El Paso, Texas POE

[JeffInMX 157]

My spouse and I are planning to head to the Juarez, Mexico/El Paso, Texas border this weekend to turn in my spouse's Visa packet and would like to know what the process is for turning in that packet. Is it very simple, as in just turning it over to the agents and being on our way or what else is involved? Has anyone done the POE recently? What questions, if any, were asked? Thank you for any help that can be provided.

[TBoneTX 45,222]

It would be courteous (and efficient, on both sides) if you were to call ahead to the Port to coordinate a window of time when appropriate agents would be able to help you.

The CBP can ask the same questions as the consulate has asked. However, the CBP typically doesn't give K-1 entrants too hard of a time, given the rather recent scrutiny at the consulates. Your presence as the petitioner is a boon.

Have you considered crossing a bit downriver, at Caseta? That's a nice little port. If you opt for it, definitely phone ahead to ensure adequate staffing.

[JeffInMX 157]

Thanks for your reply. I never even though about calling ahead. Don't thousands of people cross all of the time? Why wouldn't they have adequate staffing at the El Paso border?

What exactly do you mean by "your presence as the petitioner is a boon"?

We thought about crossing at the Ojinaga/Presidio POE, but we are not sure yet. Anyone have any experience?

[Srubioperez 4]

I actually don't have any advice on this,were not there yet but I actually have a random question!? Did it take that long to get your visa from December or is this just when you guys decided to come back?How was ur visit to Juarez?

[JeffInMX 157]

I actually don't have any advice on this,were not there yet but I actually have a random question!? Did it take that long to get your visa from December or is this just when you guys decided to come back?How was ur visit to Juarez?

We actually both currently live in the city of Chihuahua, and the visa arrived in only about 2 or 3 business days. We are just now deciding to go to the border to turn in the visa packet (there is a 6 month time limit).

The visit to Juarez was fine. We have been there many times before, crossing through, only because we live about 3.5 hours away and that's how we go to El Paso, Texas. There's really nothing to worry about in Juarez at this time.

[Srubioperez 4]

Okay Thanks.My husbands appointment is on a friday,im so worried its going to take forever to actually get the visa lol

[JeffInMX 157]

Okay Thanks.My husbands appointment is on a friday,im so worried its going to take forever to actually get the visa lol

Good luck! Where will you have it sent to?

[Srubioperez 4]

Um It's the one that starts with a Z...Zaratoga or something like that lol

[JeffInMX 157]

Um It's the one that starts with a Z...Zaratoga or something like that lol

Ahhh Zaragoza? Ok, so you will be picking it up in Juarez while you are there for the interview? I've read that it usually only takes a day or two to arrive.

[TBoneTX 45,222]

1. Thanks for your reply. I never even though about calling ahead. Don't thousands of people cross all of the time? Why wouldn't they have adequate staffing at the El Paso border?

2. What exactly do you mean by "your presence as the petitioner is a boon"?

3. We thought about crossing at the Ojinaga/Presidio POE, but we are not sure yet. Anyone have any experience?

1. Calling ahead would score big points and would make the harried CBP agents feel appreciated. The benefit is that they know to expect you and you know that they are expecting you and might process you more rapidly than if you merely showed up.

2. Just the "brownie points" that come from accompanying the beneficiary on such a big day, and letting the CBP agents see the real, live U.S. citizen connected with the K-1.

3. OJ/Presidio is a wonderful port (I was just through there <11 months ago), and in my opinion preferable to El Paso. Call ahead, just as a courtesy. Weekdays after 4 p.m. tend to be congested. In addition, a caution: If you plan to continue driving north from Presidio on U.S. 67, beware the inland CBP station just south of Alpine. My experiences there (as a USC!), and my opinions of them, aren't fit for print.

I like the "Al Super" store in Ojinaga.

Edited to add: Whichever port you choose, let us know your detailed experience. More people here need to hear about land entry. A report about OJ/Presidio would be highly valuable, and possibly unprecedented.

Edited February 12, 2015 by TBoneTX

[JeffInMX 157]

1. Calling ahead would score big points and would make the harried CBP agents feel appreciated. The benefit is that they know to expect you and you know that they are expecting you and might process you more rapidly than if you merely showed up.

2. Just the "brownie points" that come from accompanying the beneficiary on such a big day, and letting the CBP agents see the real, live U.S. citizen connected with the K-1.

3. OJ/Presidio is a wonderful port (I was just through there <11 months ago), and in my opinion preferable to El Paso. Call ahead, just as a courtesy. Weekdays after 4 p.m. tend to be congested. In addition, a caution: If you plan to continue driving north from Presidio on U.S. 67, beware the inland CBP station just south of Alpine. My experiences there (as a USC!), and my opinions of them, aren't fit for print.

I like the "Al Super" store in Ojinaga.

Edited to add: Whichever port you choose, let us know your detailed experience. More people here need to hear about land entry. A report about OJ/Presidio would be highly valuable, and possibly unprecedented.

Thank you SO MUCH for clarifying all of that!

Now that you say you just went through OJ/Presidio less than 11 month ago, maybe that sounds like a better idea. After all, it is closer to where I live than Juarez.

I don't know if I am a K-1?? I am the U.S. Citizen spouse of the permanent resident. Would that be a K-3?

We are literally planning to go to the POE, turn in the packet, and then probably turn around and head home. We still haven't finalized the moving plans, but want to turn in the visa packet before the 6 months are up.

[TBoneTX 45,222]

Thanks. Sounds like you're on a CR-1, which I believe enables you to make entry, get the I-551 stamp, and go back. However, if you're K-3, you must stay in the U.S. and adjust status. Be sure!

Calling ahead would also enable the port to gather some extra agents during the process, to learn how it's done. Ask them if this is something that they'd like to do -- they'd probably be thrilled at your thoughtfulness.

When you report your experience, of course report it as a POE review, and post a new thread in this forum with title "CR-1 Land Entry at Presidio, Texas POE" or similar. This would make it searchable later.

Where do you live now? When you get the chance, visit Boquillas (in the national park).

Edited February 12, 2015 by TBoneTX

[Srubioperez 4]

Ahhh Zaragoza? Ok, so you will be picking it up in Juarez while you are there for the interview? I've read that it usually only takes a day or two to arrive.

Nice lol but why do u say it like that is that not the good service lol?

[JeffInMX 157]

Thanks. Sounds like you're on a CR-1, which I believe enables you to make entry, get the I-551 stamp, and go back. However, if you're K-3, you must stay in the U.S. and adjust status. Be sure!

Calling ahead would also enable the port to gather some extra agents during the process, to learn how it's done. Ask them if this is something that they'd like to do -- they'd probably be thrilled at your thoughtfulness.

When you report your experience, of course report it as a POE review, and post a new thread in this forum with title "CR-1 Land Entry at Presidio, Texas POE" or similar. This would make it searchable later.

Where do you live now? When you get the chance, visit Boquillas (in the national park).

I currently live in the city of Chihuahua.

And yes, my spouse is a CR-1.

Nice lol but why do u say it like that is that not the good service lol?

No, I'm not saying it like that at all. We only chose to have it sent back to the city we live in because weren't planning on staying in Juarez after the interview was complete. Most people who are coming from out of state/out of the country usually pick it up while they are in Juarez.

[Srubioperez 4]

Ya I heard u could have it picked up in another state in mexico but my husbands from Campeche so.....Not gunna happen lol.Were stucking in Juarez till we get it! Lol and his appt is on a Friday so I feel like that might delay things more...