Elavod

@Dashinka Thank you for the link and advice! She went to a CBP DIS and got her stamp. The CBP officers also took her visa packet and forwarded it to USCIS, with a note explaining why it isn't coming from the port of entry.

Hi everyone, I’m a U.S. citizen relocating back to the U.S. after living abroad for 17 years. I’m shipping my household goods, personal effects, and tools of trade to the U.S. and seeking duty-free entry under HTSUSA codes 9804.00.05, 9804.00.15, and 9804.00.20. I’ve completed CBP Form 3299, and I’m working with FedEx to clear my shipment through U.S. Customs. However, I’m getting conflicting information from a FedEx representative, and I’m hoping someone here can clarify. Issues I’m Facing: 1. Residency Status – “Emigration” vs. “Returning Resident” - The CBP website states that U.S. citizens who have been abroad for 3+ years qualify as non-residents (CBP guidance: https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1329?language=en\_US). - Since I have lived abroad for 17 years, I selected “Emigration” on the form. - FedEx is saying I should select “Returning Resident” because I have an SSN, but my understanding is that customs residency is based on time spent abroad, not SSN ownership. 2. Marking Multiple Boxes in Section 10 (Statements of Eligibility for Free Entry of Articles) - The CBP Form 3299 instructions clearly state: “X all that apply.” - The CBP website (source: https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1329?language=en\_US) also confirms: “Statement of Eligibility for Free Entry of Articles: Mark statements that apply to the articles being imported — note that more than one statement may be marked.” - Since I am importing household goods (HTSUSA 9804.00.05) and tools of trade (HTSUSA 9804.00.15), I believe that I should mark both categories on the form. - FedEx is saying that only one box can be checked and that checking multiple boxes will cause a rejection. My Questions: - Has anyone successfully checked multiple boxes in Section 10 of CBP Form 3299 when shipping with FedEx? - Has anyone had issues with CBP rejecting shipments based on selecting “Emigration” instead of “Returning Resident”? - Does FedEx have an internal policy that differs from CBP’s official guidance? - If FedEx continues to insist on their interpretation, what is my best option? I’d really appreciate any insights from anyone who has dealt with this process before. Thanks in advance! cbp_form_3299_0-2.pdf

Hi everyone, My wife and I just arrived in the U.S. through Atlanta airport (ATL) on her CR1 visa. The CBP officer took her fingerprints but did not ask for her sealed visa packet, nor did he stamp her passport with the I-551 stamp. Unfortunately, we were exhausted from the long trip and didn’t realize it at the time. Now we’re concerned—how can we check if she was processed correctly and ensure that her green card will be produced? Should we contact CBP or take any specific steps? Any advice from those who’ve experienced something similar would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Thanks, that was it!

Dear all, Attached is an image of the CR1 visa stamped in my wife’s passport. When her passport was returned (along with the sealed immigrant visa packet), it included a small card with a QR code labeled “Next Steps.” Unfortunately, I seem to have misplaced it. Could you kindly advise if there are any additional administrative steps we need to complete at this point? Or are we good to proceed with her visa as is? Your guidance would be greatly appreciated as I continue searching for the QR code. Thank you very much for your support!

I assume it is an interview for a spouse visa? If the case is approved during the interview, they will keep your passport for a few days while your case goes through the last step of administrative processing and finally visa issuance. This is a problem if you plan to travel on the day after the interview.

My wife's interview took place on Monday and was approved! We are waiting for her visa to be issued 🥳 Thank you to everyone on this forum who provided me with helpful advice 🙇

Hi all. Please take a look at this new and related post:

Hi everyone, As I prepare the complete document package for my wife's IV interview (DCF in Frankfurt, exceptional circumstances), I’m having some doubts about my wife’s Mongolian birth and police certificates. She obtained them as PDFs through an official government portal. The PDFs state, “An electronic document with a unique number issued by the system of public service is valid as a paper document.” However, I’m feeling a bit paranoid because the documents are titled: 1. “Reference of birth certificate” 2. “Reference on civil criminal records” ...instead of “Birth Certificate” and “Certificate of Civil Criminal Records.” The documents contain a document number and QR code that takes you to the website `e-mongolia.mn`, where you can see the document online. I’ve attached redacted copies for your review. Am I overthinking this, or is there a legitimate reason to be concerned? Appreciate any insights. Thank you!

Hi all. Finally, my wife has her consular interview scheduled for December 9th. We will be submitting the following documents. Anything to add? @pushbrk @OldUser @Dashinka @Crazy Cat Email authorization from frankfurtvisainquiries@state.gov with interview date. DS-260 confirmation. Passport. Proof of prior U.S. visas. Birth certificate. Marriage certificate. Police certificate, Germany. Police certificate, Mongolia. Evidence of financial support: Form I-864 from XXXX (Petitioner), and supporting evidence: U.S. Passport. 2021, 2022, 2023 complete Federal income tax returns. Job Offer from XXXX: Copy of the offer letter for the position of XXXX, the reason for our decision to permanently relocate to the U.S. Form I-864 from XXXX (Joint Sponsor), and supporting evidence: U.S. Passport. Certificate of Naturalization. 2021, 2022, 2023 IRS transcripts. 2023 complete Federal income tax return. 2023 W-2s, 1099s. 2024 pay slips. Form I-864A from XXXX (Household Member of the Joint Sponsor), and supporting evidence: U.S. Passport. 2024 pay slips. BIometric photo.

Hey. Below is what I wrote to them, you should change it slightly. They didn't fix anything in the system... they straight up set an appointment for the 9th of December (no questions asked) and said to bring that email as confirmation. We got a reply within 24 hours. Subject line: I66 - REQUEST EXPEDITED APPT - [CASE NUMBER] Message: Last Name: [APPLICANT'S LAST NAME] First Name: [APPLICANT'S FIRST NAME] Immigrant Visa Case Number: [CASE NUMBER] Date of your interview: Not yet scheduled Reason for your expedite request: Please see below Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing on behalf of my wife regarding her immigrant visa (IV) case, which has been impacted by an issue with the new visa scheduling system. Unfortunately, our case number is not being recognized by the system. We have repeatedly attempted to resolve this through the support platform at usvisascheduling.com, including opening a support case over three weeks ago. Despite these efforts, we have received no response or resolution, and our follow-up attempts have also gone unanswered. Reason for Expedite Request: My new position in XXX is set to begin on XXXXXX 2025, and this delay may force my wife and me to live apart starting in January. This separation would create significant personal and professional challenges as we transition to a new life in the United States together. Given the time-sensitive nature of our situation, I kindly request any assistance the consulate can provide to help expedite the resolution of this issue. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to any support you may be able to offer. Sincerely,

I have an update to share with you. We reached out to the consulate to request an emergency appointment, citing the urgency of my new US position starting very early in 2025. Our case had been stuck for more than 3 weeks in the new visa scheduling system at usvisascheduling.com. Finally, my wife's consular interview is scheduled for the second week of December! I believe all of the documentation is ready for it.

I have an update to share with you. We reached out to the consulate to request an emergency appointment, citing the urgency of my new US position starting early in 2025. Here’s their response:

Unfortunately, there’s still no progress... we’re still stuck. Our support case has been open for three weeks now, and there’s no solution in sight. We also reached out to the consulate, but they essentially said it’s not their responsibility.

@randomstairs do you see it affecting ongoing DCF cases?