Shipping My Effects on a K-1 Visa.

[Whitby 0]

Hello All,

I hope someone could offer some information that I can provide to my shippers or recommendations.

I (hopefully) arrive in the US late March on a K-1 Visa which itself expires 1^st week of May. I am leaving the UK for two weeks travelling in Ireland with my US Fiancée so I leave the UK itself in two weeks and so wanted to get the shipping off my hands soon.

My plan had been based on the last year of research and preparing for my move. I’ve seen the K-1 mover’s queries and believed that the transfer was practical and straightforward.

I shot out emails with my shipment details for quotes to 10 companies who sent back decent quotes but when I asked for confirmation of the process using a K1 Visa I get stonewalled.

Their standard replies are:

• Can’t ship on Temporary Visa

• Those that do say I can ship on a K1 then say the Vessel must arrive before Visa Expires.

• You will either need to the goods to arrive whilst the visa is valid. If not, you will not be able to ship the goods until you have your residency visa in your passport.

• I have just spoken with my customs agent in the USA and the FIDI regulations remain the same. Any personal effects which are shipped into the USA without a USA passport or visa will be destroyed at customs in addition to which you will be fined.  

I have explained the K1 and its process to them but they say I need an unexpired Visa or a Green-Card to ship my items.  

Did I completely miss the situation or can someone help me out with some definitive proof that I can ship to the US in this situation (Goods to arrive after K1 Expired and no green card yet)

Thanks for your time

John

[Whitby 0]

Any one got an idea with this one, it would be really appreciated!

 

Thanks

John

[Whitby 0]

Hello Dee Elle,

 

Thanks very much for your replies, Its really appreciated.

 

I have emailed CBP and am waiting on a response and I have trawled through the forums over the last year and thought I was set with the process. It looked practical based on previous experiences of the members on this forum.

 

It is only when I actually go for quotes I get the differing onions and requirements from each company so I was hoping someone would have a reference-able proof or clarity on my situation to provide to the shippers.

 

Again thanks and Id welcome some advice

John

[Whitby 0]

Hello Dee Elle,

 

and everyone else!

 

Never got a response from CBP in general or CBP at the Embassy. I seem to have it in order and will be collected tomorrow.

 

Still don't have a proper explanation but they said if it arrives before the Visa Expires its all good, If not Ill need the marriage certificate to clear it.

 

That brings up the "Definition" of expired visa. Is this the printed date in the passport or the 90 days after arrival.

 

John

[Whitby 0]

Thanks gain Dee Elle,

 

No useful update from any department I contacted. I have transferred my stuff to Storage for pick up once I know the deal.

 

I expect to have an extended chat when I hand over my sealed documents at the end of the month so at that point I will take the opportunity to ask the CBP Officer about definitions and the import process on a K-1. Still really surprised that it has been this unfathomable. The K-1 itself was a breeze to this.

 

Ill update once I know myself, For the people who deal with this in the future.

 

John