Crossing border with K-1 in April

[johnnyv 20]

So the time has come for my fiancee to cross the border this april so we can begin our life together! YAY!

Okay, so far we've purchased the one way ticket, she has her passport with the visa sticker, the unopened visa package, the medical records received from the doctors office, x-ray disc, and the stuff she's packed.

What can she expect upon entering the US this time? She always flies from Calgary, which has customs clearance at the airport. She's never been taken to secondary, never denied her entry, and she's always had quite good luck crossing. I'm hoping this last trip goes the same as always.

I guess we just need to know what to expect, what does she need, etc. Share as much as you can!

[Shelbym 2]

From what I hear, customs will take a loooot longer. Our immigrations officer today told us to expect 3-4 hours when he goes through Pearson. And they'll ask the same little questions like how you met and all that jazz.

[ricnally 258]

I left from Vancouver, where you also clear customs, and I decided to check in and continue through security 3 hours before my flight and I was glad I did, as I spent a long time in secondary and only got to my gate with a few minutes to spare.

[NikLR 13,227]

She will have to go to secondary this time but otherwise her crossing shouldnt be much different.

[Flames9_RN 358]

At the TOP of the page you shall see "REVIEWS EMBASSY/USCIS &POE" CLICK on that, find toronto and you shall find reviews. Best advice your going to get is to arrive EARLY!! Some people get lucky and there is no wait at all, while others arrive to find a huge line!

[johnnyv 20]

She's crossing through Calgary, however, I still looked at Toronto. Seems fairly simple already, just could be a wait. Her flight is 8am, so she'll be there about 5am i think. That should be enough time that early in the morning.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Sorry, not sure why I thought Toronto..but info is the same! May be busy--or may not be, always best to arrive early......Immigration/customs prob doesnt open much earlier than that!

[kc247 22]

Probably all depends on the airport/how busy it is. I went through Halifax & arrived about 3 hours early, it probably took about 45 minutes my whole time in customs, they were really nice, didn't really question it all just had to look up a few things because they don't get K1 visas very often.

[NikLR 13,227]

Calgary is a crapshoot. I've sat for an hour in the customs line waiting but I've also soared through in 10 mins. Better to arrive early and wait tho than be worried about not making it, jmho.

Calgary does have flights thay leave at 6am so customs normally opens at 4 unlike Edmonton.

Edited March 30, 2014 by NLR

[pro_star 52]

They usually don't like letting you into customs at yyc more than two hours before your flight (but they have been known to stretch that rule from time to time if it's really quiet lol)

[johnnyv 20]

Yeah, they do have a sign that mentions the two hour limit, so I guess she'll show up early and see how it goes.

[NikLR 13,227]

I just went through Calgary, it was quiet, absolutely no line, and was allowed through at 1145 even though my flight wasn't until 1444.