Crossing border to the US to visit bf

[SapphireDreams 71]

I would just say boyfriend or friend. There's no point in lying, it'll just make you look like you're hiding something.

The question that is going to prompt a red flag is "how long are you staying?" and when you say 5 months, they'll start to wonder what reason you have to come back.

[Floella 1]

They'll usually ask what kind of family. Like my dad's sister lives in Chicago and my dad always has to say, "I am going to visit my sister" or I have to say, "I am going to stay with my aunt" and so forth. The only issue with saying that is if they think you were trying to hide things and then they might turn you away with your record saying you lied. It will make your future visits much harder.

I know being turned away is hard, but you don't want your record saying you lied either.

It's probably better to say you're staying with a friend rather than family, because a boyfriend is not technically family. I mean, if they probe, you can always say that you are interested in this guy and you are hoping this trip will help you decide if the relationship will work out long term or not.

[Melissa&Ryan 1]

Good Luck on your trip. Im really hopping you dont have to go threw all the stuff some of us did... Please let us know how it went ? thank you

[sheeshkabelle 153]

I'm a little confused, I get responses saying to tell the truth about visiting my bf, and responses saying to tell them I'm visiting a friend? Which would be more wise?

I will try to fit my things in one suitcase, and have my parents send me the rest in the mail. If they ask for how long, I will have to say 5 months, what else could I say anyway, it's right there on my return ticket.

Also, I will be flying to Toronto and then to Cincinnati, will I have to go through questioning in Toronto, or just Cincinnati?

To update my list a bit, this is what I have as proof of return:

- Letter from employee stating I will be returning to work after my return to Canada (I'm going to be replacing a full time teacher who is going on maternity leave, did not mention that earlier sorry)

- Letter from my bf stating how long I will be staying with him and his family, and when I will be returning

- Letter from my parents stating that I am living with them, and will be returning to live with them on my return date

- Bank statement + Cash, showing how much money I have, that I can support myself for the entire 5 months (which I easily can)

- Pay stubs from last year and this year, along with my record of employment from last year

- My cell phone bill payment history and contract end date (to show that I have a contract tie in Canada)

- A return ticket

- Travel insurance for the duration of my stay, which expires on my return date

I am so incredibly nervous and have not been able to relax, I understand it's possible to be declined I'm just really really not wanting that to happen. Is my updated list, a better representation that I will be returning?

Will bringing my tax papers help? Will showing my ties to student loans help? Or should I skip those?

Thanks for all the replies by the way!!

Oh and I don't have a lease! I don't own a house or rent an apartment, I live at home with my parents! So I Can show any proof of a house back in Canada.

You will go through Customs in Toronto. Once you go through that line, check your luggage, talk to customs, and waiting on that plane to Cincinnati, you can breathe.

I've always told them BF, Fiance, Husband when they ask what's the purpose of my visit. I just bring proof I will be going home. I stayed 4 months last time and didn't have an issue. It might also help my cause that I have kids. They always ask me that.

They do look at you a little funny and continue on the questions. Just try to not panic. Stay calm, be polite, answer all questions honestly, show your proof and I think you will be fine.

I believe once you make the trip a few times, they scan your passport and see you ALWAYS go home, when you say you're going home, it makes a difference.

Hubby was held up at Calgary when he came down last Christmas. They held him up in customs so long his missed his flight. The customs officer wanted to know why he hadn't filed for a visa yet and he answered honestly that we were saving up the money for the fees, moving expenses etc. He said the guy was kind of a jerk, but hubby stayed calm and was polite. They did let him in but put a stamp on his passport and date for two days after his return ticket stating he HAD to be back in Canada by that date.

He sent me a text 'I don't think they're going to let me in' I freaked. You're not supposed to use your cell phone while in Customs for any reason, so I was texting him back and never got an answer until 2 1/2 hours later!