Note to Consulate made

[Trepko 0]

My fiancee was recently denied entry to the US. They said she didn't show enough evidence of ties to Canada. And they found a bunch of pictures of us and stuff and she said we were just friends. And they made a note to the consulate about it is what she told me. Should I be worried? What can/should I do? I also haven't sent in the application for a fiancee visa yet we're in the process of that. But I can't help but be worried.

I also haven't met her parents or family yet. My job won't allow me to take off until around January.

Edited September 9, 2008 by Trepko

[TBoneTX 45,328]

This is very curious. How did they "find" "a bunch of pictures of us and stuff"? What was the "stuff"? Was she searched? If so, why? To which consulate did the authorities make a note? And what is the "it" about which they made the note? Was she traveling by air or land, and through which U.S. port of entry? More elaboration, please, about the exact circumstances and everything that happened.

Especially with more details, others here can comment on the potential or actual ramifications (if any) of what happened.

[Trepko 0]

This is very curious. How did they "find" "a bunch of pictures of us and stuff"? What was the "stuff"? Was she searched? If so, why? To which consulate did the authorities make a note? And what is the "it" about which they made the note? Was she traveling by air or land, and through which U.S. port of entry? More elaboration, please, about the exact circumstances and everything that happened.

Especially with more details, others here can comment on the potential or actual ramifications (if any) of what happened.

They got suspicious because she had her cats with her and bought a one way. She's really scared to have her cats flying I had to beg her to fly here. And then I'd drive her back and could meet her parents. She told them we were staying because we're really good friends and she wanted to see me. She was entering through plane by Toronto flyiing to Dallas. She said we were friends and she had stayed here 2 months in June. So they searched her and found pictures of together and a card I had sent her with a bunch of lovey dovey stuff. They told her she could try again if she showed more ties. But they also said that a note to the consulate was made about the findings of the pictures and the card and the whole incident, I'm guessing.

She told the guy its because last time her cats almost died because her sister neglected them and its true. But he didn't seem to care at all. She was treated like a criminal right off the bat from what she told me.

Edited September 9, 2008 by Trepko

[TBoneTX 45,328]

Thanks for the elaboration. Holy mackerel -- the cats and the one-way ticket would convince ANY reasonable person that there was no strong intent (or any intent) to return, so that part should not be a surprise.

Wasn't there a kennel at home, or neighbors or other relatives, who could have cared for the cats during her absence? Before traveling, I always make sure well in advance that my cat will be properly taken care of.

It sounds as though the door is open for her to travel again, with proof of ties. (A boarding receipt from a kennel would be an excellent additional piece of that proof.) I speculate that the "note to the consulate" (hers in Canada?) might have been a scare tactic to impress upon your fiancee the need to satisfy the "proof" aspect next time. Furthermore, I doubt that this incident would have an impact on your upcoming K-1 filing. Others can comment more authoritatively on these inklings.

Next time, consider providing her a letter that delineates the nature and duration of her visit, including the idea of flying down and driving back, etc. Go the extra mile to alleviate reasonable suspicion. The Customs and Immigration people, even at airports, see a lot of weird stuff, and (believe it or not) they're human, too.

[Trepko 0]

So should she bring her cats with her? She is gonna buy a round trip this time and still bring her cats and bring her bank statement bills etc, letter from her employer and all that to show her ties. But is bringing her cats that much of a hassle? Its just this process is so frustrating for me and every little thing makes me go nuts about this whole process. Thanks for your time. It is much appreciated.

[TBoneTX 45,328]

Join the crowd -- most of us here are driven quite bananas by most steps in this debacle, which is why we're here to help.

Regarding the cats, I would never travel with mine as you suggest, but that's up to you and her, and to the health and temperament of the cats. It would be great if she can bring a copy of, let's say, an earlier e-mail in which she berates her sister for having neglected the cats; if not, you and your fiancee can start writing each other (before she buys her next ticket) and discuss the cat situation, and she should bring copies of those communications. Although traveling round-trip with cats would be viewed as exceptionally uncommon, these steps should help alleviate some suspicions at port of entry.

The letter from her employer should optimally state, along with the usual, that she is continuously employed and is expected back at work on a specific date.

"Preponderance of the evidence to convince a reasonable person" is your aim. That's about all that I can suggest; do these things, and I anticipate a better experience for her this time.

Edited September 9, 2008 by TBoneTX

[Trepko 0]

Join the crowd -- most of us here are driven quite bananas by most steps in this debacle, which is why we're here to help.

Regarding the cats, I would never travel with mine as you suggest, but that's up to you and her, and to the health and temperament of the cats. It would be great if she can bring a copy of, let's say, an earlier e-mail in which she berates her sister for having neglected the cats; if not, you and your fiancee can start writing each other (before she buys her next ticket) and discuss the cat situation, and she should bring copies of those communications. Although traveling round-trip with cats would be viewed as exceptionally uncommon, these steps should help alleviate some suspicions at port of entry.

The letter from her employer should optimally state, along with the usual, that she is continuously employed and is expected back at work on a specific date.

