Some POE related questions

[LauraDP 10]

Howdee, VJers!

Just a wee update on us before I launch into my questions. My husband has been in PA since 16 September and starts his new job tomorrow. He has found us a place to rent (and moves in on Wednesday) and has even bought a car (which you can do without a PA driver's license it turns out as he could use his UK license + international license + Photo ID - just in case anyone is dealing with the same DMV debacle). The kids and I have our flights booked for 17 October, flying into Newark. The boys are finding it hard without their Daddy being around so we are counting down the days.

So my questions:

Now that we have an address in the US, how is it I go about changing my and the kids' address with USCIS so that when we hand in our packs at the POE it triggers the green cards and SSNs being sent directly to us? (At present the address they have is for a friend who lives in MD so obviously it would be more convenient to not have to collect them from him). I seem to recollect there was a way I could do it online but I can't seem to be able to find the right bit of the site. Can anyone direct me to it, please?

Also, just to be sure, when we land at Newark, the kids and I join the regular queue for foreigners entering the US, right? I mean, there is not a specific queue for people immigrating and we shouldn't join the USC queue even though the boys will technically be USC as soon as they arrive? It will have been a very long day by the time we arrive in the US so I just want to make sure we do everything correctly. Usually when flying into the US, my husband is able to have me and the kids come through the USC line with him but he won't be with us this time so I want to make sure I get it all perfectly correct first time so I don't have to rejoin another queue.

Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

Thanks again to all and sundry for your input and guidance over the last year. We are so close now to the end of one bit of this journey and the beginning of the other and you guys have certainly made it a smoother process than it might otherwise have been.

Best wishes

Laura

[del-2-5-2014 1,339]

If I recall correctly the signage said residents and the other said visitors (please don't quote me). You're not visiting but entering to reside. I've always went into the resident line.

There should be someone there to ask the question.

[Sukie 1,459]

Howdee, VJers!

Also, just to be sure, when we land at Newark, the kids and I join the regular queue for foreigners entering the US, right? I mean, there is not a specific queue for people immigrating and we shouldn't join the USC queue even though the boys will technically be USC as soon as they arrive? It will have been a very long day by the time we arrive in the US so I just want to make sure we do everything correctly. Usually when flying into the US, my husband is able to have me and the kids come through the USC line with him but he won't be with us this time so I want to make sure I get it all perfectly correct first time so I don't have to rejoin another queue.

Laura

Each POE is slightly different. As Gowon says, look for an official person - wave your big fat envelope and say you are new immigrants, and ask which line to get in. I know at some airports there are certain lines on the Visitor side for immigration. But I've seen a VJer directed to a line on the Resident section as well. Best to ask since you will be tired and excited.

Hopefully with children with you, they will have mercy and speed you through!

If your kids are really young, be sure to use the restroom before you queue and the process begins, as it can take a long time, unfortunately.

Sukie

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Laura--

In the menu bar above, the light blue one, click on POE and find Newark. Loads of people have described their experience there and it will give you some good insight into how it will go.

USCIS change of address page http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c1a94154d7b3d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

[LauraDP 10]

Laura--

In the menu bar above, the light blue one, click on POE and find Newark. Loads of people have described their experience there and it will give you some good insight into how it will go.

USCIS change of address page http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c1a94154d7b3d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Thank you for the link to the change of address page. I just could not seem to find it. I appreciate that.

Thanks also for the tip on how to find reviews on immigrating through Newark. I will be sure to read those so thank you for directing me to them. I am still rather hopeless at navigating my way around this site.

Thanks, everyone, for the tips on which queue to join. I will do as suggested and wave my envelopes at the first person I see and ask them to direct me to the relevant queue. Last time I travelled via Newark was 1995 and I did not have a good experience since I was travelling with my USC boyfriend (now husband, of course) who was obviously in a different queue from me. I was grilled for quite some time. I definitely want a more positive experience in Newark this time!

And, yes, when travelling with kids it is always best to visit the toilet as soon as possible.

Thanks again, everyone, for being so helpful.

Best wishes

Laura