JFK new immigrant border crossing

[Jeniafrench 8]

Hi Everyone!

 

Visa is finally in hand and I am getting ready to move to the US.

 

I know that crossing the border for a new immigrant can take a couple hours or so.

Does anyone have experience crossing the border at JFK with an immigrant packet? I need to approximately plan how long it might take. My flight will arrive at 12.05 pm. I'm wondering if I can catch the next flight leaving at 3.30pm. Do you think this is enough time?

 

There is another flight at 5, but I don't want to sit in the airport for hours if i can avoid it.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Jenia

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php?poe=JFK&dfilter=0

 

Theres the JFK reviews.

 

Yesterday there was a post about someone coming in for first time and having no issues and said people were friendly.

 

3:25 hours between flights should be okay.. Generally 3-4 hours works; but just depends how busy they are and if another flight arrives same time or something you know.

[Yilees 1]

not sure about JFK, but I made my initial entry at Chicago. Pretty bad. My layover at Chicago was 4 hours and I tightly made it.

[Jeniafrench 8]

 

6 minutes ago, Ben&Zian said:

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php?poe=JFK&dfilter=0

 

Theres the JFK reviews.

 

Yesterday there was a post about someone coming in for first time and having no issues and said people were friendly.

 

3:25 hours between flights should be okay.. Generally 3-4 hours works; but just depends how busy they are and if another flight arrives same time or something you know.

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out. I'm not as much worried about having any issues. It's just the timing really. I had a CR-1 visa before and was crossing the border in LAX. It took something like 1,5 hours or more of just sitting in a room with some other people. That's not counting the line and other procedures. So I'm worried it might be the same this time.

[Jeniafrench 8]

9 minutes ago, Yilees said:

not sure about JFK, but I made my initial entry at Chicago. Pretty bad. My layover at Chicago was 4 hours and I tightly made it.

Thanks for sharing. It probably depends on the airport and the time of day when you arrive.

[Dutchster 1,107]

Considering JFK is New York's busiest airport, a few hour lay-over can never hurt. If you want to go completely safe, go for the flight at 5. Rather wait a little longer and hop on your flight than experiencing that day is super crowded and it takes a while for them to go through your envelope.

[NYCruiser 423]

Over two years ago, the wait was just half an hour. As you exit the plane, there are three lanes. Keep to the far left one. When you see a sign for Global Entry, make a left then the next left into the room. They have added more ATM like machines for Global Entry as it gets confusing. Don't use those machines, but ask for an Immigration Officer. There should be one around there. Hope this helps?