US Entry on Saturday

[Gemmie 142]

I'm going to the US on Saturday after only 7 weeks. I'm worried that I'll be denied entry, even though I have a copy of registration from uni (until June 09), apartment contract (July 09)... emails with my professor talking about an upcoming project.

My question is, when the officer asks why I'm visiting, is it safer to say "visiting fiancee" or "visiting family"? Obviously I don't intend to stay... I don't want him to get suspicious if I say fiancee but I don't want him to think I'm lying if he asks more about the family members and *then* I say fiancee.

[payxibka 10,047]

"on holiday".......

[Scarlett 0]

I'm going to the US on Saturday after only 7 weeks. I'm worried that I'll be denied entry, even though I have a copy of registration from uni (until June 09), apartment contract (July 09)... emails with my professor talking about an upcoming project.

My question is, when the officer asks why I'm visiting, is it safer to say "visiting fiancee" or "visiting family"? Obviously I don't intend to stay... I don't want him to get suspicious if I say fiancee but I don't want him to think I'm lying if he asks more about the family members and *then* I say fiancee.

Hi Gemmie

I have been in and out of the US several times since I started this process. I always told the truth but never offered extra information. I tended to use the word "boyfriend" rather than "fiance" when they asked me who I was visiting, just cos that doesn't seem like a lie. Twice I have been asked "Are you going to get married?" and I said (as charmingly as I could) "Well, I hope so one day, but not on this visit, I know the rules about that".

I am sure you'll be fine, especially if you take that information about all your ties to the UK.

Have fun

[paul1979 0]

I'm going to the US on Saturday after only 7 weeks. I'm worried that I'll be denied entry, even though I have a copy of registration from uni (until June 09), apartment contract (July 09)... emails with my professor talking about an upcoming project.

My question is, when the officer asks why I'm visiting, is it safer to say "visiting fiancee" or "visiting family"? Obviously I don't intend to stay... I don't want him to get suspicious if I say fiancee but I don't want him to think I'm lying if he asks more about the family members and *then* I say fiancee.

I would try to avoid it unless directly asked. Never lie. When I went a month ago I was asked the following:

1. What is your final destination?

2. What is the purpose of your visit?

3. How long are you here for?

4. What do you do in the UK?

5. When were you last in the US?

6. Did you purchase a return ticket?

I answered question two with "Vacation" and was not asked anything further. I didn't elaborate on any of my answers, just one/two word answers. I'd recommend you do the same. Of course if you're returning after just 7 weeks they may ask you more. I had evidence of my return just in case but never needed any of it.

[Scarlett 0]

I'm going to the US on Saturday after only 7 weeks. I'm worried that I'll be denied entry, even though I have a copy of registration from uni (until June 09), apartment contract (July 09)... emails with my professor talking about an upcoming project.

My question is, when the officer asks why I'm visiting, is it safer to say "visiting fiancee" or "visiting family"? Obviously I don't intend to stay... I don't want him to get suspicious if I say fiancee but I don't want him to think I'm lying if he asks more about the family members and *then* I say fiancee.

I would try to avoid it unless directly asked. Never lie. When I went a month ago I was asked the following:

1. What is your final destination?

2. What is the purpose of your visit?

3. How long are you here for?

4. What do you do in the UK?

5. When were you last in the US?

6. Did you purchase a return ticket?

I answered question two with "Vacation" and was not asked anything further. I didn't elaborate on any of my answers, just one/two word answers. I'd recommend you do the same. Of course if you're returning after just 7 weeks they may ask you more. I had evidence of my return just in case but never needed any of it.

Yes, those questions sound very familiar. But they did always seem to ask me who I was visiting. I might assume that they are surprised to see young women holidaying alone...

Another thing I rememebered is that I used to take my engagement ring off to travel, just so as not to draw attention. Probably not necessary, but we can't help but worry a bit.

[Gemmie 142]

So is claiming to visit a boyfriend not lying?

I've always said fiancee in the past and a few times I've been asked when we're getting married but I've just said "in 2 years, I have school."

Perhaps saying that I'm visiting my fiancee before school starts up again? I don't want to draw any attention but of course I don't want to say anything that can be taken as a lie.

[Scarlett 0]

So is claiming to visit a boyfriend not lying?

I've always said fiancee in the past and a few times I've been asked when we're getting married but I've just said "in 2 years, I have school."

Perhaps saying that I'm visiting my fiancee before school starts up again? I don't want to draw any attention but of course I don't want to say anything that can be taken as a lie.

