First arrival at a US Airport with a new Visa

[ScotsinAZ 0]

Morning All,

Having jumped through all the various hoops to get where we are, we're so looking forward to coming to America. We will arrive in Vegas and, I assume, not go to the normal customs queue. We think we remember the American queue also had a sign for "other visa" holders but we're not 100%. We've been told that my wife (on a J-1) will receive an I-94 card whilst I'll (J-2) get the normal I-94 stamp in my passport.

Is there a formal interview at this point for one or both of us (more so than is normally the case when entering on an ESTA)? Is it right that a card is issued to the J-1 holder?

Any information / experiences / guidance greatly appreciated.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The line you get in depends on the airport. I would say at most, visa holders are still considered visitors and don't go through the American line. Just look for signs or ask somebody.

All I-94s are created electronically now. There is no card at the airport. You can print out a paper I-94 off the internet. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94-instructions If you are traveling on a visa, you will have an online I-94 also.

[ScotsinAZ 0]

The line you get in depends on the airport. I would say at most, visa holders are still considered visitors and don't go through the American line. Just look for signs or ask somebody.

All I-94s are created electronically now. There is no card at the airport. You can print out a paper I-94 off the internet. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94-instructions If you are traveling on a visa, you will have an online I-94 also.

Cheers Mate,

Much appreciated.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You can just ask the staff at the back of the lines which one you can go through. It will probably be visitor, but if it's a slow day or something, you never know.