Visiting DH in Michigan

[to_hope 0]

I just found out that I have next Thursday and Friday off from my job and so I was thinking of using my long weekend to surprise visit my DH in Michigan. I have not crossed the border since we applied for my immigrant visa. I understand that I should bring sufficient ties to Canada with me to show that I will indeed be returning, and therein lies my problem. I work as a nanny so while I could get a letter from the lady for whom I work, it wouldn't be on letterhead or anything like that. I also live with my parents right now (my mom was ill this past year so I moved home to help her recover) and I don't pay rent or have a lease. I don't have a car (I would be borrowing my parents' to visit DH).

Given this, do you think I should still try to cross? Does the POE officer usually have you go inside once you say you are visiting a spouse? The drive to where DH lives is 6 hours and the boarder is 1/2 way, so 3 hours.

Thanks!

[SpiritAlight 1]

You are borrowing a car that will be returned. Good.

That with a letter stating that you will be returning to work with the date expected back. Good.

Anything else, like bank books to show your life is in Canada might be good too.

Other VJers??

What say you?

Have a great trip!

[trailmix 77]

I just found out that I have next Thursday and Friday off from my job and so I was thinking of using my long weekend to surprise visit my DH in Michigan. I have not crossed the border since we applied for my immigrant visa. I understand that I should bring sufficient ties to Canada with me to show that I will indeed be returning, and therein lies my problem. I work as a nanny so while I could get a letter from the lady for whom I work, it wouldn't be on letterhead or anything like that. I also live with my parents right now (my mom was ill this past year so I moved home to help her recover) and I don't pay rent or have a lease. I don't have a car (I would be borrowing my parents' to visit DH).

Given this, do you think I should still try to cross? Does the POE officer usually have you go inside once you say you are visiting a spouse? The drive to where DH lives is 6 hours and the boarder is 1/2 way, so 3 hours.

Thanks!

I agree with Spirit.

Seems to me like you are looking at your 'ties to Canada' evidence as negative or not provable - when in fact, as Spirit mentioned - they are provable.

Have a good trip

[CDAgirlMI 51]

I think the letter from the people you work for with all their contact info is good. I don't know how professional it has to be though(letterhead). Maybe someone on here can correct me on that.

One question for you though: Can I come with you? lol...I'm kidding. My boyfriend lives in MI as well & I'm out of a car for the time being. He's been great & has come over, & sometimes comes to pick me up, take me to the US & brings me back home(never been interrogated about this yet. Just asked how long I'm staying). I do carry my rental agreement from my landlord for proof of me paying rent.

Have a great long weekend with your man!

[vanee 13]

I travelled to MI (from Vancouver) twice after we'd applied for a K-1. I was self-employed and didn't have have a lease, so I couldn't bring a letter from an employer or a lease agreement. Here's some of what I did bring:

• A letter from my landlady, which included her phone number (not on letterhead)
• My entire K-1 package
• Bank statements
• Appointment card for an upcoming appointment
• Knowledge of the immigration process

The first, second, and fifth items were the most important IMO. I was able to show that I understood the process and that I had intent to do things the legal way. Why would I risk anything by not waiting a few more months?

On my first trip after starting the K-1 process, the officer spent a long time looking through everything and asking me questions. The amount of documents in the K-1 package along with my knowledge of what I was doing convinced him that I probably wasn't going to stay in the country at that point. On my second trip (which was for a shorter visit), I didn't get asked any questions when I told the officer that I was visiting my fiance.

Be prepared, and good luck.

[Flames9_RN 358]

1) Always tell the TRUTH. never lie to the POE officer

2) Be confident in ur replies

3)keep ur response short and to the point, dont tell ur life story!!

4) look the POE officer in the eye when speaking to them. They are looking for people lieing and have been trained to find them!

5)pack light! No job resumes with you

6) Bring ties to Canada (letter from employer when ur expected back at work, lease, etc etc)

7) Always be polite, being rude isnt going to get ya anywhere, and could make things worse!!

8) have a plan in case u do get denied (be polite) It wont harm ur visa application if ur denied,that is if ur polite and didnt lie! Refer to #1

Best of luck

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I took my K-1 immigration package as well when I crossed the border. I was sent to secondary twice. In each case when they came to the K-1 application and attachments, they folded up the file, returned everything to me and said to have a nice visit. A copy of your immigration paperwork to date shows intent to follow the proper procedure - and that you have spent money to do so. It isn't proof that you won't stay but it goes a long way to reassuring the officer that you intend to follow the proper procedure to immigrate. Include that package along with your other evidence. Good luck and have a great visit. Oh, bring a letter of permission from your parents to drive their car into the US - just in case.

[to_hope 0]

I don't have copies of our paperwork; they are with my husband in Michigan. I guess I'll have to take my chances with that. I will definitely be telling nothing but the truth-- I wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize getting my visa! Thanks for all the helpful advice so far!