Processing time @ POE for Immigrant Visas - Newark, SFO

[aboltabol]

Hello,

Can anyone provide a sense for typical processing time for an IV visa holder, who is entering the country for the first time with family (4 persons in total)? I am trying to provide sufficient time (but not inordinately long) for a transit flight - if one is required. The likely transit point is Newark/EWR - but any experience/info that you can share about the processing time at immigration is welcome and useful! Also, any insight into the process is welcome - all I have are the visas and sealed packages for each of us. No idea what the process holds. Have entered and exited countless times on an NIV over the past 2 decades - which has always been a breeze. 

 

I understand that I must also allow sufficient time for customs inspections (given that the entry is on an IV - and I will have lots of luggage), I guess a customs check could easily take up to an hour - but any thoughts on that are welcome too! 

 

Many thanks!

- Deb