K-1 approved! now what to do upon entry to US?

[Kevinbolts 0]

Hello, my fiancee was approved after the interview and we just booked a ticket for next week! I was just wondering what the procedure was when she gets off the plane and goes through customs. I read on VJ before that it could take over an hour or two because she has a K-1 visa and that she might need to fill out special papers or apply for a SSN, etc. Can someone send me a guide on what to do? Thanks!

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K-1 Process to K-1 Progress Forum~

(organizer hat off)

(accessible at the top of the forum page). In particular, the K1 Flowchart:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Here is another great thread from the Family-based AOS forum speaking about next steps after arrival (post K-1):

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/307-applying-for-aos-in-the-usa/

Good luck.

Edited September 5, 2013 by A&B

[ricnally 258]

No papers to fill out at customs, but it may take an hour or 2 to get through. They'll take her into secondary and she'll have to sit in a waiting area and perhaps be called up to the window several times while they go through all the stuff in the sealed envelope she'll have given them. I was also fingerprinted there. I guess that probably happens for everyone.

[khwaidee1 196]

No papers to fill out at customs, but it may take an hour or 2 to get through. They'll take her into secondary and she'll have to sit in a waiting area and perhaps be called up to the window several times while they go through all the stuff in the sealed envelope she'll have given them. I was also fingerprinted there. I guess that probably happens for everyone.

POE LAX, stand in line, hand your envelope to the CBP officer, he opened the envelope and looked through the documents and put it on stack behind him, wife did her entry biometrics, he joked with us and reminded us to get married within 90 days, stamped the passport and I-94 and we were on our way to get our bags. 15 minutes tops and no secondary. I guess it's different depending on your POE.

Edited September 5, 2013 by khwaidee1

[lost_at_sea 995]

Yeah, POEs vary. Some take you to the office, some do it just there at the regular desk. Look up your POE here to see what's most likely to happen: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php

Basic procedure for everywhere though - have your passport and the sealed envelope *in your hands* as you approach the waiting area (do not pack it in your checked luggage - you won't retrieve that until AFTER immigration - keep it with you on the plane). If you're not sure which line to join, ask someone official looking, or just join the shortest line (some POEs have a "new immigrants" line, so just join that one if it's available). Then when you get to the desk, present your passport and envelope and then they'll take you through the rest.

SSN is not applied for at POE. That's done at the SSA, as per the K1 timeline linked to in post 2.

Edited September 5, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[khwaidee1 196]

Yeah, POEs vary. Some take you to the office, some do it just there at the regular desk. Look up your POE here to see what's most likely to happen: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php

Basic procedure for everywhere though - have your passport and the sealed envelope *in your hands* as you approach the waiting area (do not pack it in your checked luggage - you won't retrieve that until AFTER immigration - keep it with you on the plane). If you're not sure which line to join, ask someone official looking, or just join the shortest line (some POEs have a "new immigrants" line, so just join that one if it's available). Then when you get to the desk, present your passport and envelope and then they'll take you through the rest.

Good point on the envelope, hand carry it, do not let it out of your hands ever until you get to the CBP officer. And based on some of the horror stories I've read here, NEVER EVER open the envelope.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Good point on the envelope, hand carry it, do not let it out of your hands ever until you get to the CBP officer. And based on some of the horror stories I've read here, NEVER EVER open the envelope.

Correct. It must not be opened or tampered with. If you open it or it breaks open or anything like that, you've got to go back to the issuing embassy and have them prepare you a new envelope. So, just keep it safe in your carry on bag. I kept mine safe in the plastic courier bag the package came in when it was delivered.

The contents are actually super boring - it's just your entire file to date (your I-129f and K1 application papers and evidence). They're basically using you as a document-mule to courier the paperwork back to the USA.