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U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. - Travel (35) - Nairaland

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Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by seyewest(m): 9:03am On Sep 05, 2017
jenny2007:


I forgot to add, incase if you are asked at POE why you didn't travel on the dates listed on your visa application, explain to the POE the reason for change of plans as you (mentioned here). Take any documentary evidence showing the post-ponement of the said training (I.e, from your office). This is just incase the POE needs to see this (he/she may or may not require it but better safe than sorry). Goodluck!
The problem here is this... it's a business visa and he must honor the reason the visa was given first before using the visa for any other purposes.

3 Likes

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by valeria: 2:02pm On Sep 05, 2017
In the spirit of giving back...
Thanks to Seyewest and other members of this forum, my questions were all answered and I landed JFK via Turkish airline at about 10.30am (not so sure cos I was exhausted).
We joined the queu for people with b1/b2 visas and I quickly used the self service point. In less than 3 minutes, we (daughter and I) were in front of an officer and transcript as follows
Officer: Welcome to the United States
Me: Thank you (handing over our slips and passports)
Officer: What is the purpose of your trip
Me: Vacation
Officer: who are you visiting?
Me: a friend
Officer: where did you know the friend from?
Me: we worked together in my company back in Nigeria (Naija English)
Officer: you own the company? (stamping our
passports)
Me: no I work for the company
Officer: what do you do back in Nigeria
Me: I am Bleep for XYZ company
Officer: how long are you staying?
Me: 16 days
Officer: hands over passports to me and then asked if I have any food items
Me: no except peanuts
Officer: enjoy your holiday
We left to the luggage area and picked our luggage and we were out in less than 5 minutes.
NB: if your intentions are clear, you have nothing to fear. We got a family visa stating we were traveling to Florida in April. Plans changed, we couldn't travel as a family and had to change destination. Nobody will kill you for that.
Meanwhile the guy in front of me was still being interrogated until I left. He had to bring out documents, pictures but the officer still wasn't convinced.
Hope this helps someone...

11 Likes

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by uniquema: 10:09pm On Sep 05, 2017
Hello house,
How can I ship something, from Nigeria to US at a cheaper rate.
Thanks
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by seyewest(m): 10:57pm On Sep 05, 2017
uniquema:
Hello house,
How can I ship something, from Nigeria to US at a cheaper rate.
Thanks
You're on the wrong thread.

1 Like

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by seyewest(m): 10:58pm On Sep 05, 2017
valeria:
In the spirit of giving back...
Thanks to Seyewest and other members of this forum, my questions were all answered and I landed JFK via Turkish airline at about 10.30am (not so sure cos I was exhausted).
We joined the queu for people with b1/b2 visas and I quickly used the self service point. In less than 3 minutes, we (daughter and I) were in front of an officer and transcript as follows
Officer: Welcome to the United States
Me: Thank you (handing over our slips and passports)
Officer: What is the purpose of your trip
Me: Vacation
Officer: who are you visiting?
Me: a friend
Officer: where did you know the friend from?
Me: we worked together in my company back in Nigeria (Naija English)
Officer: you own the company? (stamping our
passports)
Me: no I work for the company
Officer: what do you do back in Nigeria
Me: I am Bleep for XYZ company
Officer: how long are you staying?
Me: 16 days
Officer: hands over passports to me and then asked if I have any food items
Me: no except peanuts
Officer: enjoy your holiday
We left to the luggage area and picked our luggage and we were out in less than 5 minutes.
NB: if your intentions are clear, you have nothing to fear. We got a family visa stating we were traveling to Florida in April. Plans changed, we couldn't travel as a family and had to change destination. Nobody will kill you for that.
Meanwhile the guy in front of me was still being interrogated until I left. He had to bring out documents, pictures but the officer still wasn't convinced.
Hope this helps someone...
Enjoy your holidays.
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by uniquema: 3:28am On Sep 06, 2017
seyewest:

You're on the wrong thread.
OK. Thanks. But can you help me with the right thread. I am currently in the US. I forgot my stuff back home and want my wife to send it to me.
I'm due to go back in a few weeks time.

