Successful first entry to the US

[wobblyal 1]

Hi All

Just thought I would provide a brief write up on my first entry to the US since winning the DV lottery. I had to enter before July 13, and I planned to go for 1 week to get meet these requirements, return to the UK and then make the final permanent move in about 6 months.

I decided to go to San Diego as this is one of the places I would seriously consider living. I exited the aircraft and followed the line for green card holders (NOT the visitor line). I ended up at the passport check where I was fingerprinted and had my photo taken; I explained to the inspector that I was a DV winner and he did not really seem to know what to do, so he referred me to another immigration officer who took my paperwork and disappeared for 15 minutes.

When the officer re-appeared he asked me to accompany him into his office where they took my forefinger print and asked me to sign the card it was on (the print and signature were on both sides of the card). After this he asked me to wait outside the office again. 10 minutes later they gave me my passport back and I was waved through...total time about 30 minutes.

Just to be safe I took "fresh" bank statements and copies of all my paperwork but they never asked to see any of that. The experience was efficient and not unfriendly. The officer emphasised the importance of ensuring the address in the US was correct and updated if circumstances should change. Bizarrely they re x-rayed all baggage on exiting the baggage reclaim, I can only assume this was due to enhanced security around the 4th July celebrations.

Hope this is helpful!

[canadian_wife 1,791]

Congrats! enjoy your new life in "Merica

good luck

[Ryan H 3,790]

Bagged that is x-rayed upon leaving baggage claim after an international flight is done for as part of an agriculture inspection. Recent security measures have nothing to do with it.

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

Congratulations and welcome!

Lots of Saffers in San Diego. Have you made a final decision on moving there yet?

[MikeNZ1984 44]

Theres a Saffa food shop on the road out to mira mesa in case you get hungry.. and kiwi pies up in escondito..

[wobblyal 1]

Thanks Susie

I am thinking probably after Christmas / January, there is a small chance I can get a work transfer from the UK (this would not be San Diego based though), which would be well worth trying to secure.