CR1 Travelling to the US, what to expect?

[Kurnow 1]

Hello, I was granted a CR1 spouse visa during my interview 30th Nov. (it's going to be couriered to me in the next couple days, fingers crossed).

I'm intending to fly as soon as possible (and before Christmas), so do I need to get a ESTA form completed or anything else? I'm trying to make sure absolutely everything is ready to go. Is there any paperwork I need to have sorted other than a ESTA form or instead of?

Also, can anyone tell me about the interview once I arrive in the US? Is it a gruelling and intense interrogation? Will they go through my luggage? I will be taking Christmas presents and don't want them ripped open.

[jkelly07 120]

no,ther is no interview at the poe,the officer takes your package checks all takes your picture and your finger prints, ask a few questions, some times thay send you to a room there are other offers to check your papers, if all is GOOD, you go collect your luggage then you go to customs you put your luggage on the belt the exray looks if all is good then good luck in united states,

[broma25 2]

No you do not need to do anything with ESTA....that is for people who are using the VWP. As you have a visa you do not fall into this category.

Good Luck...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

You will fill out on the plane a US customs form. It is white with a blue border on top. You will itemize the Christmas gifts and their value in US dollars, under the rules of US Customs. Going through POE with your visa does not involve a search of your luggage, because the immigration part comes before you go to baggage claim. But once bags are picked up, you go through the customs line and turn in the customs form to an officer. Anybody's bags can be checked in a secondary processing area if the officer chooses---Americans or visitors. They can open the gifts if they choose, but you will be present when they open your bags. Most times you are just waved through as the customs officer collects the form.

Side note: When we flew from Heathrow in the summer, a guy was checking everybody in the line going to the counter to check bags. He said to everybody without a US passport "Do you have your ESTA?" like it was mandatory. Just say, "No, I'm traveling on a visa" if you encounter something like that.