IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
#1
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11
IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
Hi!
Wondering if anyone has been on a similar situation that might be able to shed some light.
I'm on the final stages of the Immigrant visa process (counting the days to interview!), and now that the end is near, we are trying to figure out and plan the practicalities of our move (to Denver, Colorado).
So here is the situation:
I'm a Portuguese citizen (living in London for 14 years) and my husband is USC; we have been married for 10 years, together for 12 and have 2 children together, who they are both USC as well.
My husband is being transferred to US with his company and will have to move to the US before my visa interview at the London Embassy, and I'll stay behind with the kids.
The original plan was for us (me, plus 2 kids) to fly out to Denver, shortly after my interview at the London Embassy (and got the passport back, obviously), but after reading all the threads on POE woes, I'm re thinking this strategy!
So my question is: has anyone gone through POE on IR-1 visa with USC children?
My kids are very young (4 years old and 18 months by the time we move), so my doubts are:
Firstly, as they are US citizens, would they even be allowed into "secondary inspection" with me, should I be required to take that extra step?
Or even, would they be allowed to be "escorted" out of immigration part of the airport after their entry as USC, and into arrivals where my husband will be waiting for them?
My husband and I are trying to plan out flights, when to give notice on our flat, when to give notice at my job, kids nursery etc, and their own POE (as USC) is one major factor we can't find any information about...
I would like to try to avoid at all costs to have to keep them with me for hours on end (worse case scenario!) in Secondary inspection, so we might just plan for my husband to fly back to London to pick them up and fly to US with them, and I'll close up shop in London and fly by myself a few days later...
Any similar experiences?
Suggestions?
Ideas?
Wondering if anyone has been on a similar situation that might be able to shed some light.
I'm on the final stages of the Immigrant visa process (counting the days to interview!), and now that the end is near, we are trying to figure out and plan the practicalities of our move (to Denver, Colorado).
So here is the situation:
I'm a Portuguese citizen (living in London for 14 years) and my husband is USC; we have been married for 10 years, together for 12 and have 2 children together, who they are both USC as well.
My husband is being transferred to US with his company and will have to move to the US before my visa interview at the London Embassy, and I'll stay behind with the kids.
The original plan was for us (me, plus 2 kids) to fly out to Denver, shortly after my interview at the London Embassy (and got the passport back, obviously), but after reading all the threads on POE woes, I'm re thinking this strategy!
So my question is: has anyone gone through POE on IR-1 visa with USC children?
My kids are very young (4 years old and 18 months by the time we move), so my doubts are:
Firstly, as they are US citizens, would they even be allowed into "secondary inspection" with me, should I be required to take that extra step?
Or even, would they be allowed to be "escorted" out of immigration part of the airport after their entry as USC, and into arrivals where my husband will be waiting for them?
My husband and I are trying to plan out flights, when to give notice on our flat, when to give notice at my job, kids nursery etc, and their own POE (as USC) is one major factor we can't find any information about...
I would like to try to avoid at all costs to have to keep them with me for hours on end (worse case scenario!) in Secondary inspection, so we might just plan for my husband to fly back to London to pick them up and fly to US with them, and I'll close up shop in London and fly by myself a few days later...
Any similar experiences?
Suggestions?
Ideas?
#2
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
First of all, upon your arrival welcome to Denver! I've lived here for a year now and it's a great place. If you have any questions or need any help with anything please feel free to ask. Boiler and a few others are also located here in CO.
You won't be in Denver secondary for very long I'd imagine. I had to go through recently and I was in there less than 5 minutes - obviously may be different with young kids but they would certainly be allowed to wait in there with you. There was a selection of magazines on a table in there too which may provide them some sort of entertainment
You won't be in Denver secondary for very long I'd imagine. I had to go through recently and I was in there less than 5 minutes - obviously may be different with young kids but they would certainly be allowed to wait in there with you. There was a selection of magazines on a table in there too which may provide them some sort of entertainment
#3
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
You will have to go to secondary. It is not a matter of if but must. In secondary is where your paperwork that you will be carrying in the large envelope from the Consulate will be opened and the paperwork processed.
The children can, of course, come with you.
Will Denver be your first stop in the US or is there a connecting flight to Denver from somewhere else in the US, i.e. New York, Newark, etc. If so, you will be processed at that port of entry.
