refused at poe

[Sveta & Ron 23]

I have read the customs officer can refuse to accept visa at poe I was wondering how often has this happened and what reasons could cause this ? ideas anyone

[mugumogu 18]

It doesn't happen very often. They can refuse entry for any reason. It might just be that you look suspicious or they want to do a further inspection as to why you're entering the country. It could also be that you are attempting to enter with the incorrect visa type... who knows? You are basically applying to enter the country each time you leave and come back and it's up to the customs officer to accept or deny your application to enter.

[Inky 1,110]

Usually its because the person has a criminal background. That happened to a Canadian who had a K-1 visa for entry. They had to file a spousal visa and try again.

[GrayL 47]

Also remember remember remember when you get your K-1 VISA you will also get a sealed envelope which contains all of your original documents plus some other stuff.. MAKE SURE you have this with you in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase, you will need all of this to give to the officer. I'm sure that could also contribute to the denials!

But if your a good person, you don't need to worry!

[TBoneTX 43,377]

As our POE time approached, I asked this question of an immigration attorney who used to be a consul. He said that refusal of entry to K-1 holders is rare, because CBP figures that the consulate has recently vetted the person. However, CBP can refuse entry as others have stated above.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Usually its because the person has a criminal background. That happened to a Canadian who had a K-1 visa for entry. They had to file a spousal visa and try again.

How did they manage to get a K1 if they had a criminal background? Are you talking about crimes that occurred after the K1 visa was issued?

[payxibka 10,044]

I have read the customs officer can refuse to accept visa at poe I was wondering how often has this happened and what reasons could cause this ? ideas anyone

as it relates to a K-1, generally speaking, this issue is much ado about nothing

Edited March 6, 2012 by payxibka

[bigdog 376]

Criminal background and K1, no visa from the get go. Problem at entry could be issues after visa was granted.

[Krikit 1,163]

How did they manage to get a K1 if they had a criminal background? Are you talking about crimes that occurred after the K1 visa was issued?

They had provided all the criminal information during the process and it was discussed at the interview. The Consulate determined it was not an issue. The officer at the border decided otherwise. I'll see if I can find the link for you. Or perhaps Inky has it?

Edited March 6, 2012 by Krikit

[baron555 934]

I have read the customs officer can refuse to accept visa at poe I was wondering how often has this happened and what reasons could cause this ? ideas anyone

Act like a terrorist, or try smuggling in contraband or cause a big scene....may get you refused.

Act politely and professionally.

[Inky 1,110]

How did they manage to get a K1 if they had a criminal background? Are you talking about crimes that occurred after the K1 visa was issued?

They had provided all the criminal information during the process and it was discussed at the interview. The Consulate determined it was not an issue. The officer at the border decided otherwise. I'll see if I can find the link for you. Or perhaps Inky has it?

I cant find it Krikit

Krikit explained it there Jim.

[Dan & Jenni 457]

I cant find it Krikit

Krikit explained it there Jim.

so the officers at the POE go through everything in the sealed envelope closely enough to spot things like that??

[Inky 1,110]

so the officers at the POE go through everything in the sealed envelope closely enough to spot things like that??

They don't have to go through the envelope that closely. Criminal records are looked up/pop up on the computer when they put your info in for the border crossing.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

How did they manage to get a K1 if they had a criminal background? Are you talking about crimes that occurred after the K1 visa was issued?

Jim,let me give you an example, embassy approved a wavier for crime of small amount of drugs, possible 2 small charges less than 20 grams.

Get to POE, CPB can deny individual entry if they so desire. Generally it's rare, but it can happen. What happens in this case,lawyer will intervine and individual will eventually be allowed into US.

[Andy & Sue 31]

How did they manage to get a K1 if they had a criminal background? Are you talking about crimes that occurred after the K1 visa was issued?

Criminal background and K1, no visa from the get go. Problem at entry could be issues after visa was granted.

This is not true. having a criminal past doesnt automatically deny you a K1. What is important is they are not CIMT, which leaves a huge amount of crimes that are addmisable. Common Assualt for example, or Battery is not a CIMT. Where as common assualt with intent or deadly weapon is. just so we dont give out the wrong information to new VJ members with convictions applying for visa's.

However I had multiple convictions and one was a CIMT and still successfully obtained a K1, even without a lawyer and no I-601 waiver. So it is possible. Prior to the K1 I had had a B2 issue for 3 years with the same criminal history.

Although at POE I did used to get a grilling, and also questioned about the crimes.

Main thing is be polite and honest and you will be fine.