Has anyone been forced by the airport security to open the yellow envelope?

[TonyMacaroni 9]

Getting super paranoid about the sealed envelope integrity. I’ve heard that they’ve started to send those documents electronically for those on CR/IR visas and how I wish it was true for the K as well. I’ve seen that some embassies cut off a corner of the envelope for the TSA to see that there are documents inside. Mine is completely uncut. Has anyone of you been forced to open the envelope by the TSA and if so, what did you do?

[Boiler 45,445]

TSA?

 

No and not sure how they would be involved.

[TonyMacaroni 9]

2 minutes ago, Boiler said:

TSA?

 

No and not sure how they would be involved.

 

Hypothetically, after my bag goes through the X-ray machine: “Hey what’s in that envelope? No sealed envelopes are allowed. Show us what’s inside!”

[Boiler 45,445]

This is a K1, someone coming into the US?

[TonyMacaroni 9]

Just now, Boiler said:

This is a K1, someone coming into the US?

 

Yes. I’m coming. But before I get to the US I have to go through 2 airports and their respective security checks. 

[Boiler 45,445]

TSA is a US thing, they do not operate outside the US.

 

I know of no way an X Ray machine can determine if an envelope is sealed or not.

[TonyMacaroni 9]

2 minutes ago, Boiler said:

TSA is a US thing, they do not operate outside the US.

 

I know of no way an X Ray machine can determine if an envelope is sealed or not.

 

Haha, my bad. I thought every airport security service was called “TSA”. What I meant was of course just “airport security”. Yeah, they may not be able to determine that through the X-ray but they may just want to manually inspect the bag for whatever reason. I just want to be prepared to act the right way should I be forced to show the contents of the envelope. Maybe learn about other people’s experiences.

[powerpuff 6,679]

From my years on here I have not seen anybody report that they were forced to open the envelope.

 

And even if they do force you somehow, it’s not the end of the world. Just get a new medical exam with a civil surgeon in the US. That’s it 
 

 

[TonyMacaroni 9]

3 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

From my years on here I have not seen anybody report that they were forced to open the envelope.

 

And even if they do force you somehow, it’s not the end of the world. Just get a new medical exam with a civil surgeon in the US. That’s it 
 

 

 

Thanks for sharing. I’m afraid it’s not as easy as that. CBP will most likely simply deny the entry and turn me away and/or I will have to get it re-sealed at the same embassy (which is halfway across the world from the US). In that case I will lose an expensive flight and more time.

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

28 minutes ago, TonyMacaroni said:

“Hey what’s in that envelope? No sealed envelopes are allowed. Show us what’s inside!”

Never heard of that.  Don't drive yourself crazy with the "What if.." game.  

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

5 minutes ago, TonyMacaroni said:

CBP will most likely simply deny the entry

They aren't going to send you home for an opened envelope.  At most, plan to spend some extra time in secondary. 

Relax and try to enjoy the journey....

Edited March 9 by Crazy Cat

[powerpuff 6,679]

Just now, TonyMacaroni said:

 

Thanks for sharing. I’m afraid it’s not as easy as that. CBP will most likely simply deny the entry and turn me away and/or I will have to get it re-sealed at the same embassy (which is halfway across the world from the US). In that case I will lose an expensive flight and more time.

I don’t know if CBP will outright deny you entry.

 

They can defer inspection and parole you in. There have been cases here like that where the envelope was lost/stolen on the way to the US. 
 

[TonyMacaroni 9]

9 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

They aren't going to send you home for an opened envelope.  At most, plan to spend some extra time in secondary. 

 

Why do you think that? Have you heard of them letting people in with fully opened envelopes? I’ve read through this message board and only found about someone being paroled in because someone stole their bag with the envelope. But that of course ruined their K1 process. Also a lot of people with small tears have been let in, according to the posts here.

Edited March 9 by TonyMacaroni
Typo in “stole” - “still”

[Crazy Cat 41,811]

6 minutes ago, TonyMacaroni said:

Why do you think that? Have you heard of them letting people in with fully opened envelopes?

Yes, I have....but people arriving with open envelopes is extremely rare.   Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it.  I would expect most all airports have had new US immigrants transiting through.

Edited March 9 by Crazy Cat

[powerpuff 6,679]

Here’s the thread and OP said CBP has seen cases of either lost, stolen or damaged envelopes and that it happens occasionally but that they deal with it through a plan B. I’d say an open envelope could be considered damaged? Especially if airport security was the one to open it 

 

Edited March 9 by powerpuff