Return Ticket Required At POE?

[LnS 1]

My Russian girlfriend will be returning to the US on a tourist visa. As I mentioned in another thread, she stayed here in the US 5 weeks last time and will be returning after 8 weeks of being in Russia. When she came last time, they didn't ask for anything except her passport and asked if she brought any food. But I'm wondering if her staying here 5 weeks, then returning after only 8 weeks might prompt them to ask to see a return ticket? We would prefer not to buy one beforehand because we don't know what date she will leave and tickets are non-refundable and charge big penalties for changing dates. Please advise

[amykathleen2005 441]

Look at it from their point of view. Someone comes into the country multiple times for long periods of time in a year and has no way of returning home or a set date that he or she plans to leave. Seems like someone looking to stay (at least from their pov).

I would go for the return ticket.

Edited July 26, 2012 by amykathleen2005

[Boiler 46,000]

Return tickets are much cheaper.

[Dave&Roza 748]

My Russian girlfriend will be returning to the US on a tourist visa. As I mentioned in another thread, she stayed here in the US 5 weeks last time and will be returning after 8 weeks of being in Russia. When she came last time, they didn't ask for anything except her passport and asked if she brought any food. But I'm wondering if her staying here 5 weeks, then returning after only 8 weeks might prompt them to ask to see a return ticket? We would prefer not to buy one beforehand because we don't know what date she will leave and tickets are non-refundable and charge big penalties for changing dates. Please advise

Which is cheaper, getting a return ticket and changing it at $250 or not getting a return ticket and she is sent back at POE because they feel she is using a non-immigrant visa for immigrant intentions? I agree with amykathleen2005 that from their pov it will look very suspicious. Spring for the RT and pay a little extra to get one where you can change the date with no charges or set a date and if things change, change the date and pay the $250. This is one reason the a return ticket is no guarantee that the person on a tourist visa will return to the home country and why Emabssies and CBP require proof of strong ties as canceling or not using an airline ticket is a small price to pay to remain in the US. But why give them another reason to deny her entry. And aren't RT tickets cheaper then a one-way? They were for our case back in December 2010 where the RT was about $2200 and the one-way was close to $3300.

Good luck,

Dave

[Mike & Mila 5]

As a matter of fact I would develop "EVIDENCE" of "strong ties" and have her bring these with her. What reasons does she have to return to Russia??? Does she own a house, does she have children, what about her job etc. etc. There is NO DOUBT she will be looked at carefully given her record of coming and going. ABSOLUTLY BUY RETURN TICKET. My Russian girlfriend was stopped at JFK and questioned for four (4) hours--then she was given option to either have her VISA canceled and return to Russsia or "refused entry" given a hearing and then "expeditied removal". Fortunately she choose VISA canceled. If that should happen to your GF and she does not choose "cancel" she will be "bared" from entry to USA for 5 years. Think about it---this is no small matter, Trust me.

[LnS 1]

As a matter of fact I would develop "EVIDENCE" of "strong ties" and have her bring these with her. What reasons does she have to return to Russia??? Does she own a house, does she have children, what about her job etc. etc. There is NO DOUBT she will be looked at carefully given her record of coming and going. ABSOLUTLY BUY RETURN TICKET. My Russian girlfriend was stopped at JFK and questioned for four (4) hours--then she was given option to either have her VISA canceled and return to Russsia or "refused entry" given a hearing and then "expeditied removal". Fortunately she choose VISA canceled. If that should happen to your GF and she does not choose "cancel" she will be "bared" from entry to USA for 5 years. Think about it---this is no small matter, Trust me.

That's a bit scary to hear. Can you give me a little information about this? Why do you suppose they questioned her in the first place? Had she entered before and was reentering soon after leaving? I know they can pretty much do what they want but just curious if her case had some red flags.

[Mike & Mila 5]

Yes-- that was the case. She had been in USA for awhile. Then she left to go see her Son and then came back soon thereafter. She was questioned extensivly. She said she was coming to visit w her friend and to be sightseeing etc.. I could send you the exact questions to your e-mail if you would like. They drilled her to see if she did any work here--she said she helped out another friend when the person had broken her arm--the other friend gace her $50. for two days of "helping her out". Big no no. That is interpreted as "work". Any work on a B1/B2 is a violation of the VISA. That's enough to send her back. The real point is they have to believe she is FOR SURE going back to Russia. IF the customs folks suspect anything else then they see her as a possible "immigration intent". If you have a

K-1 going now they can look that up. If she mentions you have a K-1 now they can verify that. That also may lead to "imigration intent" conclusion. If she is coming I would have "evidence" of her reasons to go back. I would also have a copy of her "invitation" letter. JFK POE is no cake walk if they are in a bad mood----BE ADVISED. Mike

[LnS 1]

Yes-- that was the case. She had been in USA for awhile. Then she left to go see her Son and then came back soon thereafter. She was questioned extensivly. She said she was coming to visit w her friend and to be sightseeing etc.. I could send you the exact questions to your e-mail if you would like. They drilled her to see if she did any work here--she said she helped out another friend when the person had broken her arm--the other friend gace her $50. for two days of "helping her out". Big no no. That is interpreted as "work". Any work on a B1/B2 is a violation of the VISA. That's enough to send her back. The real point is they have to believe she is FOR SURE going back to Russia. IF the customs folks suspect anything else then they see her as a possible "immigration intent". If you have a

K-1 going now they can look that up. If she mentions you have a K-1 now they can verify that. That also may lead to "imigration intent" conclusion. If she is coming I would have "evidence" of her reasons to go back. I would also have a copy of her "invitation" letter. JFK POE is no cake walk if they are in a bad mood----BE ADVISED. Mike

I truly appreciate your warnings because I must admit I was rather lax about the whole thing. I'm certainly taking a more cautious approach now. I'm sure that must have been a very difficult situation for you both.

I sent you a PM to talk a bit more about the details of her experience.