Thanks.
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by seyewest(m): 8:53am On Sep 06, 2017
uniquema:

OK. Thanks. But can you help me with the right thread. I am currently in the US. I forgot my stuff back home and want my wife to send it to me.
I'm due to go back in a few weeks time.

Thanks.
Google is your friend go through it you will find it.
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by chokey419(m): 9:47am On Sep 06, 2017
I am travelling to the states on the 27th of this month, been hearing alot of horror stories about Nigerian Customs/Immigration. Pls what are the things to expect from them? I am going on a family based visa so my ticket is one way, hope i wont have issues?
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Bigabbey22: 10:20am On Sep 06, 2017
Pls I need ur advice, I got my visa 4 months ago. I filled houston texas as my destination. But ticket to houston is too expensive so I intends to book lagos to newyork. My friends that just left last month said that if they question me at POE, I should just tell theme that my brother am visiting has relocated to Brooklyn new york, that is reason I come to newyork not housto again. Pls I need advice.
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Bigabbey22: 10:31am On Sep 06, 2017
Although I have brother am meeting at new york.
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by chokey419(m): 12:14pm On Sep 06, 2017
Travelling with British Airways transit through heathrow does one need a transit visa?
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Bossman(m): 6:41pm On Sep 06, 2017
No. As long as you are not leaving the airport.

chokey419:
Travelling with British Airways transit through heathrow does one need a transit visa?
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by seyewest(m): 7:53pm On Sep 06, 2017
chokey419:
I am travelling to the states on the 27th of this month, been hearing alot of horror stories about Nigerian Customs/Immigration. Pls what are the things to expect from them? I am going on a family based visa so my ticket is one way, hope i wont have issues?
You have no business with Nigerian custom/immigration unless you're traveling with drugs or a wanted person.

3 Likes

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by seyewest(m): 7:56pm On Sep 06, 2017
Bigabbey22:
Pls I need ur advice, I got my visa 4 months ago. I filled houston texas as my destination. But ticket to houston is too expensive so I intends to book lagos to newyork. My friends that just left last month said that if they question me at POE, I should just tell theme that my brother am visiting has relocated to Brooklyn new york, that is reason I come to newyork not housto again. Pls I need advice.
Why lie when you can tell them the truth which is not even an offense.
All you need to do is book a flight from Lagos to New York and get a ticket from New York to Houston. Please make sure you have purchased the ticket to Houston before leaving Nigeria if you don't want wahala.
If you actually want to visit New York instead of Houston due to the flooding and hurricane issue.. please have a genuine reason for your change of plan.

3 Likes

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by purplecircle: 10:13pm On Sep 06, 2017
Brother mi, dont let anyone scare you. It isn't an offence to enter through a different airport from your destination. Just tell them the truth about saving cost.
Infact they rarely ask for your next flight. But have your next flight plan.
In all be calm dont let what you read online scare you biko.
Just tell the truth.

Bigabbey22:
Pls I need ur advice, I got my visa 4 months ago. I filled houston texas as my destination. But ticket to houston is too expensive so I intends to book lagos to newyork. My friends that just left last month said that if they question me at POE, I should just tell theme that my brother am visiting has relocated to Brooklyn new york, that is reason I come to newyork not housto again. Pls I need advice.

2 Likes

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by purplecircle: 10:18pm On Sep 06, 2017
EXACTLY.. DONT LET ANYONE HERE SCARE YOU BIKO

Jephehe:
Hello Everyone,

I just wish to share my experience from US Visa application, POE and Itinerary.

I applied for US Visa to see a distance family friend in California that offered me an Invitation with his white lady. At the time of interview i said i am going to California and the Visa was issued to my whole family of 4.

The day we attended the interview our Host and his family was in Nigeria for their mother's burial.

After 4 months (The date in my DS-160 was a different one entirely) we all travel to New York and spend 2 days in NY and used a local flight to CA.

At the POE it was a never an interview setting as i have prepared for but just a smooth easy going thing.


last 2months I and my family flew to JFK NY and pick a local flight and head to Canada without any interview at the POE.

