Entering country with USC wife...which line should I go to?

[KeratNY 76]

48 minutes ago, RLA said:

I think CBP might not allow that.  The officers at the USC/LPR/ESTA line might not have the training to handle more complex subjects such as visas, AP, or re-entry permits. 

I'm fine with the training aspect, as I am 100% sure we will directed to secondary anyway. I just don't want them to get mad at me! 

[KeratNY 76]

46 minutes ago, mindthegap said:

Yes, with the CR-1, and also as a non-immigrant when travelling with my USC spouse for the reason that as you are married it is one customs form per family (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/441/~/travelers-eligible-to-file-a-joint-or-family-declaration-on-a-cbp-form-6059b) you can't share the customs form (which gets stamped by the immigration officer) if in different lines.   

If the customs form isn't stamped by the immigration officer, you will have major issues at the customs exit check. Ask me how I know this!

 

Your spouse can use the USC line, therefore you accompany her. You are way over thinking this.

 

I do love to overthink things! But, seriously, you're the only one here saying to both go in the USC line. Majority opinion seems to say both go into the "other" line. Not going to go in different lines. So I think it's a fair question. So, it gives me comfort that you have been in the USC line before permanent residency.

[Diane and Chris 651]

4 hours ago, KeratNY said:

I do love to overthink things! But, seriously, you're the only one here saying to both go in the USC line. Majority opinion seems to say both go into the "other" line. Not going to go in different lines. So I think it's a fair question. So, it gives me comfort that you have been in the USC line before permanent residency.

Question asked. Answer received. Is it the end of the world if you have to wait a bit?  At least you’ll be together. Good luck whatever you decide!  Let us know how everything turns out.....😉

[DJ6372 111]

When travelling with my USC wife we go through the US Citizens line, and when we go to the UK, we go to the UK passport line, just present yourselves as a couple, we have never had an issue.

[TNJ17 1,329]

You can’t go through USC line because you’re not one. You’re traveling as a family so you’re seeing together but you go through the “other” line.

[Going through 5,671]

Personal experience when passing through JFK with a USC spouse before GC was approved:

 

We used the US citizen line, and approached the counter together.  There was no issue.

Edited May 15, 2018 by Going through

[usmsbow 802]

17 hours ago, KeratNY said:

Hello, I have my EAD/AP and am waiting for my green card through my US citizen wife. We are taking a vacation and coming back through JFK airport together. Has anyone traveled in this circumstance (one spouse is USC and other spouse is pending)? If so, at the PoE/airport in the US on the way back, should:

 

1) we both go to the US Citizen line and approach immigration together (advantage: line is shorter/quicker and we are together)

2) she go to US Citizen line and I go to "other/visitor" line and we approach immigration separately (advantage: we are both in the "correct" line); or

3) we both go the "other/visitor" line and approach immigration together (advantage: I am not in the US Citizen line thereby avoiding the appearance of seeking to be treated as a US Citizen, and we are together)

 

This is for JFK if that makes a difference (it shouldn't). Any thoughts or has anyone done this?

 

Note: i will be bringing my NOAs and marriage certificate as well as the EAD/GC so not worried about the documents I need. 

 

At JFK, terminal 1, US citizens and green card holders are directed to the kiosks where you scan your passport or green card. When my wife and I came back from Italy last week, we went there. I had no problems, but since my wife's green card had expired (but she had a letter granting her a 1-year extension), she then had to get in the line with everyone who was "rejected" by the kiosk. I got my paper from the kiosk, and just stayed with her in line. That line was super slow, so we decided to jump to the "other/visitor" line, which had fewer people. No one cared, and I just handed the paper I got from the kiosk to the IO who processed my wife's passport, and he said, "Thanks, have a good day." That was that. 

 

IOW, it isn't a big deal. I'd go with #1 if I were you. I don't know if the kiosks can read EAD/AP cards. If they can't, no big deal, you can just get in the "reject" line. Your wife can choose to follow you or not. 

Edited May 15, 2018 by usmsbow

[mushroomspore 3,044]

When I was a student and had F1 status, our international adviser told us to absolutely NEVER EVER go into the "US citizen" line at airports. Apparently, a few students from my school did a few years ago and they got into so much trouble. They were sent back to their home country. I can't remember how long they had to wait, but they were allowed to return at some point (I think it was the following semester).

 

Obviously your situation is slightly different because you're in AoS. F1 student visas are non-immigrant. However, even for permanent residents, it is CRUCIAL none of us ever accidentally OR intentionally declare ourselves as US citizens. Some people in this thread have already stated that they've gone through the US citizens line with their spouses and it wasn't a big deal. I personally would make my husband go through the other/visas line with me because I'm very paranoid. So really, YMMV.

Edited May 15, 2018 by mushroomspore

[Neonred 3,665]

1 hour ago, TNJ17 said:

You can’t go through USC line because you’re not one. You’re traveling as a family so you’re seeing together but you go through the “other” line.

Again you provide totally wrong info.

 

I asked when my then fiancee and I entered Atlanta and was assured we could go together through the USC line (or the visitors line if it were shorter).  Most important is to stay together.  No problem using the USC line.

[Neonred 3,665]

5 minutes ago, mushroomspore said:

 

 

 However, even for permanent residents, it is CRUCIAL none of us ever accidentally OR intentionally declare ourselves as US citizens. Some people in this thread have already stated that they've gone through the US citizens line with their spouses and it wasn't a big deal. I personally would make my husband go through the other/visas line because I'm very paranoid. So really, YMMV.

Take a look next time and you will notice that it is USC and Permanent Resident line combined as one line.

Edited May 15, 2018 by Neonred

[mushroomspore 3,044]

1 minute ago, Neonred said:

Take a look next time and you will notice that it is USC and Permanent Resident line.

Oh I see! I haven't traveled internationally in quite some time. OP is technically not an LPR yet either, so I can understand the desire to ask for specifics. People have gone through both lines and have had no problems so I guess it's up to OP's discretion.

[mcdull 474]

Visitor

  you also need to fill a paper i94

[payxibka 10,047]

You cannot go through the USC line as you are not eligible to use the kiosks

 

APC kiosks can be utilized by U.S. citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, Canadian citizens, travelers utilizing ESTA (Visa Waiver Program), and travelers entering with a B1/B2 or D visa.

 

You are none of the above

Edited May 16, 2018 by payxibka

[payxibka 10,047]

1 hour ago, mcdull said:

Visitor

  you also need to fill a paper i94

WRONG.  Entering on AP does not require an I-94

[mcdull 474]

7 minutes ago, payxibka said:

WRONG.  Entering on AP does not require an I-94

Ok. Prove me wrong.