Port of Entry

[beabea 1]

Hey guys, I am looking through flights to the US and most of the ones i find with a reasonable price have a stop. How long does it usually take to go through immigration with the K1 paperwork? i found a really good flight with 2h27min layover in Miami. How much time would you suggest to have between flights?

Thank you!

[GloryAbdell 3]

Hi, I am looking for flights with at least 3 hours, you dont know if there is a delay. They will have another mini interview and deliver the documents.

[slimbolina 48]

Your POE needs to have a suitable layover time. I flew in to JFK and I had a 2 and a half hour layover (I think, check out my profile for POE review), the line can be long and tedious and then there's a lot of stamping of paperwork after that once it's your turn. Look through the POE reviews to give you some idea, I checked many before booking the right flight to the right airport.

[p-ana 933]

I had 4h+ Layover in Miami and almost didn't have time to catch the next flight. I happened to get there at the same time as several other international flights and the lines for tourists were gigantic. Also the officer that took my papers in secondary took his sweet time to let me through. After that I had to find my bags (scattered all over baggage claim because I didn't get them on time), go through customs, get the bags scanned, give them back to the airline, get out and go to another gate... Ehhhh. It was exhausting and it was the first time I had such a hassle (all my entries were in Miami). But wouldn't recommend any less than 4h just to be safe.

[slimbolina 48]

I had 4h+ Layover in Miami and almost didn't have time to catch the next flight. I happened to get there at the same time as several other international flights and the lines for tourists were gigantic. Also the officer that took my papers in secondary took his sweet time to let me through. After that I had to find my bags (scattered all over baggage claim because I didn't get them on time), go through customs, get the bags scanned, give them back to the airline, get out and go to another gate... Ehhhh. It was exhausting and it was the first time I had such a hassle (all my entries were in Miami). But wouldn't recommend any less than 4h just to be safe.

Miami is notorious for being super busy and long wait times due to tourists... I don't envy you!

[JudithF 1]

I flew into Boston around 7pm and there were no lines at immigration at all. The officer went through my paperwork super quick too and didnt really ask any questions. I was getting my luggage after only 5 minutes max!!!

[Alina.C 0]

Hello,

It took me about 3 hours in the Houston airport. The line was extremely long and I also was interviewed for about 20 minutes by immigration.

I suggest a +4h layover, just to be safe.

Good luck

[TheAndies 50]

It really depends on the airport and time you fly in.

I did my POE at Newark Airport arriving around 11pm, we were the only plane to come in at the time (and probably one of the last). There was literally no line, so I walked straight up, informed the CBP agent I was doing K-1 and this was my POE and she checked me in, hi-fived me and said 'welcome to america'. I was then led into a secondary room literally behind her with a CBP guard and maybe 5 officers (unsure if they were CBP or USCIS), on a raised platform. I was called up after literally sitting down, handed my passport and exit slip (there was no interview - just stamping of documents).

- After collecting my luggage, I showed the secondary officers my K-1 visa, passport and extra documentation, and again had Hi-fives and congratulation cheers.

I was probably out of the airport within 20 mins of landing, and that includes stopping for coffee.

I'd expect *very* different results from large and/or more 'touristy' airports (like JFK, Miami, O'hare.etc .etc .etc)

Edited September 2, 2016 by TheAndies

[Cathi 5,609]

I flew into Boston around 7pm and there were no lines at immigration at all. The officer went through my paperwork super quick too and didnt really ask any questions. I was getting my luggage after only 5 minutes max!!!

but she's flying into Miami

[usmsbow 795]

MIA has a reputation of being a s-show and one of the slowest ports of entry into the USA. I'd say give yourself at least 3 hours.

[Rc123rc 528]

MIA has a reputation of being a s-show and one of the slowest ports of entry into the USA. I'd say give yourself at least 3 hours.

I would do 4 hours minimum. Bad weather and many other things could delay you. I would rather wait 2 hours in the gate area then miss a flight.

[Neonred 3,446]

When we pick up friends in Miami arriving from overseas we know not to arrive at the airport too early as they usually take at least 2 hours getting thru immigration with just tourist visas. Plan longer arriving with K-1.