by jmo2002

i would like to ask anyone who knows something regarding this issue.... my petitioning hospital is in new york but we are planning to go first to california to see relatives. will there be any conflict regarding our port of entry. we already asked our employer's permission regarding this and they allowed us. we're just concern regarding having problems when we arrive there especially with the immigration officers. thankls! we will appreciate your help!!!!!!!!

Re: port of entry. help!

It is not up to your agency but what was submitted with your petition and other documents. You cannot enter in CA, if your paperwork will not be there. All sorts of headaches foir you.

You must enter where your arrival documents will be.

Contact your immigration attorney, do not take the word of the agency. They are incorrect.

Re: port of entry. help!

Originally Posted by suzanne4

It is not up to your agency but what was submitted with your petition and other documents. You cannot enter in CA, if your paperwork will not be there. All sorts of headaches foir you.

You must enter where your arrival documents will be.

Contact your immigration attorney, do not take the word of the agency. They are incorrect.

i asked my agency from new york regarding the issue, and they were the one who allowed us. i also asked our lawyer, though she said there are no conflicts i am still worried. and you are right it is a source a big cracking headache, and endless worries. because i had some classmates who planned doing the same thing but still ended going first to their petitioner's state. thanks for your advice.

Re: port of entry. help!

Avoid troubles as much as possible - that is one of my mottos. If entering LA as port of entry can get you into trouble, avoid it.

You may visit California later, when all your papers are completed.

Re: port of entry. help!

I know two people who had different ports of entry.

One was bound for Texas but visited relatives in Michigan for 2 weeks
The other bound for Maryland but visited LA for a week.

I believe both were asked about it... they just said they're there to visit friends/relatives. No big fuss.

Re: port of entry. help!

Immigration states that for the green card port of entry, it must be the same as what is on the petition.

You want to chance it be my guest, but I would not do it. They are becoming more strict and more are sticking to what the legal policy is. If you do not want a problem, go in thru the port of entry, or see if your attorney can get it changed.

Otherwise, you can spend a great deal of undues stress trying to get it sorted out.

I am telling you the legal way to do things; if you chose the other route, do so at your own risk.

Re: port of entry. help!

Another important/practical consideration is your free luggage allowance. It will definitely be down from an international flight luggage allowance of 70 lbs each to a domestic luggage allowance of up to 50 lbs each (Northwest Airline). That is, if you fly in from Manila to CA (Int'l), spend time/days with your relatives, then fly out to NY (Domestic).