POE

[K&E2009 71]

Hey everyone,

I remember when I was first on this site months ago I asked a question about visiting the US while waiting on the K-1 visa to come through.

I was worried that I would get denied entry on the visa waiver program, or that they would grill me with questions and I would panic and get turned away. I have read the horror stories!!

I dunno, going to America to visit and for legitimate travel seems much more intimidating than it should be.

I am the foreign born fiance (Irish, male, 25) and yesterday I came to visit America... here's my POE story.

Background info... The Irish and American governments have an agreement whereby if one was to fly directly from Ireland to the US, Immigration check is CLEARED IN IRELAND.

Shannon and Dublin airport have AMERICAN, not Irish, CBP Agents living and working in Ireland.

Shannon and Dublin Airports ARE Ports of Entry for the United States. For anyone who says 'only american airports are POE's... not correct, friends! Please be aware of this.

So, onto my story.

I get to Dublin airport yesterday morning, check my bag in, receive my Boarding Pass AND Landing Card (the one where you have to write the address you're going to, etc.)

Have a few pints of Guinness in the bar, then head to US Immigration (in Dublin Airport).

An IRISH woman asks to see my passport and boarding pass, asks me how long Im staying. I tell her 87 days. Shes invites me to join the LOOOOONG line of people.

After maybe 15-20 mins in line, I'm next..... feeling nervous.

I give the CBP agent my passport, landing card and boarding pass.

ME: Hello, how's the goin'?

CBP AGENT: I'm good, how are you?

ME: Fine thanks!

CBP Agent: So, your final destination is Florida?

ME: Yes

CBP AGENT: Business or Pleasure?

ME: Pure Pleasure (my exact words!)

CBP AGENT: Alright!

He then intructs me to place my left hand and right hand on the machine for prints, then takes my picture.

Stamps my passport.

CBP Agent: Here you go sir, have a nice flight!

ME: Thank you, God bless!

DONE! He never once asked me how long I was staying, who I was visiting, nothing like that!

When I arrived in Orlando, I DID NOT GO THROUGH IMMIGRATION. NOBODY CHECKED PASSPORTS, NOTHING!

We arrived as Domestic passengers, since our Immigration was cleared in Dublin.

Got my bags and now I'm melting in the Florida Sunshine!

By the way, I brought my copy of the K-1 visa application with me, along with an up-to-date bank statement.

I have ZERO strong ties to Ireland. Unemployed, living at home, no car, mortgage etc.

I was sure this would be an issue, not yesterday, THANKFULLY!

[hikergirl 277]

Enjoy your visit and the sunshine!

[brownskinned 5]

Wow. That's great!

[Mrs O. 29]

Nice one! I like when people share good experiences, a refreshing break from horror stories!

[Jessa & Liam 11]

Thanks for this from visiting Jess I know that you are screened by US Homeland Security employees after security and prior to boarding the plane. I might be having a trip to see her in November so this is good to know.

Silly question but if I fly out from Dublin under a K1 does that mean I will have the visa interview at the Dublin airport rather than the continental United States?

**edit**

For the avoidance of doubt I live in Northern Ireland and have an Irish passport. The choice of the flag on the profile is just a statement of fact that I live in the UK rather than showing any political affiliation

-Liam

Edited September 7, 2011 by Jessa & Liam

[Married2009 32]

Hey everyone,

I remember when I was first on this site months ago I asked a question about visiting the US while waiting on the K-1 visa to come through.

I was worried that I would get denied entry on the visa waiver program, or that they would grill me with questions and I would panic and get turned away. I have read the horror stories!!

I dunno, going to America to visit and for legitimate travel seems much more intimidating than it should be.

I am the foreign born fiance (Irish, male, 25) and yesterday I came to visit America... here's my POE story.

Background info... The Irish and American governments have an agreement whereby if one was to fly directly from Ireland to the US, Immigration check is CLEARED IN IRELAND.

Shannon and Dublin airport have AMERICAN, not Irish, CBP Agents living and working in Ireland.

Shannon and Dublin Airports ARE Ports of Entry for the United States. For anyone who says 'only american airports are POE's... not correct, friends! Please be aware of this.

So, onto my story.

I get to Dublin airport yesterday morning, check my bag in, receive my Boarding Pass AND Landing Card (the one where you have to write the address you're going to, etc.)

Have a few pints of Guinness in the bar, then head to US Immigration (in Dublin Airport).

An IRISH woman asks to see my passport and boarding pass, asks me how long Im staying. I tell her 87 days. Shes invites me to join the LOOOOONG line of people.

Good that you got to come over, but don't overstay the 87 days. It may or may not be in there system. If it is, and you overstay, not sure if it could be used as misrepresentation.

[K&E2009 71]

Thanks for this from visiting Jess I know that you are screened by US Homeland Security employees after security and prior to boarding the plane. I might be having a trip to see her in November so this is good to know.

Silly question but if I fly out from Dublin under a K1 does that mean I will have the visa interview at the Dublin airport rather than the continental United States?

**edit**

For the avoidance of doubt I live in Northern Ireland and have an Irish passport. The choice of the flag on the profile is just a statement of fact that I live in the UK rather than showing any political affiliation

-Liam

Ya, if you fly from Dublin directly to the usa, with your K-1 visa in hand, then you will have your immigration interview in Dublin.

My friend did that, he had his visa (it was a CR-1 visa) and he had his stuff taken care of in Dublin.

[Jessa & Liam 11]

Ya, if you fly from Dublin directly to the usa, with your K-1 visa in hand, then you will have your immigration interview in Dublin.

My friend did that, he had his visa (it was a CR-1 visa) and he had his stuff taken care of in Dublin.

Thanks for the info that should save a little bit of time State side so I can run into her arms all the sooner Closer to the time I was going to ask about how it worked at Dublin and whether I'd need the ESTA to get me as far as the US to begin with

I see your timeline is roughly a month behind Jess and mine's. Good luck with your journey

Edited September 7, 2011 by Jessa & Liam

[pennadutch 0]

Does anyone know if other EU citizens can take advantage of this? For example, if my Dutch fiance took a hop from Amsterdam to Dublin, then flew from Dublin to the States, could he go through immigration in Ireland? If he was denied, he would still lose the airfare, but it would save the 20 hour journey to Alaska!

[K&E2009 71]

Does anyone know if other EU citizens can take advantage of this? For example, if my Dutch fiance took a hop from Amsterdam to Dublin, then flew from Dublin to the States, could he go through immigration in Ireland? If he was denied, he would still lose the airfare, but it would save the 20 hour journey to Alaska!

Ya, Im sure any body can go through Dublin or Shannon.

[bigdog 376]

Its nice to hear a good story here, have a nice trip. I want to go to Ireland and Scotland.

[K&E2009 71]

Its nice to hear a good story here, have a nice trip. I want to go to Ireland and Scotland.

Go to Ireland it's great. I love it(im from there)! You might want to wait until next summer though. Winter isn't the best weather for visiting a castle and enjoying the scenery.... Winter IS good however, for headin for a nice quiet pub for a few pint s of Guinness and the craic, while the rain and wind go about their business.