POE in JFK

[SweetJuls 69]

Hello everyone,

Today we got approved finally, I'll have my visa in hand in 5 days! ?

I am starting to look up to flights and since the situation in Europe is not one of the best one I am plannig to have the layover in JFK and then go to Detroit.

My question is: all K1 holders get interviewed in a room at customs? Or it is random?

Also 3hrs of layover will be enough to go through customs/pick-up luggage and check-in it anc catch the other flight?

What do you think?

Thanks ?

[baron555 934]

Hello everyone,

Today we got approved finally, I'll have my visa in hand in 5 days! ?

I am starting to look up to flights and since the situation in Europe is not one of the best one I am plannig to have the layover in JFK and then go to Detroit.

My question is: all K1 holders get interviewed in a room at customs? Or it is random?

The immigration line at customs in JFK moves fairly quick, but that depends on the number of international flights arriving at the same time. Usually 1 hour overall is average. You wait in line and then walk up to a CBP officer at a station. They take your passport, with K-1 inside and the sealed envelope. Usually after about 5-10 minutes you are free to collect your baggage. Sometimes folks are taken to a back room for more inspection, fingerprinting, etc. That seems to be random or may be determined by something in your background check or the country you are coming from.

Also 3hrs of layover will be enough to go through customs/pick-up luggage and check-in it anc catch the other flight?

More than enough.

What do you think?

Thanks ?

[goolia 54]

Not sure about the details for JFK. Try having a browse through here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php?poe=JFK&dfilter=0.

Three hours should be sufficient but I would maybe try and see if there is an even longer layover. I got to the Toronto airport four hours early and narrowly missed being able to drop my bags off! Mind, they are all different and I am sure the POE reviews will shed some light on how long the process is to be expected.

[baron555 934]

Not sure about the details for JFK. Try having a browse through here: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php?poe=JFK&dfilter=0.

Three hours should be sufficient but I would maybe try and see if there is an even longer layover. I got to the Toronto airport four hours early and narrowly missed being able to drop my bags off! Mind, they are all different and I am sure the POE reviews will shed some light on how long the process is to be expected.

I and my wife have been through JFK about 6 times in the past 5 years and our usual 4 hour layover was way too long!!!!!

3 hours is fine.

[SweetJuls 69]

Thanks everyone for answering.

I was thinking that maybe around December 9 there could be more ppl coming in JFK.

[Mike-eeh and Odie 193]

My wife flew into JFK January 2014. She was unlucky as half the world seemed to be traveling internationally that day. She waited on line about 2 hours and was questioned, taken to secondary, which lasted about an hour and a half. I would suggest no less than a 3 hour layover, I'd try for a 4 hour layover just to be safe.

Edited November 18, 2015 by Mike-eeh and Odie

[Lelyze 49]

I had POE at JFK Dec 15 2014 at 2 pm. I waited about hour and a half in the line, I was questioned by CPB, about 10 minutes, he told me everything is fine, then he took me to another room, and gave my passport to another officer, he told me that it is the standard procedure, and that the other officer needs to put me in the system. I waited another 20 minutes there, I was not questioned.

[SweetJuls 69]

So, in the end I booked the only flight available (for my type of searching), and I have a 3 hours and 20 minutes layover. Hoping for the best!

Thanks for answering guys

Your information are really helpful!

Another question for you: since I'll have 2 big suitcases and my wedding dress as carry-on...is there a chance to have a cart to use from picking luggage to the check-in desk? Or there are not in the "transit zone"?

Edited November 19, 2015 by SweetJuls