Houston (IAH) POE Experience Nov 2017 (IR-1)
Nov 7th 2017, 10:58 am
#1
UK->US
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2017
Location: SE TX
Posts: 64
Houston (IAH) POE Experience Nov 2017 (IR-1)
Hi all,
Very happy to report that I have now successfully entered the US and used my IR-1 visa.
I figured I would provide a little detail about the experience as I was a bit nervous beforehand and this might help any new intending immigrants.
We flew the BA0197 flight into IAH, arriving at about 20:30 on 02 November. Security at LHR found some teabags in our hand luggage -- this was flagged, and we had to unpack/repack the bags at the security checkpoint. Then, when I got to the gate, I was "randomly selected" for additional security. I don't either of these further checks were down to my intention to immigrate, considering they happened on the LHR-end.
Upon arrival in IAH, we noticed at border control there were a few choices of which line to join - "US Citizens", "ESTA Holders", or "Visa Holders". We chose "Visa Holders" (which was by far the longest) and waited patiently to see an officer.
When our time came, we handed over our sizeable A3 envelope and X-Ray CD to the officer, who didn't ask us any questions but was polite and friendly. At the moment where I thought he "cleared" us, he mentioned that we'd have to go through additional security (secondary), so we then waited for another officer to escort us. I had expected this after reading many other entry experiences.
When an officer had led us (both of us, USC and intending immigrant) to the door of the secondary processing office, the escorting officer stopped my wife (USC) from entering and said it was just for me from then on. This blindsided the both of us a little, as we had expected both of us to be in there, and we had just seconds to communicate "I'll meet you downstairs!".
Secondary processing was a strange experience. There was a desk at the front of the room and waiting room style chairs extended into the rest of the room. My documents were placed down in an "in-tray" and I patiently waited. The room was plastered on all sides with "NO CELL PHONE" posters, and the officers were certainly serious -- an Iraqi fellow sat next to me was very loudly told off for using his. Another person waiting walked up to the desk to try and turn his phone into the officers -- but they explained: "we don't need your phone, we just don't want you to use it while you're here".
My time came, my name was called, and I walked up to the desk where the officer showed me the visa in my passport and explained that this was to be my temporary green card until mine arrives in the post. No further questioning, no additional forms, and I was free to go. As I was walking down the escalator, I noticed that the visa in my passport wasn't stamped, but the opposite page had been, with a hand-written "IR-1" in the centre. Hurrah!
I met my wife downstairs, we picked up the (5) bags and headed on our dandy way!
All in all, quite straightforward! Now to await the SSN and the green card, wait 30 days to take the Texas driving exams, get health insurance, get a bank account.........
Very happy to report that I have now successfully entered the US and used my IR-1 visa.
I figured I would provide a little detail about the experience as I was a bit nervous beforehand and this might help any new intending immigrants.
We flew the BA0197 flight into IAH, arriving at about 20:30 on 02 November. Security at LHR found some teabags in our hand luggage -- this was flagged, and we had to unpack/repack the bags at the security checkpoint. Then, when I got to the gate, I was "randomly selected" for additional security. I don't either of these further checks were down to my intention to immigrate, considering they happened on the LHR-end.
Upon arrival in IAH, we noticed at border control there were a few choices of which line to join - "US Citizens", "ESTA Holders", or "Visa Holders". We chose "Visa Holders" (which was by far the longest) and waited patiently to see an officer.
When our time came, we handed over our sizeable A3 envelope and X-Ray CD to the officer, who didn't ask us any questions but was polite and friendly. At the moment where I thought he "cleared" us, he mentioned that we'd have to go through additional security (secondary), so we then waited for another officer to escort us. I had expected this after reading many other entry experiences.
When an officer had led us (both of us, USC and intending immigrant) to the door of the secondary processing office, the escorting officer stopped my wife (USC) from entering and said it was just for me from then on. This blindsided the both of us a little, as we had expected both of us to be in there, and we had just seconds to communicate "I'll meet you downstairs!".
Secondary processing was a strange experience. There was a desk at the front of the room and waiting room style chairs extended into the rest of the room. My documents were placed down in an "in-tray" and I patiently waited. The room was plastered on all sides with "NO CELL PHONE" posters, and the officers were certainly serious -- an Iraqi fellow sat next to me was very loudly told off for using his. Another person waiting walked up to the desk to try and turn his phone into the officers -- but they explained: "we don't need your phone, we just don't want you to use it while you're here".
My time came, my name was called, and I walked up to the desk where the officer showed me the visa in my passport and explained that this was to be my temporary green card until mine arrives in the post. No further questioning, no additional forms, and I was free to go. As I was walking down the escalator, I noticed that the visa in my passport wasn't stamped, but the opposite page had been, with a hand-written "IR-1" in the centre. Hurrah!
I met my wife downstairs, we picked up the (5) bags and headed on our dandy way!
All in all, quite straightforward! Now to await the SSN and the green card, wait 30 days to take the Texas driving exams, get health insurance, get a bank account.........
Nov 7th 2017, 3:06 pm
#2
i hate cabbage
Joined: Mar 2015
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 438
Re: Houston (IAH) POE Experience Nov 2017 (IR-1)
Congrats, welcome to Texas 
Nov 7th 2017, 3:26 pm
#3
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2015
Location: Denver, CO.
Posts: 1,523
Re: Houston (IAH) POE Experience Nov 2017 (IR-1)
Welcome to America!
Secondary can seem pretty weird/daunting. I went through JFK in New York and that wasn't a particularly pleasant experience but it made getting out at the other side even sweeter
Secondary can seem pretty weird/daunting. I went through JFK in New York and that wasn't a particularly pleasant experience but it made getting out at the other side even sweeter
Nov 8th 2017, 3:50 pm
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2016
Location: Harrisburg, PA (formerly Somerset, UK)
Posts: 538
Re: Houston (IAH) POE Experience Nov 2017 (IR-1)
Thank you so much for posting such a detailed recollection of your experience. Congratulations and good luck in your new home!
Congratulations and good luck in your new home!
Nov 12th 2017, 6:51 am
#5
Just Joined
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 18
Re: Houston (IAH) POE Experience Nov 2017 (IR-1)
I have just received an approved waiver for my IR1 visa and awaiting nervously to receive my passport back with my visa in it. I am also extremely nervous about the POE experience. I wasn't expecting my visa to be refused and the last few months have been stressful. I don't really like flying much either and it is a long flight to LA so everything is just making me feel really anxious! Thank you for posting your experience though it has helped a lot.
