POE and clearing immigration at O'Hare

[jacamero 0]

Hello everyone! Well after being married for 4 years and working for 3 years on this immigration process, finally my husband has got his and his 3 children's visas in hand and will be flying from Manchester, England to Detroit, Michigan to be with us forever this Friday, 11/11/11!

Now he's stressing over going thru immigration at Chicago O'Hare, which will be his first POE to the US. Can anyone who has gone thru it fill us in a bit on what happens, what they ask, if it was hard or easy, did it take a long time, etc?

Also we went the IR1 route as we thought he'd be able to work right away when he got here. But the letter he got back with his passports and sealed envelopes mentioned something about filling out a green card form at customs and waiting six months?? That's why we didn't go the K3 route, to avoid the six month wait so he could work straight away. Did we misunderstand? Are there additional fees for this form?

Thanks everyone! We are so excited, but still feeling anxiety over this all until I pick him up at the airport Friday night!!

Hugs,

Julie

Michigan

[marjus's girl 6]

Hello everyone! Well after being married for 4 years and working for 3 years on this immigration process, finally my husband has got his and his 3 children's visas in hand and will be flying from Manchester, England to Detroit, Michigan to be with us forever this Friday, 11/11/11!

Now he's stressing over going thru immigration at Chicago O'Hare, which will be his first POE to the US. Can anyone who has gone thru it fill us in a bit on what happens, what they ask, if it was hard or easy, did it take a long time, etc?

Also we went the IR1 route as we thought he'd be able to work right away when he got here. But the letter he got back with his passports and sealed envelopes mentioned something about filling out a green card form at customs and waiting six months?? That's why we didn't go the K3 route, to avoid the six month wait so he could work straight away. Did we misunderstand? Are there additional fees for this form?

Thanks everyone! We are so excited, but still feeling anxiety over this all until I pick him up at the airport Friday night!!

Hugs,

Julie

Michigan

just to let you know if u go up to top of the vj page and click on the tab reviews embassy/consulates /poe u can read reviews of different airports and there ratings for poe..im in same boat which place to have my husband poe at..

[Casprd 167]

Basically he arrives at Chicago and goes to customs where he turns over the sealed envelope(s) he and the kids got from the Consulate in the UK. They may ask a few questions but it shouldn't be anything to worry about as everything has already been approved. He will complete some forms for the green card and SS card. 6 months is a catch all worst case kind of thing. 30 days is more realistic at the outside. My wife arrived in September and by the time we got home from our 2 week vacation her SS card and green card were in our mailbox.

[jacamero 0]

just to let you know if u go up to top of the vj page and click on the tab reviews embassy/consulates /poe u can read reviews of different airports and there ratings for poe..im in same boat which place to have my husband poe at..

Thanks! I just went there but found no POE reviews, only embassy and interview ones. I wish you best of luck on finishing your process!!

[jacamero 0]

Basically he arrives at Chicago and goes to customs where he turns over the sealed envelope(s) he and the kids got from the Consulate in the UK. They may ask a few questions but it shouldn't be anything to worry about as everything has already been approved. He will complete some forms for the green card and SS card. 6 months is a catch all worst case kind of thing. 30 days is more realistic at the outside. My wife arrived in September and by the time we got home from our 2 week vacation her SS card and green card were in our mailbox.

Oh wonderful! Thanks for your insight, that makes me feel better!!! Did your wife's SS card arrive without you having to go to the SS office to file for it? We checked the box to have it sent to us, but then I read that it's best if you go down to the office and apply for it in person as it might not come automatically. Thanks!!

Julie

Michigan

[Moomin 292]

Here are the POE reviews: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php?poe=Chicago&page=1&dfilter=0

I came on a K1 however POE was O'hare. From the plane until after handing in papers everyone was very helpful, no questioned asked. Have gone through O'hare 3 times and have always been greeted with a "enjoy your stay", "congrats on engagement", "welcome, Indiana is beautiful" and "careful, it's a big country".

Congrats being reunited soon : )

[Done--Really 331]

Click on POE just to the right of the Embassy/USCIS button

[jacamero 0]

Click on POE just to the right of the Embassy/USCIS button

Thanks guys, found it!! Sounds like Chicago is a good one to go thru. That is a relief!!