Just Visited My K-1 Fiancee in the US! All Went Well!

[Laurence+Lauren 0]

I’ve just got back from spending a wonderful week and a half with my fiancee, Lauren. I was apprehensive before I flew out to see her, as I knew it could be risky visiting while on the K-1. I’d just like to thank you all for your advice, and let you know how it went.

I met a guy on the plane on the way over who’d married through the K-1 system 10 years ago, and told him about what I was doing. He advised me not to even mention that I had a fiancee in the States. But I was already prepared with letters from my work and landlord, and bills, payslips etc, so I decided to go the honest route all the same.

The customs guy was a little intense, and had me worried at first. But once he saw that I’d proven ties back to the UK, and that I seemed up front and honest, he just said, “Yeah, you’re fine,” and stamped my passport.

I’m glad I didn’t take that man’s advice, even though he was only trying to help. Perhaps other officials might have given me a hard time, I guess it’s just the luck of the draw. If anyone is in a similar situation, take my advice and be honest!

[Gemmie 142]

Thanks for the info. Glad you had a good time, it's only your second visit, I see? I wouldn't have expected any problems there, but I guess you can never guarantee.

I've seen many people give the advice to not be too honest, not to mention a boyfriend or fiancee, but it's always worked for me thus far. It would look even more suspicious if I had followed everyone else and said "vacation" when it's my 8th time at the same city.

I'm flying out next week and plan on being honest and upfront.

Edited December 2, 2008 by Gemmie

[KimandRuss 0]

I'm really glad you got through and had a wonderful time.

POE officers dont normally have a record of the petition or your relationship with anyone in the States (unless you've mentioned it at some stage). But I would not recommend someone saying they are coming to 'visit their USC fiance' just because you got lucky. Some of us know what it's like when you aren't so lucky.

I can't see the point in adding the extra scrutiny when it is just as honest to say you are on vacation or staying with your friend? That's still the 'truth'.

Gemmie, you have a great point. I would assume that being that you've crossed the border so many times already, there would automatically already be added scrutiny on your visit. In that case, I would think that being completely honest (the whole truth and nothing but the whole truth) may work to your benefit. I hope it continues to.

However, our case proves that's not always how it goes.

Edited December 2, 2008 by KimandRuss

[Gemmie 142]

Yeah, it's difficult to know what to give as a reasoning.

Obviously I don't want to add scrutiny by saying "visiting USC fiance" but I also don't want to add any by saying "vacation" or "visiting friends" when I have so many entry stamps to Boston. (that was also Russ' POE many times, is it known as a "good" one, do you know?) One more question and they're going to find out that I'm staying with him anyway, and our relationship status.

[pushbrk 12,883]

I’ve just got back from spending a wonderful week and a half with my fiancee, Lauren. I was apprehensive before I flew out to see her, as I knew it could be risky visiting while on the K-1. I’d just like to thank you all for your advice, and let you know how it went.

I met a guy on the plane on the way over who’d married through the K-1 system 10 years ago, and told him about what I was doing. He advised me not to even mention that I had a fiancee in the States. But I was already prepared with letters from my work and landlord, and bills, payslips etc, so I decided to go the honest route all the same.

The customs guy was a little intense, and had me worried at first. But once he saw that I’d proven ties back to the UK, and that I seemed up front and honest, he just said, “Yeah, you’re fine,” and stamped my passport.

I’m glad I didn’t take that man’s advice, even though he was only trying to help. Perhaps other officials might have given me a hard time, I guess it’s just the luck of the draw. If anyone is in a similar situation, take my advice and be honest!

You probably would have been admitted regardless of whether you took his advice. It's false logic to conclude that since one method worked, another wouldn't have. Hence the saying, "There's more than one way to skin a cat."

[Gage 2]

I definitely think there's a fine line between being completely honest, outright lying, and not telling them more than they need to know.

Outright lying: "I'm here to conduct business." (when in fact you're not)

Completely Honest: "I'm here to visit my fiance'. Did I mention that we've filed K-1?"

Being a bit secretive: "I'm here for vacation and to visit friends. Boston is just my favorite city in the world!" (last part could be a lie, I guess)

Yes, my tongue is firmly planted in cheek, but I agree that there's no sense in telling them any more than is necessary. It might work out just fine, and it could lead to more questioning. At worst, it could result in you being denied entry if you get the wrong immigration officer.

[Koakland 0]

My fiance just went back to France after visiting me for a week. He didn't have any problems with the customs officer. He said he was here to visit. The customs officer asked him if it was for business. He said no. And then the customs guy stamped his passport. I told him to avoid the word fiance. worked great.

[Laura+Tom 2]

Sometimes I think where you are staying makes them ask more questions. I was asked why I was entering (this was my first trip to the US in a couple of years) and I said holiday. He then noted from my I-94W where I was flying onto and staying which was a very very small town in the middle of nowhere in PA. It caught his attention as why would I be holidaying there and not in some well known city. That's when I was forced to elaborate and say I was seeing my boyfriend and staying with his parents, luckily he was ok with it and we had a bit of banter before he let me through.

