Our POE Review in southern BC

[VeeNDee 44]

We used Blaine as our POE (Pacific Highway Truck Crossing in southern BC). We were in line about 40 minutes. Behind us my fiance's parents were using their truck to pull a Uhaul with all my possessions in it. We told the officer we were using the K1 visa and that the vehicle behind us was my fiance's parents. He sent us to secondary, and his parents were also sent to secondary after he asked them a few questions. We had a 'multiple inspection referral' since it involved two vehicles I guess.

The frustration started when we went inside and were called to a counter. When we said it was for a K1 visa the officer looked annoyed and at the clock saying he may not have time to process a visa himself. He apparently decided to do it anyway while being annoyed the whole time.

First thing he said when we told him what visa it was:

Him: "A K1 visa? I thought they didn't give this out anymore!"

Us: "Yes they do and here it is"

Him: "Are you sure? When did you GET this?"

Us: "Uhh... in October this year?"

Him: "Are you sure it's a real K1 visa?"

Us: (mild panic ensuing) "Yes...?!?!"

Anyway, the officer beside him overheard and told him they did still issue K1 visas. He then started rambling about how it wasn't fair that people could get a visa for being engaged but had to wait while being married and basically making us feel bad for having an engagement visa. He told us to sit down while he processed the visa.

My fiance's parents came in and headed to the counter and he waved them away in annoyance telling them to talk to someone else. So they went back in line and the officer that did talk to them sent them back to the officer processing our visa. We told him he had to process them and he just reached for the paper and stamped it and pushed it away.

I heard him asking the other officer about whether it was an immigrant or non immigrant visa and all I could think was, "Oh please please process it correctly and don't lose my paperwork!"

Long story short: Once we were inside secondary it took under an hour to process the visa. They didn't inspect the Uhaul or vehicles at all from what we could tell even though I had a list just in case. He gave us an I94 for $6 thankfully... since I was worried he didn't know about that part!

Edited December 27, 2012 by VeeNDee

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Phew, what an experience! It does sound like that border guard had a big chip on his shoulder, especially as K-1s have to 'wait' out their processing times as well. Good thing the other officer was more on the 'ball'. At least you're here now and can get on with the important business of getting married and starting your new life together. Congratulations.

[Ontarkie 13,915]

Glad you made it through.

[dukeandduchess 141]

Wow that's nuts! I Crossed there in February and had no problems. I think I had a more senior person processing my entry because he was helping other officers out at the same time. Glad you got through okay!