Layover time for K1 entry

[ltkenbo 3]

I was wondering what most people thought was a good amount of layover time for entry through immigration for the K1 visa. I've been through immigration personally a dozen times, but I am an american citizen. What is typically different about the POE for a K1 visa holder? They might sit them down and ask them questions right? I know the time will depend on the airport as well (how many flights are coming in at once and such) but how long would you say it takes once they have reached the CBP officer?

Also any personal experience with the amount of time it took any K1 holder to enter at ATL (not american citizens I've been to ATL before)? I was thinking that about 4.5 hours would be sufficient for my fiancee.

[Salamat_sa_Diyos 1]

MY POE was in Detroit last year and it took me 20-30 minutes to be interviewed by the immigration officer. And we were standing at the counter. We did have to run after that because I only had an hour layover before my connecting flight to KY.

My friend from France entered through Atlanta in 2011 and they kept her for 2 hours because it was the first time the immigration officer encountered a K1. She also had a connecting flight to KY after that.

I think 4.5 hours is more than enough.

Congratulations on your visa approval!

[cathy2904 97]

I agree. Atlanta is often very busy but 4.5 hours should be plenty.

[ltkenbo 3]

Alright thanks guys! Her visa in on the way via DHL so as soon as she has it in hand we will be purchasing the tickets

[susysteele 9]

I think anything over a three hour layover is safe. Four and a half hours will be plenty. Very happy for you both!

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

It took my husband about 30 minutes to get through immigration when he entered through Atlanta with his K-1. However, how busy the airport is will depend on day and time of arrival. Also, you never know if you will get someone slow in immigration. I think 4 hours for a layover is a good idea.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Working & Traveling During US Immigration - topic is traveling and entering US with K-1 visa ~

[DandC 13]

It only took me less than 10 minutes at the immigration line but we did prepare a 3 hour layover for contingency purposes. Better safe than sorry. Congrats on your approval!

[ltkenbo 3]

It is her first time traveling outside of Peru via airplane also and she will be by herself, so I figure if anything she can have the peace of mind that she has plenty of time to find her connecting flight. Also I've experienced late flights coming into Lima before so the flight going out gets delayed by an hour. She just picked up her visa today and I helped her to purchase her ticket online! Thanks for the advice everyone!