"Preponderance of the evidence to convince a reasonable person" is your aim. That's about all that I can suggest; do these things, and I anticipate a better experience for her this time.

When you say its exceptionally uncommon to go round trip with cats is that a good or bad thing? Like people normally leave them or something? Sorry for all the questions. But I really appreciate your time.

I read on the immigration site that I file for my K-1 at the Vermont service center??? ISn't there one here in Texas?

Edited September 9, 2008 by Trepko

[Trepko 0]

Also, I haven't met her family yet is that not good? My job won't let me take vacation till January.

[Carlawarla 1]

Also, I haven't met her family yet is that not good? My job won't let me take vacation till January.

First off...take a deep BREATH! Having a one way ticket and cats in her car...yes, I'm sure they did pull her over to secondary. Did she use a passport to cross? Did they have her sign anything or stamp anything in her passport? If not, yes, with further proof of ties to Canada she can try to cross again. If they had her sign anything, took her fingerprints, or marked anything on her passport, then no...until she had a "visa", she probably wouldn't be able to come back for a visit. If they stamped nothing, and just told her to bring more proof next time, then do so. Being denied entry to the US from Canada, happens to quite a few people, because they didn't bring enough evidence of their return to Canada. It might be brought up at your K-1 interview, and you can tell them what happened. They don't hold it against you.

Yes, most people do have someone to look after their animals when they're travelling. However maybe no one would look after them for two months. If she has to bring them, she has to bring them. That's not why she was pulled into secondary. Seeing pictures of you both together, they're doing their job asking who the people are, and what your relationship is. Are you engaged? Are you going to be filing a K-1? Then tell her not to lie. You're a friend yes, but in fact, you're her boyfriend, or fiance at this point. Saying you're a friend, but them seeing pictures of you two hugging and kissing say...they're going to question this. And if she's caught lying, boy..the consquences could be she's not allowed back in the US again, period! Don't play games with the people at the Border.

You don't have to have met her family to apply for a K-1. This is between both of you guys. By the way, how old are you?

Bank statements, rent receipts, the letter from her employer is excellent...have the letter outline when she's returning to work...that is good proof. But be aware, they can still deny, or ask for more proof.

I see where she's playing with fire bringing stuff that suggests you're more than friends, and then not telling them your real relationship. Be careful you don't get burned!

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=93

For this and other Canadian related questions check out the Canada forum here on VJ.

[pushbrk 12,903]

She told them we were staying because we're really good friends and she wanted to see me. She was entering through plane by Toronto flyiing to Dallas. She said we were friends and she had stayed here 2 months in June. So they searched her and found pictures of together and a card I had sent her with a bunch of lovey dovey stuff. They told her she could try again if she showed more ties. But they also said that a note to the consulate was made about the findings of the pictures and the card and the whole incident, I'm guessing.

Your fiancee lied to a CBP officer about the nature of your relationship. This is a very serious matter, probably the most significant issue you've raised. Add, the note to the Consulate and things could go either way.

In the future, if she can't leave her cats in Canada, it makes more sense for you to do the visiting.

[KimandRuss 0]

My fiance was denied entry a year ago...although, they call it "allowed to withdraw his petition for entry".

They stamped his passport and he lost his VWP priveledges. Usually they conduct a short interivew and you must sign a paper stating all the Q & A and findings which every department having to do with immigration will have/know about. Not sure they have the same procedure at land crossing.

As pushbrk stated, the fact that she lied is not good. That is your greatest battle at this stage. Be completely honest from here on out and expect to address this.

[Trepko 0]

They didn't stamp anything on her passport they just took her fingerprints. The guy also told her she could try again tomorrow if she wanted she just needed more ties.

Edited September 9, 2008 by Trepko

[pushbrk 12,903]

They didn't stamp anything on her passport they just took her fingerprints. The guy also told her she could try again tomorrow if she wanted she just needed more ties.

Then, she was lucky with respect to a possible later entry to visit but it sounds like you don't know what was in the note to the Consulate. Lying to a CBP officer is a very bad idea.

[Trepko 0]

They didn't stamp anything on her passport they just took her fingerprints. The guy also told her she could try again tomorrow if she wanted she just needed more ties.

Then, she was lucky with respect to a possible later entry to visit but it sounds like you don't know what was in the note to the Consulate. Lying to a CBP officer is a very bad idea.

What was noted was a card I had sent her with a bunch of lovey dovey stuff about the possibility of marriage and what not... She should've left it I know, but she's only a girl.

[pushbrk 12,903]

They didn't stamp anything on her passport they just took her fingerprints. The guy also told her she could try again tomorrow if she wanted she just needed more ties.

Then, she was lucky with respect to a possible later entry to visit but it sounds like you don't know what was in the note to the Consulate. Lying to a CBP officer is a very bad idea.

What was noted was a card I had sent her with a bunch of lovey dovey stuff about the possibility of marriage and what not... She should've left it I know, but she's only a girl.

No, the mistake was the lie. Time to put aside the denial and face facts. One way ticket, bringing the pets and the lie were the mistakes. Bringing the card is what got her "caught" in the lie. It's the lies that have to stop.