Visa Waiver Question

[sanfrans 0]

Hello,

Me and my girlfriend lived together for a couple of months in Europe, then few days ago she left for the US not to overstay her 90 days in the Schengen area and to spend Christmas time with her family.

Last year I have been the one who traveled there (4 times), because she couldn't take days off from work and I was still a student, with few exams to graduate (no classes and no laboratories).

The problem is that now I'm looking for jobs (graduated last month), and I don't have anymore the "magic" papers from University showing the "strong tie".

Since in the past I got grilled about the reason of my trip (I never lied about having a girlfriend in the US, and I'm the kind of person that cannot lie without blushing or sweating or...) I'm worried that without any proof I will be denied to spend Christmas time with my girlfriend and her family (flight booked for a total amount of 16 days in the US).

Any advice about what I can bring? Right now I live with my parents to save money on the rent, and I got just emails from employers across Europe about phone interviews. Will the emails be enough together with papers from my bank?

[canadian_wife 1,827]

What have you been asked to present in the past?

The e-mails showing job interviews is good, what about a car note? Or a bank statement? Or a letter from your parents indicating an expected return date? Cell phone bills?

Good luck

[sanfrans 0]

What have you been asked to present in the past?

The e-mails showing job interviews is good, what about a car note? Or a bank statement? Or a letter from your parents indicating an expected return date? Cell phone bills?

Good luck

I have been asked about the reason of the trip (except the first time I always said I was going to visit my gf), about my occupation, how serious was between us and if we were planning on getting married.

I'm worried because in the past I used to bring with me a pile of documents certifying I was almost done with a long University career, and that made me feel comfortable.

Right now I can bring the emails about the job interviews I have planned in January, and a bank statement about my funds and credit card.

Edit: I was never asked to show anything I brought with me to a CBP officer

Edited December 22, 2011 by sanfrans

[jaycali 415]

I've been in the exact same situation as you many times. I was on an F-1 visa in the US for 3 years, had a gf and after I went home I visited her twice a year for 60 - 90 days. I was always extremely worried and nervous when approaching the CBP officer admitting I had been to the US for "88 days, and left 6 weeks ago", but I never really ran into much trouble. Of course, they never actually asked if I had a gf, and I always stayed with my friend from college so when asked who I was visiting, I would say "a friend from college." Nearly every time, the CBP officer was nice and courteous, stamped my passport and said "have a nice stay!"

I guess in my case it actually helped tremendously that I had been a student for 3 years, went home (as I should) before my grace period ended, and always returned home within 90 days when traveling on the VWP.

I did get guided into secondary one time at LAX though when I visited in march 2008 (had just spent 56 days in LA in November - January 07/08) and I stated that I was intending to visit for 2 months. They never asked me to prove ties or anything. I was just brought into secondary whle the officer looked through my passport and his computer. I think the only two questions I got were "Have you ever been to the United States before?" and "What do you do back home?" - To which I replied "Yes, I was here for a long time when i was a student" and "I plan to start work again in May when I get home as a receptionist." I was only equppied with the phone number of my prospective boss who had said there'd be a big chance i'd be able to work there in May. The CBP officer though never asked for any evidence to this.

I don't know what country you're from, I'm from Norway, which has a really good economy and virtually no unemployment, but I doubt it would make a difference whether you're from Norway or Italy or any other visa waiver country.

I just say be in a good mood, be clear on your intentions, and BE HONEST. While i say to be honest, that does not mean you need to volunteer any information. I wouldn't automatically say "I'm visiting my girlfriend" but if the officer asks who you're staying with, say that. If she plans to visit you any time soon in your country, definitely add that in there too.. For example "I'm visiting her now for christmas, and then she will visit me for Easter." bring any document you can conjure up that proves some sort of ties to your country (the emails are a great idea!) and best of luck!

In the end, it all depends on the CBP officer greeting you at the airport, and whether he believes you'll return. My experience is, if you're from a visa waiver country, and have a record of returning within 90 days, you'll be pleasantly surprised. I used to spend countless nights worrying, only to come to the airport, get a stamp in my passport and a pleasant "enjoy your stay!"