My kind advice is that since you have a valid US visa you can enter through any Airport in any part of US without stress, DS-160 information you filed in should not worry you.


Been there done that.

1 Like

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Coefficient(m): 12:00am On Sep 07, 2017
Since I've shared my interview experience in the other thread, let me tell my travel and POE experience here.

After a 2 day winding flight with Egypt Air, I landed at JFK amidst several foreign nationals, mostly Egyptian and eleven other Nigerians.

No intent to call out Nigerians here (I'm one), but the guys I flew with? They were one lousy bunch! Making noise all over the place. The rushed the food at Novotel in Cairo as if their lives depended on it.

There were two particular guys who met on board and struck friendship. They kept boring everyone with how they had traveled all over the world. One had been to the US before but the other hadn't. He talk endlessly about visiting Kenya, SA and India.

Once we settled into our rooms for the layover, they took off into Cairo in the dead of the night. They asked me to join them but I declined.

By the time, we were leaving the for the Airport the following morning, they were nowhere in sight. We left them behind and proceeded to retrieve our passports and board the next flight. Luckily for them, the flight was delayed and they arrived some 40 minutes later with stories of how they went clubbing and paid $300 for a bottle of Heineken at a top-end club. We boarded our flight to JFK a little later.

The food and entertainment way a far cry from the crap we ate on our departure from Nigeria. Not superb but the difference was evident.

At JFK, we all joined the queue. You could sense the nervousness in all the Nigerians save for the guy who had been in US before and myself. I wasn't even worried, I was just cold, tired and hungry.

I noticed one of the lousy guys was being hauled to secondary the moment he presented his documents.

For me,

CBP: Why are you in the US?
Me: I'm attending my cousin's wedding and spending my leave period here.
CBP: Is this your first time in the US?
Me: Yes
CBP: Cone with me please

Off we went to secondary. There were several people, different nationals there including my lousy guy and one other man who was separated from his wife. They took him only to secondary. They took the lousy dude inside and drilled him very well. I suspected they checked his phone too. His bags were thoroughly searched before they let him off.

All the while I was reading a book I had with me and glancing around intermittently. I just remembered I didn't know my cousin's exact DOB by heart, so I took out my phone to check. That's when noticed the no phones allowed sign. Luckily, I wasn't spotted.

After a while, one heavily dressed dude called my name and signaled to me. We entered a white room, more like an interrogation room. We started the visa interview all over again!

This dude asked me every single detail I filled in my form and I answered correctly since I filled it myself. He further requested my social media handles and I gave them to him. I'm sure he checked them out. Same for my email. By this time, I was angry cos I was cold and was gonna miss my bus. I asked if he wanted my office email too, in annoyance and he collected it.

He then did the most unusual thing; he asked me my cousin's date of birth which was not in my application! I answered almost immediately. He requested for the wedding RSVP, I pulled it out of my bag! This guy started smiling...lol.

There and then, the tone of the conversation became friendlier. He asked for my finances, travel itinerary and some other stuff. He ended up stamping me in for the stay of my duration with a lot of apologies...lol. I had missed my bus by then. I sauntered out to pick up my bag and disappeared into the city. The cold that hit me outside the Airport ehn, no be small thing. I was really tired and confused and ended up in a cab where the driver had his wife in the passenger seat in front...lol

I was suspicious at first so I tuned to my Lagos mode, ready for anything but they ended up being very helpful. Although, I still paid $85 for the trip to my destination.

