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First trip to the US, POE questions...

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breandan

Registered Users (C)
Hi everyone,

I will be making my first trip to the US after passing my interview, and I was hoping that you could confirm a few points for me. I've searched for this information on the forums, and I would just like to confirm that the information I have is correct:

1. I do NOT complete a ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application - this is for people visiting with the Visa waiver program, not for new immigrants.

2. On the plane, I do NOT complete the I-94 form, but I DO complete the Customs Declaration Form. My understanding is that as I'm immigrating, that I don't have to pay duty on my personal possesions.

3. When I arrive at the POE (probably Logan airport, Boston) I should join the queue for NON RESIDENTS, with my passport and envelope out. When I reach the counter (or before if they see me) they will send me to seconday processing.

4. I do NOT have to bring the Xray from the medical.

5. I do NOT have to bring any more passport photos with me; everything that they need should be in the envelope.

Do I have everything correct here? If I am missing anything please let me know. I really don't want any surprises on the day.

Thanks for your help.

Breandan.
 
1. I do NOT complete a ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application - this is for people visiting with the Visa waiver program, not for new immigrants.

Correct. ESTA is not needed. (Although at checkin the airline staff might get a little excited and will probably want to see your immigrant visa.)

2. On the plane, I do NOT complete the I-94 form, but I DO complete the Customs Declaration Form. My understanding is that as I'm immigrating, that I don't have to pay duty on my personal possesions.

Correct. No I-94. Yes, fill in the customs form.

3. When I arrive at the POE (probably Logan airport, Boston) I should join the queue for NON RESIDENTS, with my passport and envelope out. When I reach the counter (or before if they see me) they will send me to seconday processing.

Someone will intercept you before you have a chance to join any queue. The first official you see at the line-up, wave your paperwork, tell them you are a new immigrant and they will make sure you get to the right place. At LAX I was fast-tracked to a regular non-resident processing counter. The officer did the initial entry work (mostly just want to know if I was alone or had other family members coming later) then directed me to walk down the gap between the queues and 30 or so counters to a separate section for processing. It all works very well (at LAX anyway.) Once the paperwork was completed (perhaps 20 mins) the officer said "Welcome to the US. You have a green card. Do anything you want!" lol.

4. I do NOT have to bring the Xray from the medical.

Assuming the rest of your health assessment is good, and you are from a country with first-world health standards, it is highly unlikely they will ask for this. Personally, I had it in my luggage but they never asked for it.

5. I do NOT have to bring any more passport photos with me; everything that they need should be in the envelope.

No. They have everything they need in the sealed envelope. You will be finger-printed again.


All the best for your new life!!
 
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