h0tr0dder_uk

Just a quick simple question. I am flying back to California tomorrow after my first holiday outside of the U.S.A. I have my 2 year permanent resident card. I was wondering which line I will need to get in at immigration? Im guessing foreign citizens but hoping I can go through the U.S citizens line as it should be quicker and I need to get to a connecting flight pretty quickly.

Thanks

fatbrit

It's common for PRs to enter on the USC line -- look for the signs. Hold your green card visible on the top of your passport so that anyone directing traffic knows you're a PR.

h0tr0dder_uk

Yay - I think that's what Im gonna try regardless

Ozzidoc

Are you landing in San Diego?

If so, as soon as you arrive and start heading towards the immigration area, keep to your left.

They've recently (finally!!) changed the queues to
1 (far left) US cits
2. PR and visa
Remaining. visitors.

Previously there was only 1 as above, or "others". I used to hang out in lane 2, do as suggested above, and make myself known to the immigration/queue controller. Always got bumped into line 1 as that queue dwindled.

h0tr0dder_uk

unfortunately Im landing in houston first so Im not sure what kind of lines they have.

tonrob

There will be a sign where the queues start. Just join the queue that's marked Permanent Residents. There's nothing more to it than that.

rpjs

I've entered with my Green Card by air twice now. At Dublin pre-clearance it was USCs + LPRs, at JFK there was a specific LPRs line. It really does depend on the airport. From what people have posted before there are or were a few places where LPRs couldn't use the USCs line (probably because the booths didn't have the fingerprint scanners) but that's rare.

Bob

Each airport, different rules.

Just look at the signs posted.

redglade

Houston - Permanent Residents join the same line as US Citizens. Still have to wait in line though.

h0tr0dder_uk

Thanks for all the replies. Just for future info for other people, there was a sign that pointed u.s citizens and permanents residents into the same line. I still had to queue but it was a damn sight shorter than the other line.

Englishman43

Same at LAX, place was a zoo Sunday night mind you.

Steve_

One of my relatives used to use the USC line at SAN even before he was an LPR. Couldn't be bothered to stand in line (heavy commuter), he used to just feign ignorance and he told me one time he just said: "by the way, my taxes pay your salary".

Ozzidoc

Charming.

tonrob

I'll see your Charming and raise you a Stupid...

Steve_

Yeah, he can be a wanker. But in fairness he had a point, he was there legally working, not as a visitor and he went through that POE very frequently. Not so much of an issue now with Global Entry.