POE in Dublin - K1

[sam.e 19]

Hi All,

 

Just wanted to ask if anyone has been through the immigration in Dublin recently and what their experience was like, particularly with a K1 Visa. My fiance is british, but we decided to have him "enter" the US through the pre-clearance immigration in Dublin so that way he's not on a plane for 10 hours in nervous anticipation for POE.

 

Thanks!

[proudtobabritgirl 126]

1 hour ago, sam.e said:

Hi All,

 

Just wanted to ask if anyone has been through the immigration in Dublin recently and what their experience was like, particularly with a K1 Visa. My fiance is british, but we decided to have him "enter" the US through the pre-clearance immigration in Dublin so that way he's not on a plane for 10 hours in nervous anticipation for POE.

 

Thanks!

POE is really nothing to worry about! Most of the time they just stamp your passport and you're on your way. Especially with London being electronic processing. 

 

[bf__ 501]

24 minutes ago, proudtobabritgirl said:

 POE is really nothing to worry about! Most of the time they just stamp your passport and you're on your way. Especially with London being electronic processing. 

 

What's this 'electronic processing'? 

[TM92 527]

1 hour ago, brandonflude1 said:

What's this 'electronic processing'? 

@proudtobabritgirl is referring to the Consular Consolidated Database (CCD); https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/processing-and-return-of-passport/:

Quote

If your visa is annotated with the phrase “IV Docs in CCD,” you will not receive an immigrant visa package. That is because you scanned your supporting documents as part of the visa process.

Edited November 20, 2018 by TM92

[bf__ 501]

28 minutes ago, TM92 said:

@proudtobabritgirl is referring to the Consular Consolidated Database (CCD); https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee-2/processing-and-return-of-passport/:

 

When does the scanning of documents tend to happen?

[TM92 527]

23 minutes ago, brandonflude1 said:

When does the scanning of documents tend to happen?

Consular Officers scan documents at the interview.

Edited November 20, 2018 by TM92

[bf__ 501]

1 minute ago, TM92 said:

At the NVC step. Consular Officers can scan additional documents (from the interview) if they wish.

Oh, okay. Is this something I do myself or the NVC just take care of for me? 

 

And then like like you said, anything I bring to the interview can be added?

[TM92 527]

6 minutes ago, brandonflude1 said:

And then like like you said, anything I bring to the interview can be added?

I revised my post after reading this: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration/nonimmigrant-visa-for-a-fiance-k-1.html#6 Take documents to the interview. CO will scan them.

[NikLR 13,232]

I personally prefer preclearance as well.  Generally goes easier imo. 

[lil.han 39]

What is preclearance in Dublin? 

[TM92 527]

8 minutes ago, lil.han said:

What is preclearance in Dublin? 

https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/operations/preclearance:

Quote

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) air Preclearance operations is the strategic stationing of CBP law enforcement personnel overseas to inspect travelers prior to boarding U.S.-bound flights. Through Preclearance, CBP Officers conduct the same immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections of international air travelers typically performed upon arrival in the United States before departure from foreign airports.

[sam.e 19]

56 minutes ago, lil.han said:

What is preclearance in Dublin? 

 

To sum up the above reply, it’s US customs and immigration clearance in the Dublin airport. So if you have a flight from Dublin to the US you go through the Pre-Clearance where they verify your Visa and passport in Dublin, and once you’re through it’s a “domestic” flight and there will be no customs upon arrival in the states. As far as I’m aware only Dublin and Toronto airports have this. 

 

For us its just a peace of mind that when he’s through the USCIS preclearance in Dublin, that’s it- he’s in- and can just enjoy the 15 hour travel day in peace haha

[TM92 527]

25 minutes ago, sam.e said:

As far as I’m aware only Dublin and Toronto airports have this.

Also the following airports:

• Calgary International Airport, Canada
• Edmonton International Airport, Canada
• Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport, Canada
• Montreal Trudeau International Airport, Canada
• Ottawa MacDonald-Cartier International Airport, Canada
• Vancouver International Airport, Canada
• Winnipeg International Airport, Canada
• Grand Bahama International Airport, Bahamas
• Lynden Pindling International Airport, Bahamas
• L.F. Wade International Airport, Bermuda
• Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba
• Shannon Airport, Ireland
• Abu Dhabi International Airport, United Arab Emirates

Also, there is an immigration-only POE for the Victoria Clipper passenger-only ferry and the MV Coho car ferry at the port of Victoria, BC, Canada. And the Washington State Ferries service at the port of Sidney, BC, Canada; customs are still done at the US port.

Edited November 21, 2018 by TM92

[JFH 12,191]

There is also talk of adding Frankfurt and London to the programme. It would certainly cut down the wait times at the US airports. I recently flew back here from a trip to see my mother in the U.K. I entered through Las Vegas airport on a flight from London. I was able to use the USC/LPR channel at Las Vegas but almost all the passengers on the flight were Brits going to Vegas on holiday. There were 4 of us in the USC/LPR line. Looking at the visitor line and all the incoming flights I imagine some of them must have waited over an hour to get through. 

[NikLR 13,232]

I cant imagine why all major airports havent done it yet but infrastructure is likely the main reason.  They'd have to build another screening area both security and CBP plus have a single terminal area for US bound passengers. 

Anyhow, OP the process is pretty simple, just arrive early.