First entrance in the US

[danielenglish 3]

Hi guys, after the happy ending of our F2A journey, I am about to look for the flight ticket for my wife

I completely forgot what I went through when did my first entrance in US with the visa in my passport (before receiving the GC).

Does the short interview with the officer (to who she also gives the sealed envelope, filling out some forms) happen in the place where there is the flight connection or at the final destination?

I live in Salt Lake City (Utah) and therefore I am going to find few direct flights for my wife; for this reason, if that interview happens in the place of first entry (let's say Detroit), I need to allow my wife at least 4 hours (or even more?) before boarding on the next flight whereas I may choose a shorter layover if the interview happens in the place of final destination.

Thanks a lot for your help/suggestion with this!

[Ryan H 3,812]

Your wife will hand over the envelope and speak with CBP (Customs and Border Protection) at the first US airport she lands at, not the final destination. So if Detroit is her first US stop, all immigration matters will be handled there.

To the best of my knowledge, the only scenario that would involve SLC being where your wife could fly into nonstop from overseas would be from Paris on Delta Airlines.

[heo luoi 206]

Its the Point of Entry. The CBP officers are Border Patrol. Therefore if they wanted to detain / turn someone around it would done there....not after you connect further inland.

This is why its encouraged strongly to allow ample time to connect since the intake process could take a bit.

[danielenglish 3]

Guys, thanks a lot for your replies.

Under these circumstances, I have to select a flight itinerary that involves a layover of at least 4/5 hours.

Do you think this timeframe (4/5 hours) may be enough for my wife to manage the interview, possible waiting time and everything else is related to the flight itself (like, for instance, the baggage pick up)?

Thank you!

[Ryan H 3,812]

Guys, thanks a lot for your replies.

Under these circumstances, I have to select a flight itinerary that involves a layover of at least 4/5 hours.

Do you think this timeframe (4/5 hours) may be enough for my wife to manage the interview, possible waiting time and everything else is related to the flight itself (like, for instance, the baggage pick up)?

Thank you!

Should be sufficient.

Edited November 1, 2015 by Ryan H

[danielenglish 3]

Thank you!

I will see how to organize the trip, taking into consideration the time required to fulfill all that burocracy.

Speaking of which, I really forgot what one is asked to during the interview with the CBO.

Other than handling itthe envelope and communicating the address (in case it's been updated from the time of interview at the Consulate), what else does the officer ask?

Thanks!