that the movers would just need copies of both your IDs (probably just your US passport) and the form.

[Krikit 1,165]

Oh. Deja vu.

1) Apart from my husband's immigrant visa and the unopened envelope that was sent with, what do we need to bring at the point of entry?

That's it. Are you driving or flying? If you're driving and importing any vehicles you will need the documents to do so.

2) What do the movers need when they cross the border? Based on my research, they need a copy of my American passport, a copy of my husband's immigrant VISA and form 3299. Is there anything else?

The movers will get everything they need from you at the time you sign the contract. They will also have you sign the required international forms and tell you anything else you need to know or they need you to do. They've done this before so they're very informed.

3) The movers we have talked to have advised me to have the moving shipment under my name since I am both an American and Canadian citizen and only list my husband as accompanying household member on form 3299. Is this an advisable thing to do?

Yes

4) What types of things will be taxed at the border? We're moving our furniture, electronics, dishes, books, cd's, dvd's, paintings, bedding, clothes, etc.

Nothing will be taxed at the border. You have 10 years to bring household and personal effects with you. Please see the attached link:

CBP FAQ - Moving

2)You should have an addendum listing all the things in the moving truck (unless you can fit it all on the 3299)

Sammy, if the movers are packing your belongings there is nothing you have to list. They will do it. If you are doing the packing and they are doing the loading, then you will mark each box as to the generalized contents. For example, "Kitchen - Pots and Pans"; "Master Bedroom - Clothes"; etc. Again, the movers will tell you how to label the boxes. The movers will have you sign off on Form 3299.... you don't need to fill anything out on that form.

Let me rephrase question 3: knowing my situation (American and Canadian wife and Canadian husband with immigrant visa), what do you feel would be the best approach for what to give the movers as far as documentation?

They will tell you what they need.

Sammy, you may want to take a look at the link in my signature. It has all kinds of information in there for people who are moving to the US.

[Heather&Matt 0]

Sammy, if the movers are packing your belongings there is nothing you have to list. They will do it. If you are doing the packing and they are doing the loading, then you will mark each box as to the generalized contents. For example, "Kitchen - Pots and Pans"; "Master Bedroom - Clothes"; etc. Again, the movers will tell you how to label the boxes. The movers will have you sign off on Form 3299.... you don't need to fill anything out on that form.

Is that true in my case as well? I was unsure when looking over this form as to who fills it out. I was told that my husband will need this form...even though he will be driving the UHaul behind me.

[Krikit 1,165]

Is that true in my case as well? I was unsure when looking over this form as to who fills it out. I was told that my husband will need this form...even though he will be driving the UHaul behind me.

The movers fill it out if you've hired one. If you're moving things yourself, you fill it out. And, yes, it's just a generalized description. It doesn't matter if you or your husband hold the form when you're travelling together. You will get in line first and he will be right behind you. When you get to the booth you will hand over all your forms and passport and let them know he is behind you with your belongings. They will keep everything and send you over to secondary.

[Heather&Matt 0]

The movers fill it out if you've hired one. If you're moving things yourself, you fill it out. And, yes, it's just a generalized description. It doesn't matter if you or your husband hold the form when you're travelling together. You will get in line first and he will be right behind you. When you get to the booth you will hand over all your forms and passport and let them know he is behind you with your belongings. They will keep everything and send you over to secondary.

Thanks. I've packed everything and kept a running tab of what's in the boxes and such. That 3299 looks kinda wordy in some parts....I may have to hit you up in a couple of days for some advice

Edited March 15, 2011 by Heather&Matt

[sammy060382 1]

Hey folks,

Thanks for all the help! I think i've really got a clearer picture now of what I need and what I should do.

Thanks again!

- Sam

[sammy060382 1]

Hi folks,

Someone was telling me that my husband also needs to bring an I-94 form at the point of entry. Is this true?

I've looked up the form, but am unsure why it might be needed.

Thanks,

- Sam

[Heather&Matt 0]

Hi folks,

Someone was telling me that my husband also needs to bring an I-94 form at the point of entry. Is this true?

I've looked up the form, but am unsure why it might be needed.

Thanks,

- Sam

I'm not sure what that form is but I didn't need anything at my POE...other than a safety letter from the manufacturer of my car, which I was importing. We filled out form 3299 and it was not needed, they only opened the door to the moving truck, never checked anything.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Google form 3299--you will see its for unaccompanied baggage. If you move urself (uhaul) you do not need that form! I moved down to the USA back in 2004 with U-haul truck I made up a nice inventory list and labelled the boxes! Like--many they didnt even open up the truck to inspect--some they do!

Pul up to the POE officer--siad I was there to activate my CR-1--he directed me to park in a spot and go inside! Went inside, handed my inventory list to a Customs dude, who was more interested in his computer solitaire game,lol. He stamped my inventory list. Then walked over to Immigration, they were clueless!! had to get out the "book" and actually called another pOE!! They asked me a few basic questions, fingerprinted me, stamped my visa and of course took the mysterious unopened envelope! And off I went. I crossed in MAine at night and I was lucky to be the only person there! Might have took 30-45 minutes if that--most of that time was them trying to figure what to do,lol

Ensure you check over the Uhaul truck to esnure all the fluids are at the correct level, tire psi! Hit the highway!

[Heather&Matt 0]

Google form 3299--you will see its for unaccompanied baggage. If you move urself (uhaul) you do not need that form! I moved down to the USA back in 2004 with U-haul truck I made up a nice inventory list and labelled the boxes! Like--many they didnt even open up the truck to inspect--some they do!

My husband was driving the moving truck while I was in my car, I was told we needed it as I wasn't physically with my belongings....they didn't even look at the form. The customs officer told my husband that he didnt even need to stay with me and he could go ahead with he truck while I activated my Visa.