A suggestion is that perhaps you might want to fly from Ireland where inspection will occur before you board the plane. Someone who has done this route should be along to tell you about their experience.
The children can, of course, come with you.
Will Denver be your first stop in the US or is there a connecting flight to Denver from somewhere else in the US, i.e. New York, Newark, etc. If so, you will be processed at that port of entry.
A suggestion is that perhaps you might want to fly from Ireland where inspection will occur before you board the plane. Someone who has done this route should be along to tell you about their experience.
#4
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
You will have to go to secondary. It is not a matter of if but must. In secondary is where your paperwork that you will be carrying in the large envelope from the Consulate will be opened and the paperwork processed.
The children can, of course, come with you.
Will Denver be your first stop in the US or is there a connecting flight to Denver from somewhere else in the US, i.e. New York, Newark, etc. If so, you will be processed at that port of entry.
A suggestion is that perhaps you might want to fly from Ireland where inspection will occur before you board the plane. Someone who has done this route should be along to tell you about their experience.
The children can, of course, come with you.
Will Denver be your first stop in the US or is there a connecting flight to Denver from somewhere else in the US, i.e. New York, Newark, etc. If so, you will be processed at that port of entry.
A suggestion is that perhaps you might want to fly from Ireland where inspection will occur before you board the plane. Someone who has done this route should be along to tell you about their experience.
Thanks for the tip about flying through Ireland! Will explore that option as well!
#5
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 11
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
Thanks!
Really looking forward to living in Denver - have been going there every year for the past 10 years and definitely one of my favorite places in the US!
(always a shock to arrive back to the London weather after a few days in gorgeous Colorado!)
Really looking forward to living in Denver - have been going there every year for the past 10 years and definitely one of my favorite places in the US!
(always a shock to arrive back to the London weather after a few days in gorgeous Colorado!)
#6
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
A close friend just flew back Monday after a week's visit there with her son who is in college in Denver. She loves it and is seriously considering moving there when her divorce is final and the community property sold.
#7
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
I entered in Denver last October. Although I am a US citizen, as a matter of professional interest I observed the operation. I will say I was impressed - they are very helpful in guiding people to the right place.
#8
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
I think we've seen some people recently report that at JFK all their immigrant visa processing was done at the primary inspection and they didn't have to go to secondary. I don't think anyone has reported that for any other POEs though.
#9
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
No direct flights from Dublin or Shannon to Denver. However connecting flights would be a bit easier as your flight from Ireland would be treated as a domestic, so for instance if your onward connection leaves from the same terminal you wouldn't need to re-clear security.
#10
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
Also worth noting that the staff at DIA are extremely helpful and if you have any questions they should assist you (unlike most CBP officers where you may just get an unhelpful grunt in response to a question!)
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2016
Location: Northern California
Posts: 71
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
Follow up question for Rete:
I've flown via Dublin a couple of times on an ESTA and will be doing so again over Easter for a brief visit to my USC husband. It's so quick and painless there. Are you saying that you can go through the whole immigrant thing (I'll be moving as an immediate relative in August if all goes well) in Dublin? That would be awesome!
I've flown via Dublin a couple of times on an ESTA and will be doing so again over Easter for a brief visit to my USC husband. It's so quick and painless there. Are you saying that you can go through the whole immigrant thing (I'll be moving as an immediate relative in August if all goes well) in Dublin? That would be awesome!
#12
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
Follow up question for Rete:
I've flown via Dublin a couple of times on an ESTA and will be doing so again over Easter for a brief visit to my USC husband. It's so quick and painless there. Are you saying that you can go through the whole immigrant thing (I'll be moving as an immediate relative in August if all goes well) in Dublin? That would be awesome!
I've flown via Dublin a couple of times on an ESTA and will be doing so again over Easter for a brief visit to my USC husband. It's so quick and painless there. Are you saying that you can go through the whole immigrant thing (I'll be moving as an immediate relative in August if all goes well) in Dublin? That would be awesome!
Rene
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2016
Location: Northern California
Posts: 71
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
Thanks for quick reply Rene. I'll definitely be doing that then!
#14
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Joined: Jul 2017
Location: Hove, UK -> Rockville, MD
Posts: 37
Re: IR-1 POE question - going through POE with USC children
Good luck!