What happens at POE? How much time to allow?

[s88 1]

Hi All,

I'll be moving to the US on my CR1 visa sometime in the next 4 weeks. My husband and I are so elated!

I'm just wondering what happens at POE?

I'll either be POE at Toronto's Pearson Airport or if I fly from Toronto Island Airport it'll be Chicago Midway airport.

I'm just wondering what to expect and how much time to allow?

Thanks!

S

[Enigma11561 336]

The POE is the first stop on U.S. soil.If Pearson is in Canada then it will not be the POE. Basically, you stand in a line, usually does not matter which one as all immigration booths can handle everything, show your papers, take a quick fingerprint or photo and get any stamps in your passport. Then pick up your luggage and go through customs. How long it takes is really dependent on how crowded the lines are when you arrive. It could be 30-60 minutes or a bit longer. If everything is in order then not a big deal.

[alizon 77]

The POE is the first stop on U.S. soil.If Pearson is in Canada then it will not be the POE. Basically, you stand in a line, usually does not matter which one as all immigration booths can handle everything, show your papers, take a quick fingerprint or photo and get any stamps in your passport. Then pick up your luggage and go through customs. How long it takes is really dependent on how crowded the lines are when you arrive. It could be 30-60 minutes or a bit longer. If everything is in order then not a big deal.

Actually, Toronto's Pearson airport is an American customs preclearance site, so that is a potential POE.

OP: Try checking out the POE reviews here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php

Edited April 2, 2012 by alizon

[canadian_wife 1,829]

The POE is the first stop on U.S. soil.If Pearson is in Canada then it will not be the POE.

Incorrect

Pearson has a pre-clearance site so her visa will be processed IN Toronto if she goes through YYZ.

I did my POE through Pearson and I'd allot about 2 hours to be on the safe side, especially if you are planning on traveling during peak times. You'll be admitted into Secondary screening and processed in there, so if there are a lot of people in front of you it will take longer obviously

Good luck

[s88 1]

Here in Canada (Pearson airport) we go through customs here in Canada, not when you land in the USA.

It's basically clearance before you land. They do this at a lot of major airports here in Canada so the POE would definitely be here (there's no customs clearance when you land, I know because I've flown this route probably over 100 times since I met my husband).

Thanks for the clarification on what they'll do though

The POE is the first stop on U.S. soil.If Pearson is in Canada then it will not be the POE. Basically, you stand in a line, usually does not matter which one as all immigration booths can handle everything, show your papers, take a quick fingerprint or photo and get any stamps in your passport. Then pick up your luggage and go through customs. How long it takes is really dependent on how crowded the lines are when you arrive. It could be 30-60 minutes or a bit longer. If everything is in order then not a big deal.

[canadian_wife 1,829]

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php

Have you seen this link? You can selet your POE and read reviews

Good luck

[Enigma11561 336]

Sorry. I thought a Canadian airport did not have US clearance. I stand corrected.