My fiancé is planning to move out in 3 weeks, and the moving company needs him to
fill our customs forms for his goods. The forms ask what is the purpose of his visit.
One of the options is "emigration". But since the K-1 is a non-immigrant visa,
shouldn't he select "visitor" instead, even though he will be effectively emigrating?
Also, the moving company said we need detailed records of what is in the boxes. Does
that mean that we have to list every title in a box of books, or can we just say "Box
10 - Books"?

Diane M.

Although the K-1 is a non-immigration visa, he is coming to the US with the express permission of the INS to migrate. He lists the purpose as "emigration".

As to the listing of boxes and contents, yes, that is the preferrable way to go, "Box 10 - books"; "Box 11 - Kitcheware". If there are electronics, i.e. televisions, stereos, computers, etc., list the serial numbers of the items. Jim did this and the moving company had absolutely no problems with getting his items through customs. They also require a copied of his K-1. Plus, he had to enter the US before his goods did. Although others on the NG sending items from across the Atlanta/Pacific didn't have a problem with the items coming before them.

Rita

Our boxes were labelled very vaguely. We didn't list any of this on the US Govt. customs forms as none of our goods were liable for duty. When you migrate, your possessions are classed as household effects. We were advised by our international relocation agent to leave the forms blank (other than name/address/passport no etc) otherwise the boxes could be inspected (for a fee, of course). Our container cleared customs within 2 days of arrival, without being opened.

You would be wise to have a detailed inventory of your boxes, however, along with full replacement values for each item. Should anything gets lost or damaged on the way, you would be able to make an insurance claim. This is totally separate from the customs requirements though.