Read this prior to crossing US border with K1!

[Chynna/gapamix 11]

I guess you never know... Just always be prepared. I am glad I read that.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

It almost makes you want to print out the instructions from USCIS that say "Do NOT make any marriage plans until you get the visa". You obviously ran into a neophyte border officer who knew nothing about a K-1 visa and was trying to pretend he did. You proved to USCIS that you intend to marry - that is the letter of intent - and that is all that is required. We have heard of a lot of 'errors' made by border authorities - and an alarming story about one who deliberately mis-used his power and is currently under investigation because of that.

I do think it is a good idea to try and check ahead at your anticipated border crossing - but even then there are no guarantees. The week before we planned to cross into the US I went to the border crossing station at Algonac on the St. Clair River. I specifically asked the border guard there if they could process a K-1 and what I needed to have to bring my animals and houseplant with me. He was very knowledgeable and gave me great information, along with saying, sure, no problem, he could process a K-1. Fast forward to the following week, we show up at the Algonac crossing and the woman who was on duty refused, outright refused to process the K-1. We then had to drive to the nearest major border crossing adding another 4 hours onto our ultimate travel time of an already 2 day trip. Of course, when we crossed there and I explained what had happened they said that they should have processed us at Algonac and didn't understand why they didn't. If we had known to expect that we would have taken a different route that would have taken us through Detroit instead but we were trying to avoid the heavy transport traffic line ups at the bridge since I had 6 cats in the van with us.

So, even best laid plans can go astray. As my Dad used to say, it is difficult to make things idiot-proof because idiots are so ingenious. I will include a lot of US border guards in that definition.

[scandal 951]

you know what , I think TSA need to freaking raise their educational requirements, I bet you 5 bucks , anyone below managements is their on a HS diploma or on a GED. oh help me god , if I run into this ######, someone better save me.

Then there is no saving you, apparently.