[Carlawarla 1]

Sometimes I think where you are staying makes them ask more questions. I was asked why I was entering (this was my first trip to the US in a couple of years) and I said holiday. He then noted from my I-94W where I was flying onto and staying which was a very very small town in the middle of nowhere in PA. It caught his attention as why would I be holidaying there and not in some well known city. That's when I was forced to elaborate and say I was seeing my boyfriend and staying with his parents, luckily he was ok with it and we had a bit of banter before he let me through.

I never thought about this before, but I tend to agree. Three times when I visited the US, twice to Florida, once to Hawaii, I was never questioned at all. Other times, particularly in more "non-traditional" vacation cities, I was scrutinized more closely.

OP, glad your visit went well and that you had no problems at the border!

Edited December 3, 2008 by Carlawarla

[KAT&Allie 0]

I came back yesterday and have to say this time it was the easiest entry I've ever had. The immigration guy didn't even ask me the purpose of my visit. He made a statement "you are visiting friends and family" to which I just nodded. Actually, I cannot remember exchanging a single word with him. I had all the docs with me as well as ESTA approval but this time none were needed. Thankfully.

Honestly, I had more trouble with a sniffer dog. It latched onto my little duty free bag and it would not leave it alone. And all I had in there was chocolate! Obviously had sophisticated tastes .

Can't believe how much I stressed over whether I'd be allowed entrance or not and as it turned out, needlessly.

[KimandRuss 0]

Gemmie, Russell's poe from NZ was always LAX but Logan has a pretty good rep from what I have gathered over the years.

He was actually denied entry in Dublin, IRE where they have US immigration before you enter the plane...sent through London and onto Auckland.

It does make a lot of sense that they would scrutinize places that are not known vacation spots here in the US. I think even moreso, they look at previous travel dates and length of stay. With ESTA now in place I would hope there would be less worry for those like us.

[Zoe and Hal 0]

Gemmie, Russell's poe from NZ was always LAX but Logan has a pretty good rep from what I have gathered over the years.

He was actually denied entry in Dublin, IRE where they have US immigration before you enter the plane...sent through London and onto Auckland.

It does make a lot of sense that they would scrutinize places that are not known vacation spots here in the US. I think even moreso, they look at previous travel dates and length of stay. With ESTA now in place I would hope there would be less worry for those like us.

I always used to fly into Chicago before I found out it was one of the worst places for questioning supposedly.... But last time I went, when I told the guy I was going to Columbus, he just laughed and waved me through... Wasn't quite sure how to take that!

[Jenni and Bo 0]

Hmmm...

I've gone through pre-clearance in Halifax most of my trips (save one) and I've always said I was going to see my fiance. I had ties to home, but all they were really worried about was a return ticket. I pretty much have to mention it when I travel in January, as one of my major ties will be my K-1 Interview in Montreal *lol*. I don't think it's a bad thing to say they're are visiting family and friends either. Just depends on personal preference

Glad you had a positive trip though

<3 Jen

[sam808 0]

I’ve just got back from spending a wonderful week and a half with my fiancee, Lauren. I was apprehensive before I flew out to see her, as I knew it could be risky visiting while on the K-1. I’d just like to thank you all for your advice, and let you know how it went.

I met a guy on the plane on the way over who’d married through the K-1 system 10 years ago, and told him about what I was doing. He advised me not to even mention that I had a fiancee in the States. But I was already prepared with letters from my work and landlord, and bills, payslips etc, so I decided to go the honest route all the same.

The customs guy was a little intense, and had me worried at first. But once he saw that I’d proven ties back to the UK, and that I seemed up front and honest, he just said, “Yeah, you’re fine,” and stamped my passport.

I’m glad I didn’t take that man’s advice, even though he was only trying to help. Perhaps other officials might have given me a hard time, I guess it’s just the luck of the draw. If anyone is in a similar situation, take my advice and be honest!

Yes I agree with you about honesty. If God wants it then no one can say no. God bless you on your journey.

[pushbrk 12,883]

I’ve just got back from spending a wonderful week and a half with my fiancee, Lauren. I was apprehensive before I flew out to see her, as I knew it could be risky visiting while on the K-1. I’d just like to thank you all for your advice, and let you know how it went.

I met a guy on the plane on the way over who’d married through the K-1 system 10 years ago, and told him about what I was doing. He advised me not to even mention that I had a fiancee in the States. But I was already prepared with letters from my work and landlord, and bills, payslips etc, so I decided to go the honest route all the same.

The customs guy was a little intense, and had me worried at first. But once he saw that I’d proven ties back to the UK, and that I seemed up front and honest, he just said, “Yeah, you’re fine,” and stamped my passport.

I’m glad I didn’t take that man’s advice, even though he was only trying to help. Perhaps other officials might have given me a hard time, I guess it’s just the luck of the draw. If anyone is in a similar situation, take my advice and be honest!

Yes I agree with you about honesty. If God wants it then no one can say no. God bless you on your journey.

Ok, but as an example do you want to conclude God didn't want Russ to visit Kim? Does giving credit for all trhings you like , mean you place blame for all those you don't like? Our own choices and actions have a lot of impact on results.