I don't think saying boyfriend is lying, he is still my boyfriend. I guess its all a personal call, and I don't think it will make any difference in reality.

[payxibka 10,047]

So is claiming to visit a boyfriend not lying?

Why would it be?

All Fiance(e)'s are either a boy or a girl and is a friend.....

In the same way answering "I am here to visit a friend" would not be lying, as all boy or girl friends are friends. At least I hope they are friends....

[bakofoil 27]

I agree that saying 'boyfriend' is not a misrepresentation. I also think that saying 'vacation' is a very good way to deal with the purpose of visit question.

I recall one occasion I visited that I was asked 1) Purpose of your visit and 2) who will you be staying with. I answered 'vacation' and 'fiance'. The lady then went on to ask me when we were going to get married. I said 'next year sometime after we have our visa approval'.

If you are asked similar, I suggest that you state you want to complete your university studies first. Just be confident and concise with your answers. It's always a worry but I doubt you'll have any problems.

Good luck and have a great time!

[Nicoxcx 1]

They will certainly question you further, I was asked how I got my money, who paid for my trip and asked to provide proof I was a fulltime student, I had my student cards that seemed to be enough to convince them I would be returning home. I also provided my previous student card to show I was completing a 3 year course. When I mentioned I was studying Childcare I was asked to explain what that was, that was very strange!

Like bakofoil said be confident with your answers , dont get caught up in a conversation if he/she asks you something give them the answer. You will be absolutely fine Gemmie, you have plenty of evidence showing you will return home. I would personally say 'Boyfriend' I was also asked if we were going to get married.

Do they keep you on file? your fingerprints & Photograph? I have always wondered that.

[ginger1981 0]

I understand that this is going the other way around...but UK customs IMHO are almost...if not just as ####### as US customs. I usually replied I was on vacation/holiday. If they asked who I usually said friends...as I am friends with my now husbands family. I have been grilled good a few times by UK customs but as long as you don't elaborate on your answers more than needed, you should be fine.

Anyways, I tend to fly into Ireland most of the time these days. There has been times there where they don't even stamp my passport...I bet if the Brits knew that they would be more keen on having passport control from flights coming in from Ireland.

[Jeraly 4]

I said I was visiting a friend for the longest time, they always wanted to know if they were male or female as well I always put a residential address on the VW form thing though so I guess that is why they asked - if it was a hotel I guess they might not have been so worried.

When I went across in Feb I said I was visiting my boyfriend for Valentine's Day and it was the only time I ever got asked if I was going to get married - to which I of course answered "no". I decided that it wasn't the time there for me to go into the ins and outs of the K-1 process, USCIS taking forever and a non-legal ceremony

[NickyMcMillan 0]

Just be prepared to answer questions as to why your returning to the US on VWP (I assume that's how you expect to gain entry) only seven weeks after your last visit. Sounds like you will have lots of supporting evidence to prove your ties in the UK.

Most people will get through ok even with multiple visits, but denials are not uncommon. I never had any problems, with my three visits to the states, but they were spread out over 18 months.

Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

[NickyMcMillan 0]

I understand that this is going the other way around...but UK customs IMHO are almost...if not just as ####### as US customs. I usually replied I was on vacation/holiday. If they asked who I usually said friends...as I am friends with my now husbands family. I have been grilled good a few times by UK customs but as long as you don't elaborate on your answers more than needed, you should be fine.

Anyways, I tend to fly into Ireland most of the time these days. There has been times there where they don't even stamp my passport...I bet if the Brits knew that they would be more keen on having passport control from flights coming in from Ireland.

Sadly that option will be closed soon. Passport control will be implemented for Irish-UK flights from 2009. Not that you will have any probs with the UK next year, as you will be with me.

[ginger1981 0]

I understand that this is going the other way around...but UK customs IMHO are almost...if not just as ####### as US customs. I usually replied I was on vacation/holiday. If they asked who I usually said friends...as I am friends with my now husbands family. I have been grilled good a few times by UK customs but as long as you don't elaborate on your answers more than needed, you should be fine.

Anyways, I tend to fly into Ireland most of the time these days. There has been times there where they don't even stamp my passport...I bet if the Brits knew that they would be more keen on having passport control from flights coming in from Ireland.

Sadly that option will be closed soon. Passport control will be implemented for Irish-UK flights from 2009. Not that you will have any probs with the UK next year, as you will be with me.

They finally caught on eh? I think most passport control in Dub cared more about when their next pie break was going to be