Preclearance in Abu Dhabi (split topic)

[C and S 9]

I will do an advance clearance too, from Abu Dhabi.

I don't know how it will be as they just started the advance clearance for Etihad airways early this year I guess and for selected flights only.

My husband tried it last week, and he likes how he doesn't need to go in line at the POE. But with me being a new immigrant, I don't know if it will not cause any problem later.

[jayjayj 571]

My wife and stepson went through pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi in June. It was quick and efficient. One of the benefits is that during your travel, you don't have to worry about getting turned back once you reach the U.S. - it does happen, although it is rare. I do suggest you go to the airport extra early, so you check-in for your flight as soon as the check-in opens. We arrived at the airport 4 hours before our flight and because of check-in lines, we made it to our plane only 10 minutes prior to the boarding cutoff time. The line for U.S. Immigration was also really slow. I think we were in that line for almost 2 hours. Another benefit to the pre-clearance is that the immigration officers seemed to be mindful of when each person's plane is departing. Although not stated, it sure seemed that they were pushing people through with plane departures in mind. The immigration officers in the U.S. don't need to think about that and thus the stories of people waiting unreasonable amounts of time to get through the lines at U.S. airports.

I highly suggest using the pre-clearance facilities if possible. Our experience was completely positive.

[C and S 9]

My wife and stepson went through pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi in June. It was quick and efficient. One of the benefits is that during your travel, you don't have to worry about getting turned back once you reach the U.S. - it does happen, although it is rare. I do suggest you go to the airport extra early, so you check-in for your flight as soon as the check-in opens. We arrived at the airport 4 hours before our flight and because of check-in lines, we made it to our plane only 10 minutes prior to the boarding cutoff time. The line for U.S. Immigration was also really slow. I think we were in that line for almost 2 hours. Another benefit to the pre-clearance is that the immigration officers seemed to be mindful of when each person's plane is departing. Although not stated, it sure seemed that they were pushing people through with plane departures in mind. The immigration officers in the U.S. don't need to think about that and thus the stories of people waiting unreasonable amounts of time to get through the lines at U.S. airports.

I highly suggest using the pre-clearance facilities if possible. Our experience was completely positive.

thanks jayjaym

Do they stamp I-551 too in Abu Dhabi? Im planning to travel to Philippines on April and maybe I will not received the actual green card by then. They said I will need the stamp upon entering the US again if I don't have the green card yet.

[Ryan H 3,813]

Posts split into separate thread.

[jayjayj 571]

thanks jayjaym

Do they stamp I-551 too in Abu Dhabi? Im planning to travel to Philippines on April and maybe I will not received the actual green card by then. They said I will need the stamp upon entering the US again if I don't have the green card yet.

Yes, they will stamp the I-551 in Abu Dhabi. You won't have any problem leaving prior to receiving the green card. We flew back to Abu Dhabi before we had the green cards. They will also write your A number in the passport, with the stamp. The stamp acts as a temporary green card until you receive the permanent one, so you can come and go without any problems.

[Ryan H 3,813]

Yes, they will stamp the I-551 in Abu Dhabi. You won't have any problem leaving prior to receiving the green card. We flew back to Abu Dhabi before we had the green cards. They will also write your A number in the passport, with the stamp. The stamp acts as a temporary green card until you receive the permanent one, so you can come and go without any problems.

The stamp in of itself means nothing, it's nothing more than a standard entry stamp with pertinent information written in. It's the combination of the visa foil itself endorsed by the entry stamp that acts as the temporary green card.

[jayjayj 571]

The stamp in of itself means nothing, it's nothing more than a standard entry stamp with pertinent information written in. It's the combination of the visa foil itself endorsed by the entry stamp that acts as the temporary green card.

Yes, exactly what I meant. The temporary visa in the passport does nothing until it is "endorsed" with the stamp. The stamp proves your visa was activated and therefore allows you to come and go until your green card arrives. Without the stamp, the temporary visa does not allow you to come and go - only come. The stamp, which endorses and activates the temporary visa, allows you to come and go.

Regardless, you won't have any problems traveling prior to receiving your green card. Just make sure you get the endorsement stamp.

[C and S 9]

Yes, they will stamp the I-551 in Abu Dhabi. You won't have any problem leaving prior to receiving the green card. We flew back to Abu Dhabi before we had the green cards. They will also write your A number in the passport, with the stamp. The stamp acts as a temporary green card until you receive the permanent one, so you can come and go without any problems.

jayjaym thank you for your reply.

Hoping everything will go smoothly on my interview next week.

Surely ill use Etihad Airways while flying to US. Ticket would be more expensive than other airlines, but if it means its hassle free at the POE, then I'll just spend few more AED with Etihad.

[jayjayj 571]

jayjaym thank you for your reply.

Hoping everything will go smoothly on my interview next week.

Surely ill use Etihad Airways while flying to US. Ticket would be more expensive than other airlines, but if it means its hassle free at the POE, then I'll just spend few more AED with Etihad.

Best of luck on the interview!

You are right, the Etihad non-stop flight is a little bit more, but definitely worth it.

[C and S 9]

Thanks jayjaym