5 Likes

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by doyinwbaby: 7:53am On Sep 07, 2017
Afroprince:
Best thing is to book a flight going thru Abu Dhabi and go through your US Border pass thru there....it is better than coming straight to the US. On arrival, u will be treated like a Domestic passenger in the US. Questions asked are : how much you have to the US, How long are you staying which you will have to back up with your return booking. That's all you guys need. Be bold and sound convincing and you are good. No one will turn you back if you are genuine.

do they stamp you in already at abu dhabi? or till u get to the us?
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by shrekandfiona: 4:50pm On Sep 07, 2017
Coefficient:
Since I've shared my interview experience in the other thread, let me tell my travel and POE experience here.

cheesy cheesy cheesy You are a really good writer. Very detailed, descriptive and funny. Enjoy your trip
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by pretty16(f): 5:43pm On Sep 07, 2017
chokey419:
I am travelling to the states on the 27th of this month, been hearing alot of horror stories about Nigerian Customs/Immigration. Pls what are the things to expect from them? I am going on a family based visa so my ticket is one way, hope i wont have issues?

Hi chokey. So happy for you bro. I wish u a safe trip. Did u get a cheap 1way ticket? Heard one way tickets are usually more expensive than 2way. We would be opting for Delta when we are ready cos its direct. Can't manage 2 hyperactive boys and have stopovers. Will keep u posted once we get CC. My mum called them last week and she was told the docs only got to their desk early August. Something they received June ending. So we should start counting 11weeks from August. Still waiting. At least am glad they have received and are working on it.
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Ddarkguy: 8:07pm On Sep 07, 2017
Hello everyone,
I bless and appreciate everyone who has contributed on this platform and most Esp, Seyewest.
Got in yesterday through JFK and it was seamless. I prepared well due to info garnered here but found favour from God.

Was given a priority treatment because my connecting flight was in 1hr.30min. I was given an orange colored card with my name pre written and boarding pass immediately we disembarked. With that I moved to the front line even though the queue wasn't too long with 95% white (about 50ppl rough est got there b4 me). Did self service and moved to the cbp.
Cbp: What did u say yes to on the declaration?
Me: Herbs (pronounced "Haaabs". went with Herbs- Agbo Jedi)
Cbp: looks confused like what's this guy saying?
Me: seeing the looks on his face I quickly added, plants! Herbs!!
Cbp: oh! Herbs (pronounced "Huubs". he corrected me. For his mind) Stamped me in for 6months and called an officer to lead me to Agric.
Agric: May we see the herbs,
Me: showed them.
Agric: oh it's dried. What's it for?
Me: Agbo Jedi. For excess Sugar extraction, cures pile
Agric: "full of smiles" ok. Do u have Indomie? Ewedu? Kilishi?
Me: No.
Agric: Have a safe flight and goodbye.
The entire process was unexpectedly easy and polite, respectful and very friendly.

Now working hard to fight this thing called Jetlag.
My opinion, if you got your Visa by being true and stick to ur purpose and location, your entry will be seamless.
Good luck to all intending travellers.
NB: I'm a first time traveller. No questions on duration of stay, amount of cash etcetera. That beats Me!

9 Likes

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Coefficient(m): 8:15pm On Sep 07, 2017
shrekandfiona:

cheesy cheesy cheesy You are a really good writer. Very detailed, descriptive and funny. Enjoy your trip

Well, I write for a living too tongue grin
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by seyewest(m): 8:51am On Sep 08, 2017
purplecircle:
EXACTLY.. DONT LET ANYONE HERE SCARE YOU BIKO

No one is scaring anybody... Do you know what they called be prepared for any eventuality?
You have to have everything planned and stay focus if not a small issue might turn out to be a big issue.
The reason for this thread is to help and share with people that it's not a big deal traveling to U.S so far they know the right thing to do and say according to the laid down rules.
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by seyewest(m): 8:58am On Sep 08, 2017
Coefficient:
Since I've shared my interview experience in the other thread, let me tell my travel and POE experience here.

After a 2 day winding flight with Egypt Air, I landed at JFK amidst several foreign nationals, mostly Egyptian and eleven other Nigerians

There and then, the tone of the conversation became friendlier. He asked for my finances, travel itinerary and some other stuff. He ended up stamping me in for the stay of my duration with a lot of apologies...lol. I had missed my bus by then. I sauntered out to pick up my bag and disappeared into the city. The cold that hit me outside the Airport ehn, no be small thing. I was really tired and confused and ended up in a cab where the driver had his wife in the passenger seat in front...lol

I was suspicious at first so I tuned to my Lagos mode, ready for anything but they ended up being very helpful. Although, I still paid $85 for the trip to my destination.

