Port of Entry

[Abril01 0]

Evening everyone,

My fiance is coming next month through JFK, and we were told there is the possibility that he could be turned away, even though he has a visa. Has anyone heard of this happening or how it can be prevented?

Many thanks!

[Niels Bohr 72]

There is no reason that will let Customs turn him away unless he's a criminal. He has a lawful VISA in hand. They cannot turn people away based on a lack of evidence.

[aussiewench 9]

Having a visa in hand never guarantees being allowed entry into the US. Being denied entry though when one has a K visa in hand would be rare and I have only read of a couple in the 2 years I have been a member of VJ. Don't stress it.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

The small possibility, remote really, of my fiance being turned away at JFK when she arrives is a small worry. Obviously it would be a disaster if it occurs, but it is remote. Still, I won't be completely comfortable until I pick her up at the airport.

The best advice I have read here, and I gave to my fiance, is to have your paperwork handy, in order, and ready to present. And to view the POE as she did the interview for the K-1, be prepared, game face on, ready to answer any and all questions truthfully, quickly and with conviction. Being turned around and denied entry is rare, but realize it is very important your fiance is fully prepared. Her visa isnt worth the paper it is printed on until she gets past customs and immigration.

Don't stress out too much, just realize how she presents herself is just as important as it was at her interview.

Good luck on your journey!

Edited February 26, 2007 by ready4ONE

[bora bora 1]

I agree with you Ready4One.

That is another reason why I'm going to the interview w/ my fiance and then coming back with him on the same flight.

[patiently_waiting 0]

Remind your fiance not to refer to you as a spouse bc that could send up a red flag.

[raymaga 25]

As long as your fiance is not in possession of anything illegal, there should be no reason why he would be turned away at the POE.

The K visas are pretty much a guarantee of entry because all the required checks have already been done prior to issuance of the visa.

Good luck.

[RichardS 0]

As noted previously, having a Visa DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY into the USA. It's OFFICIALLY up to the Immigration Officer(s) at the port / time of entry.

I have read where some Immigration Officers try to "trick" the fiancee with an off-the-wall question like, "What color are your fiancee's eyes?" and "Why are you coming to America? ... Why do you want to marry an American? ... What does an American see in you?" While these reported cases are rare ... stuff does occur! I have heard instances of this occuring in Atlanta AND at JFK Port of Entrys.

Simply put, this is a stressful moment in the life of your fiancee (and yours). Tell her (AND YOU) to relax but to be prepared for anything and any question. Have her rehearse every question just the same as she did for her embassy interview and all should be fine.

Every once in a while you run into an Immigration Officer a**ho*e but by-in-large things should go smoothly.

Try not to STRESS-OUT any more than necessary!

Good luck!