Can you explain the POE process?

[educator_71 22]

Just trying to get a handle on the process. I was assuming that when the fiance gets off the plane, she reports to customs and they ask a few questions and that's it. From what I am reading this is not the procedure. What is the actual process? Thanks in advance. For the record, my fiance's poe will be New Orleans.

[Cody and Daisy 373]

Your fiancé will go through immigration and customs.

At immigration she will give the big package to them with her passport, and will more than likely be leaded into secondary where she could wait a while, once called up she will be asked a couple questions and then sent on her way.

It's not complicated or scary or anything really, but it can take a couple hours, usually a lot less but it depends on how busy the airport is at that time.

[educator_71 22]

Do they do this only on weekdays or at anytime. Just curious for when the time comes to schedule her flight.

[Torete 121]

Do they do this only on weekdays or at anytime. Just curious for when the time comes to schedule her flight.

24 X 7 X 365, or anytime a flight arrives.

[Ryan H 3,790]

***Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to General Immigration-Related Discussion; topic is applicable to multiple types of visa holders.***

**Moderator hat off**

Do they do this only on weekdays or at anytime. Just curious for when the time comes to schedule her flight.

Anytime; CBP will be on duty whenever an international flight is due to arrive at an airport regardless of what day of the week it is.

[Torete 121]

Also will capture her picture and fingerprints...biometrics. It's painless.

[Hank_ 9,173]

Just trying to get a handle on the process. I was assuming that when the fiance gets off the plane, she reports to customs and they ask a few questions and that's it. From what I am reading this is not the procedure. What is the actual process? Thanks in advance. For the record, my fiance's poe will be New Orleans.

Varies slightly from airport to airport, but for the most part there is a special window/counter for that is used for processing, there the CBP agent takes the DO NOT OPEN envelope tears it open with great abandon , sorts through the documents, then your fiancee completes BIOMETRICS, they stamp her passport and remind her to get married within 90 days.... have a nice day. Some get pulled to a room for additional questions... some.

[Anh map 2,098]

The POE is where the person first arrives in the US (or some pre-clearance airports outside the US). It's not likely that the POE will be New Orleans. For example, if a person flies through LAX to get to New Orleans the POE will be LAX.

You will want to plan flight arrangements accordingly to allow for immigration processing, clearing customs, then rechecking baggage to the final destination. Close connections can cause stress and anxiety.

[TBoneTX 43,058]

The CBP can refuse entry to anyone; however, CBP rarely gives K-1 entrants problems, because they've very recently been vetted and scrutinized by the consulate.

The above came from an immigration attorney whom I consulted when I had the same question as you do now.

Mrs. T-B.-to-be's experience was just as routine as others have described in this thread.

Edited June 15, 2015 by TBoneTX

[DaveBrit73 3]

Just trying to get a handle on the process. I was assuming that when the fiance gets off the plane, she reports to customs and they ask a few questions and that's it. From what I am reading this is not the procedure. What is the actual process? Thanks in advance. For the record, my fiance's poe will be New Orleans.

Where is she flying in from? Unless she's coming non-stop from Panama City, Cancun or Punta Cana, the POE is going to be another hub city, such as Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston or Miami.

My process at LAX three weeks ago (today!) was really easy - the whole thing took 6 minutes. I was out in the street within 10 minutes of gate arrival.

The agent opened my envelope, stamped a few pages, took my fingerprints and photo electronically, then I had to go and do physical ink-based fingerprints and sign an I551 application card in a box twice, then I was done. Absolutely ZERO questions, in my case. Every case is different, but it can be as simple as that. Best of luck!