Maybe this is a silly question.... but I just got my K-3 visa today by express post. Along with it, I got a sealed large brown envelope that says "do not open, give to border offical" (or something along those lines).

Is this normal? What does the brown envelope contain??? Does everyone who gets their K-3 visa approved also get a brown package that is sealed to take to the customs official when they cross the border?

As well, when I go to the airport, I am assuming I should stand in the "canadian" line rather than "US permanent residents" line???

So confused. Any help and answers to questions would be appreciated.

Hi Zimmy, there is no such thing as a silly question in this process ;-) From other posts I've read concerning the sealed envelope you want to leave that sealed as you will be processed by customs, taken to a room, an officer will open the sealed envelope and process your K3 for entry. I have read others posting the contents on the board, copies of the original petition, along with other documents. Don't open the envelope as others had run back to the embassy to get it sealed for fear of being turned back at the POE. I am sure there are others who have been through this who can offer more as my wife and I are still waiting on that sealed envelope.

just a bit of advice - DO NOT OPEN! ;-)

I have heard that it is your file of evidence that the consulate had and they are trying to save on DHL fees

Thanks for answering that question. I was panicking for a while there , thinking something must be wrong with my application/K-3 Visa if I have to carry this envelope with me to the POE.

It's actually quite a large brown envelope. I haven't opened it... thankfully. Thanks for letting me know that I would have go back to the consulate should I have. Don't want to do that trip over again. Definitely not.

I'm going to be entering from Pearson Airport in Toronto, Canada in a few days, via plane to go to the US. Does anyone know if that is a good place to enter the US with a brand new K-3 visa? Not that I will really have a choice, cause we've booked my plane ticket already.

Does anyone know how long it will take to do the processing? Do I need to answer any questions? I have no clue what my application says as my husband filled everything out.

Actually reports from most all the Canadian airports are good. There is a section on here with POE reviews. As for questions yes they might but won't be any harder per se than wha the CO gave you at the interview...

One place is as good as another, pretty much.

I'd allow an extra hour or more for processing, beyond what you'd normally expect for going through the airport. It probably won't take that long (typical is maybe 30-40 minutes more than usual, good is a mere 15 minute delay), but since you're going through processing BEFORE getting on the plane, if there is a long delay, you risk missing your flight. You'll probably be more relaxed and comfortable if you aren't worried about missing a flight.

You may have to answer routine questions about your mailing address once in the states, so they know where to send paperwork. They'll probably remind you about adjustment of status, and perhaps about removal of conditions. Unless they discover something really unusual, they won't quiz you about the validity of the relationship or anything like that. They probably will ask you to step off to a secondary room while they process your paperwork, so don't freak out when they do that.

Oh, and you really should have gone over the paperwork that you signed. If you still don't have a clue about what was on your application, I'd ask hubby to send you a copy, just so you're aware of what they know about you.

You guys are great! I wish I had found out about this website sooner. Just googled K-3 interviews AFTER my K-3 interview.

I guess I'll show up a few hours earlier than planned. Reassuring to know that everyone gets a brown envelope. The thought of saving $ on DHL by sending the envelope with me is funny.

I'll try not to be too nervous. Everytime I've crossed the border since I've gotten married, I've always been a bit worried they wouldn't let me cross over. Thankfully that has never happened, but I did have a rough time once at the Rainbow bridge in Niagara Falls (and because of that I'm flying into the US now).

Thankful to know that I shouldn't panic if they pull me aside. Whew. I probably would have thought something is amiss... had I not been forewarned by you guys.

I went thru terminal 2, two years ago. Took about 5 minutes. They'll process you right there at the customs wicket usually, digital photo, digital prints, stamp your completed I-94 (which you'll have to hunt down yourself btw once you get into the customs area) and staple it to your passport.

They'll open up your brown envelope to make sure everything is there, and may or may not ask you any questions. They'll keep the envelope and forward it on to your district office.

Which terminal are you flying from? I think there are specific lines now for those entering with visas. There weren't when I went thru, but last time I went home, I noticed the signs.

I came through Toronto Pearson yesterday .. Took me to a different room and stuff.. and processed it totally separate... took about 1 hour.. keep that time ahead of the flight.. don't panic.. just answer their questions.. pretty much simple.. and you would be on your way.. no prbs at all..

Any particular questions.. do ask me

Hi! Shakil
I've the similar timeline for K-3. I'd appriciated if you can share what is happening now. Hope you've received the approval already. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks

We came in through Detroit, the customs officer opened the brown envelope right at his station, we were not taken to another room. He looked over my wife's medical, the embassy report and other documents in the package, asked us where we met and said welcome to America, probably took 5 minutes.