Nice one... I've learned so much from your trip and also you write well... enjoy your holiday.

1 Like

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Nobody: 10:01am On Sep 08, 2017
alright, I'd be ready to welcome any question from anyone but must not be far from the reason why the thread was created.
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Dynamitehimself(m): 4:28pm On Sep 08, 2017
I will be travelling to America first week of Oct.
Can I hold BTA in pounds instead of dollars.
Will that be a problem.
I mean 1000 pounds for 6 nights
I will be travelling from the UK
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by AmbLaraCrux(f): 5:53pm On Sep 08, 2017
Hello.

Thanks to the person who started this thread.
On the visa application form for B2, I filled 30days and I got 2 years. But now, am going for as long as 8months (I bought a return ticket from September 12 to April 27). Will that be an issue when am being asked how long?

Secondly, what's the minimum am expected to have as PTA for that long period. I know it's $4000 per quarter.

Thank you!!!
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by AmbLaraCrux(f): 5:53pm On Sep 08, 2017
Chascop:
alright, I'd be ready to welcome any question from anyone but must not be far from the reason why the thread was created.


Hello.

Thanks to the person who started this thread.
On the visa application form for B2, I filled 30days and I got 2 years. But now, am going for as long as 8months (I bought a return ticket from September 12 to April 27). Will that be an issue when am being asked how long?

Secondly, what's the minimum am expected to have as PTA for that long period. I know it's $4000 per quarter.

Thank you!!!
Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by ozim(m): 8:20pm On Sep 08, 2017
Hello guys, please, I would like to know if it will be wise for me to travel with any of our malaria drugs, cos when I visited Orlando Florida with my wife few months ago, she became very sick and all the meds I got didn't work like the ones in 9ja, our flight is end of this month and since we are staying 3months I was thinking of going with some meds, will I have any issues please?

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Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Nobody: 9:26pm On Sep 08, 2017
AmbLaraCrux:



Hello.

Thanks to the person who started this thread.
On the visa application form for B2, I filled 30days and I got 2 years. But now, am going for as long as 8months (I bought a return ticket from September 12 to April 27). Will that be an issue when am being asked how long?

Secondly, what's the minimum am expected to have as PTA for that long period. I know it's $4000 per quarter.

Thank you!!!


lol.. please don't mind my manners.
Firstly, you have a 2 year multiple entry. Please don't try what you're about planning on.

How can you buy a return ticket for that long period of time. Please Go back to the office (airline)that sold that ticket and reschedule it for that 30DAYS you stated during your visa application.
Secondly, the US homeland security will definitely arrest you, not just that, detain you and finally revoke your visa without mercy at the POE.

The maximum time required to stay in the US is 6 months. of course, no one would stamp 8months for you at the POE. What's your plan?


Make sure you don't deviate from your initial plan.
So, make sure you rectify that ticket issue and make it 60days.

And at the point of entry, tell them you're staying for 60days. Your return ticket is a clear evidence.


if you ever mention 8 months to their hearing, then just wait for the next available flight back to Naija..


Please, what's your purpose of visiting the US?

5 Likes

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Nobody: 9:29pm On Sep 08, 2017
ozim:
Hello guys, please, I would like to know if it will be wise for me to travel with any of our malaria drugs, cos when I visited Orlando Florida with my wife few months ago, she became very sick and all the meds I got didn't work like the ones in 9ja, our flight is end of this month and since we are staying 3months I was thinking of going with some meds, will I have any issues please?



Please treat her well before making any move. Don't try wat you're planning

1 Like

Re: U.S Visit: Port Of Entry Interview/stories. by Nobody: 9:30pm On Sep 08, 2017
Dynamitehimself:
I will be travelling to America first week of Oct.
Can I hold BTA in pounds instead of dollars.
Will that be a problem.
I mean 1000 pounds for 6 nights
I will be travelling from the UK

no problem but when asked, please tell them the truth. declare the amount you have. no deduction no addition

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