K1 Car Importation Regulations

[VeeNDee 44]

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHH

:bonk: :bonk:

I finally finally got through to an officer, and he asked what my citizenship was regarding car importation. Right away I knew I was in trouble. I told him Canadian but I was down here on a K1 visa and currently adjusting status. He told me I could NOT import my car unless I had a greencard. I tried to be a little pushy and said, I read on cbp.gov (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/431/kw/moving/related/1) and other places that I can import my car. He told me that I cannot do that unless I have a greencard. I told him other people with K1 visas imported their car at the border. He said he didn't know how because I could not do that with a K1 visa.

AGHHHHHHH. I even asked if there was someone else to talk to and he cut me off and said that unless I had my greencard I couldn't import my car.

I am currently tearing my hair out and am so frustrated

It's like I don't even matter without the stupid greencard. How did all of YOU import your cars on a K1 and why won't this officer believe me, even when I quote to him a cbp website and get told that it doesn't apply to me because I am a K1. :(

I have to give up on Seattle Port of Service. They are a lost cause.

[Krikit 1,164]

Aye Yai Yai!!!

Can you give up on the Seattle office and just call one of the border crossings? There's got to be a way to get there without going through Canada first. How does everybody get to work? Surely they don't go through Canada first! lol

[Krikit 1,164]

Okay, it looks like you can go to the Peace Arch crossing without entering Canada. Google Maps: US Border Patrol, 2410 Natures Path Way, Blaine, WA 98230.

[VeeNDee 44]

Okay, it looks like you can go to the Peace Arch crossing without entering Canada. Google Maps: US Border Patrol, 2410 Natures Path Way, Blaine, WA 98230.

Thanks for the info Krikit. I looked them up on Google maps and phoned the number and the officer told me that location didn't import cars but I could try at the Blaine or Peace Arch border. He gave me their phone numbers to call. I called them and they told me I need to either enter from the Canadian side or cross over and return to talk to the officer in the booth about car importation.

Sigh. Well, looks like the decision has been made for me. No importing my car until AP or GC, whichever comes first

Thanks for all your help... I'll keep you posted when the time comes.

Edited March 21, 2013 by VeeNDee

[Krikit 1,164]

Wow, VeeNDee. I'm sorry about all your troubles. I don't suppose you could contact CBP at their website to escalate it? Or have they managed to break you? lol

[VeeNDee 44]

Wow, VeeNDee. I'm sorry about all your troubles. I don't suppose you could contact CBP at their website to escalate it? Or have they managed to break you? lol

You'd be correct...I've been broken. Just today I read yet another POE review about a K1 importing their car. I swear I'm not crazy. Too bad that guy won't believe. It's not worth my time and stress level. Once I've imported the car after EAD or GC I will try to phone back I think to let them know it's possible. Any tips on how to tell that guy he was wrong? I want to help future K1ers in my situation.

[Krikit 1,164]

I am stumped, but I'll let you know if I come up with anything. lol And I know you're not crazy. I imported my car at POE on a K-1 also.

Perhaps you could explain the situation to the real POE and ask if they could call the Seattle location?

[VeeNDee 44]

Hey Krikit and all else concerned,

I visited my family in Canada this weekend with my new EAD/AP combo card and on the way back down imported my car at the border without any trouble. So to the Seattle port officer guy, YOU WERE WRONG. I DIDN'T NEED A GREENCARD! :bonk: I'm so tempted to let him know but I don't think there's any good way to do that. Just glad it's been imported now!

[Krikit 1,164]

YES!! So glad you got this resolved. Stupid people are so frustrating.