Visiting and proposing to my girlfriend

[Wim and Brittany 0]

Hello everyone,

I'm new here on this forum. Next month, I will travel to the US to visit my girlfriend and propose. A new big step in my life which a lot of you already experienced.

Now I have some questions regarding my entry to the US. I'm planning on answering honestly to the questions at the POE. Last time, when I went to visit her (in May, for 2 weeks) I said to the CBP officer on the question if 'I was visiting my girlfriend', that I only was visiting friends. No girlfriend. I don't know why but the questions always make me nervous. So this time if he asks who I am visiting, should I just say "My girlfriend"?

I still own a business back in Belgium and of course I need to come back and I can't stay longer than 2 weeks. When I'm back, we will file for K-1. Also, I wonder what documents I should bring to prove I need to go back to my country. Is an english written statement of the co-owner (my dad) enough to prove that I own a business and need to come back? Maybe it's all worries for nothing but I want to be prepared as best as I can.

Thanks in advance for all of your advice. This website/forum is very helpful for us and we can't wait for everything that is about to happen.

[C-ma'am 684]

Yes, when asked, tell the truth. You are visiting your girlfriend.

Bring anything that would prove strong ties to your country, such as: A letter from your company saying you are expected back at work at certain date, a lease and, of course, have your return ticket ... anything that will generate a commitment.

They may not even ask you to see it.

BTW: If you are planning on having your girl petition for a K1 visa, you can file those documents while in the US. You don't have to wait until you go back to your home country for that. She will need a couple of things from you, so you can start educating yourself on this process by reading this guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

[Wim and Brittany 0]

Thank you for your advice.

Will a written statement of my dad (we are both owners of our company) be enough as proof?

[C-ma'am 684]

Thank you for your advice.

Will a written statement of my dad (we are both owners of our company) be enough as proof?

Should be, yes. After all, he is not going to sign ... The father.

BTW one very important thing I said to you yesterday is to always tell the truth, but keep in mind that you shall always tell the truth when ASKED... meaning DO NOT VOLUNTEER INFORMATION.

If they ask you if you have a letter from your work, hand it over .. but don't start explaining that your father and you are the company owners unless they ask you about it.

The letter should be made on business stationary and say something like:

Dated // To whom it may concern (or to Department of Homeland Security)

I certify that <insert your name here> has been granted vacations for a period of two (2) weeks and is expected to return to work by <insert date>

Signature of your father or Human Resources person from your own company

<position they hold i.e. CEO/Owner/Human Resources Manager)

[Wim and Brittany 0]

This makes everything clear. Thank you so much!

I probably won't need the letter but as I said before I want to prepare myself as best as I can.

[jaycali 415]

This makes everything clear. Thank you so much!I probably won't need the letter but as I said before I want to prepare myself as best as I can.

In a best case scenario you won't even be asked who you're visiting at all. In a likely scenario they'll ask who you're visiting and not really too much more. In a worst case scenario they'll want some sort of evidence of your intention to return. Always prepare for the worst case scenario.