Just HOW strict are immigration officers at POE?

[Noah Lot 391]

Your husband and you should be going thru the same line, families on the same form stay together. The CO are trained to study patterns and actions, so don't try to fool them.

USCs and LPRs go to one line; nonimmigrants to another. They might ask one of you to stay put while they process the other. Watch the amount of luggage.

Filing an I-130 does NOT automatically void a valid visa.

[JohnR! 5,495]

USCs and LPRs go to one line; nonimmigrants to another. They might ask one of you to stay put while they process the other. Watch the amount of luggage.

Filing an I-130 does NOT automatically void a valid visa.

Not in Atlanta when both are traveling together. At Hartsfield you can use either line and go through immigration together.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

It all depemds on the airport and the CO. They will do as Noah has indicatedaswell, ask the USC to stay put until they process out the vistor. That could mean b woth waiting it out in the 2nd room.

Edited June 25, 2012 by LIFE'SJOURNEY

[Canadian/American 3]

You could actually call US Customs and ask for the correct thing to do. I've done this and you don't have to give your name or anything, block the number if you want. I believe you can fill out 2 forms for customs and go through the separate lines. You are not trying to do anything wrong so simply ask before you go.

I would not try to bring stuff into the states as this probably will set off some flags. I drove across the border with my car filled with stuff before my fiance visa was approved. I said I was taking a trip to visit friends. I was travelling with my fiance. We were in the same car so the same 'line'. We were asked to come in, but there was no problem (almost everyone was being questioned that day). We answered only the questions that were asked as simply as possible (don't 'explain'), they are only allowed so many questions.

They checked through my car but didn't question anything. I only brought stuff that I might need on a one month vacation. I brought forms showing I still live in Canada including a job letter. I didn't need them.

I always feel if you are up front and you ask questions before you will be the best off. Good luck!

[Ron-Tanya 23]

Here is something to consider. Since you are traveling together, you will have to use one single Customs form - the blue form you are given on board - for both of you. In that form it will be established you are a family of husband and wife. In that form you will be able to establish that you currently live in Chile. Consider also that Chileans do not tend not to return to their country and as such as not considered a group of risk as are some of their neighbors, so there is no reason for the CBP officer be ####### about the two of you.

All the same, I would keep the luggage to a manageable number of suitcases.

In any airport I have passed thru I don't pick up my luggage until after I pass thru immigrations, they never see how many bags you have. Also a family does not have to fill out one customs card. A family can fill out one card for each member of the family if they wish. Example if you as a family have more than $10,000 and declare it on one form you will be stopped and questioned and have to fill out forms again. But if you have less than $10,000 per person than each person fills out one customs card than there is no need to declare the amount of money, ie $12,500 on one card must be declared $6,250 per person does not have to be declared on two cards.

[bsd058 296]

I'm from Canada and I entered the US to marry my USC spouse without a visa or ties or anything about 3 years ago. I was completely upfront about everything. They took my word that I would return. Of course, I've had about 100-200 trips to the US under my belt, but that's besides the point. He should just make sure that he can prove he has ties to his home country. I didn't even know about proving ties, but the CBP officer must have just decided that I wasn't worth the hassle.

Of course, all of that being said, I'm from Canada. US doesn't usually care whether Canadians come or go. Your spouse isn't from Canada, so they might care.

...Or maybe I got lucky?

[Boiler 45,535]

Thousands of spouses of US Citizens visit every day.

[Stu4Lee 66]

In any airport I have passed thru I don't pick up my luggage until after I pass thru immigrations, they never see how many bags you have.

They can always ask you during questioning.

[Darkmoonfaerie 19]

In any airport I have passed thru I don't pick up my luggage until after I pass thru immigrations, they never see how many bags you have.

At Boston Logan International Airport, you get your bags first then go through the lines. They almost always send me for secondary screening of my bags too and get a good laugh at how much junk food I card back to the states

[Boiler 45,535]

I have never had my Luggage with me going through Immigration.

8 different airports.

[Ning 619]

That officer was wrong.

I was told the same thing at the embassy. They said even if they granted me a tourist visa I would be denied entry at the POE. Haing said that I have seen quite a few people here on V J say they had no problem.

[rade2rising 205]

after immigration you get your luggage then you go through customs where they sometimes send you to second room for screening.

gud feedback am thinking of having my wife visit me while CR1 visa is pending

[JohnR! 5,495]

1340664114[/url]' post='5481501']

In any airport I have passed thru I don't pick up my luggage until after I pass thru immigrations, they never see how many bags you have. Also a family does not have to fill out one customs card. A family can fill out one card for each member of the family if they wish. Example if you as a family have more than $10,000 and declare it on one form you will be stopped and questioned and have to fill out forms again. But if you have less than $10,000 per person than each person fills out one customs card than there is no need to declare the amount of money, ie $12,500 on one card must be declared $6,250 per person does not have to be declared on two cards.

Me too. I have always gone through immigration first and then through customs. I have seen many go through inspection at customs, have their bags checked and sent back to secondary immigration because they had too much luggage for the intended stay or the contents of their luggage suggested otherwise.

In Atlanta, specifically where the OP will land, customs and bags take place after going through immigration. Also at ATL a marriedcouple traveling together can take either line at immigration.

Edited June 26, 2012 by Gegel

[3-4D 7]

When I was interviewing with DHS/USCIS for my I-130, the officer very explicitly told me that being married to a USC cancels my husband's tourist visa. Assuming this is true, I don't think your husband will be let through, but I've heard stories saying the opposite.

I disagree with you.

My fiancee just visited me this past weekend, and we already are getting ready to send her packet 3 in when she gets back.

she has visited at least once since the process started. I dont know she being in canada makes a difference but as far as I know, it doesnt. It is all up to the officer at the point of entry. Last time she came in, she had a tough time with the agent asking her endless question that she never encountred before. This past weekend it was painless (two questions and she was out). She is in school and in the past she had to show her school verification form, and in the past they told her it was not sufficient and she has to bring more information next time. She brought the same document this past weekend because she doesnt own anything in canada like a house or anything but this time the agent did not ask her anything. Just a few questions. is all up to the agent.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

In any airport I have passed thru I don't pick up my luggage until after I pass thru immigrations, they never see how many bags you have. Also a family does not have to fill out one customs card. A family can fill out one card for each member of the family if they wish. Example if you as a family have more than $10,000 and declare it on one form you will be stopped and questioned and have to fill out forms again. But if you have less than $10,000 per person than each person fills out one customs card than there is no need to declare the amount of money, ie $12,500 on one card must be declared $6,250 per person does not have to be declared on two cards.

Please note these facts,

1. CO has access to names of people on a flight, information nted is the number of luggage you checked in.

2. Family members fills in one custom forms

3. CO are placed through out the custom entrance section, and they are thaught to observe

4. There are cameras through out the POE entrance.

I would suggest you'll stop giving information thaat is not entirely orrect.

The OP and her husband should follow the process to the letter, and not try to work around the system.