How much time for Immigration? (PoE)

[Protocol417 161]

Visa Process Merchandise! We can start a little giftshop at the Embassy.

HAVE YOUR CHEST X_RAY PRINTED ONTO A MUG JUST £4.99

If you're talking London, I'm sure we could easily squeeze another ten quid onto that price

After all, it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, right? Right?

[Joanne and Adam 15]

If you're talking London, I'm sure we could easily squeeze another ten quid onto that price

After all, it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, right? Right?

Ha! Yeah and its not as if we'll be overpriced compared to other London gift shops!

[Joanne and Adam 15]

[uPDATE]

Just booked my flight this morning- the ticket I had my eye on before had already gone so I had to settle for a different ticket but it actually worked out for the better cause the flight leaves earlier and its a few quid cheaper. Looks my PoE will be Chicago O'Hare! I read a lot of reviews this morning and most people say PoE there is really smooth and dealt with quickly so I'm happy about that.

So I'm leaving on Tuesday! Can't wait to see my Adam again and celebrate my first Independence day together!! It's his birthday on the 6th too so this all worked out beautifully!

[AmyWrites 593]

I've seen people say all sorts - it'll vary by how busy the POE is when you get there and how many other people are also needing secondary. Some have said they've done it in half an hour, others nearer 3!

What'll happen is you should ask when you go in which queue you should join - they'll probably direct you to the USC/LPR line. Some POEs have a special line just for "new immigrants" (I know I've seen one - I think JFK has one, but it may not always be open), so you might get seen immediately. You'll go to a separate screening, so they can open your packet and input your data and whatnot. Nothing scary, just processing! In itself, that bit shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.

I think a 4 hour layover should be sufficient. Don't do less than 3 hours, imho. Better to sit about bored for a while in an airport if you're through fast than worry about making a connection.

No they won't, I went through POE in JFK in August, LPRs had to go into the non-USC line. Still took us under an hour though.

[Cathi 5,755]

4 hours should give you plenty of time. Everyone's experiences at POE are different, you will hear of people who were in an out in minutes, and you will hear of people who waited hours. There are many factors that determine the wait, including the airport you enter, an the number of people who are waiting along with you. For my husband, POE was 30 minutes in Boston.

[Joanne and Adam 15]

Thanks guys I'm starting to get a better idea of what to expect now

The envelope says it "must be carried by hand" does that mean I have to have it out in the open at all times or can I just keep it in my laptop bag on the plane with me (carry-on baggage)?

[lost_at_sea 995]

Thanks guys I'm starting to get a better idea of what to expect now

The envelope says it "must be carried by hand" does that mean I have to have it out in the open at all times or can I just keep it in my laptop bag on the plane with me (carry-on baggage)?

Nah. You don't have to have it out. It just means don't put it in your checked luggage, because you'll go through immigration before you're able to collect your suitcases. Just keep it with you in your carry-on bag.

Edited June 27, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[Joanne and Adam 15]

Nah. You don't have to have it out. It just means don't put it in your checked luggage, because you'll go through immigration before you're able to collect your suitcases. Just keep it with you in your carry-on bag.

Cool thanks The driver arrived exactly 4 minutes before 8am today. I paid for the 6-8am service. He was JUST on time