Visiting my Girlfriend

[devilriderman 2]

Hi,

I'm flying out to see my g/f next week, on a Visa Waiver Program for 86 days. I'm in the UK. I've visited the USA a few times in the past few years. The last time being in May 2012, for 2 weeks.

I've been told by a couple of friends, NOT to say that I'm visiting my girlfriend, as immigration can become very difficult about this. Does anyone know, what lengths would immigration normally go to, to see if I was in a relationship or not? Would they check my facebook etc?

Thanks in advance.

Devilriderman

[bigdog 376]

I would not lie what ever you do, can they check further yes. Will they, depends?

[Jacque67 7,328]

Be truthful at the POE and just answer the questions posed to you (without giving extra information). If you get caught telling a lie to an ImmigrationOfficer, you will face dire consequences. You haven't overstayed previously, so thath will work in your favour.

How about buying a return ticket for a shorter stay, and then extending later, once in the States. 86 days might seem too long. (And yes, there have been cases of people having to show their Facebook).

Don't take too much luggage, as it might look like you intend to immigrate.

Have a wonderful trip.

[devilriderman 2]

Thanks for your reply Bigdog.

I see your point. I don't like to lie. But, I have a seen a few stories of people who have been penalised for being honest.

Depends on what, do you think?

Thanks Jacque,

I will take what you say, into account. Already bought my ticket! lol

[devilriderman 2]

And if I do take the honest route, what documentation/information will I need to give?

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Have you started the K1 process yet? If so, bring your NOA1 to show you will do things the legal way.

[devilriderman 2]

Hi Penguin,

We've not long been together, so we're at that stage yet!

[Jacque67 7,328]

You will face worse penalties if you are caught telling a lie.

Lots of people go to the Statesto visit their gf/bf. I just think you should change the date of your return ticket to an earlier date, so as not to arouse any suspicions.

Take proof that you intend to return to your job (such as a letter), as most Americans only have 2 weeks holiday/year, so a 86 day holiday would seem odd (on top of the 2 weeks in May)

Edited November 25, 2012 by Jacque67

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

**** Moving from K1 fiance visa to Tourist visa as OP is not filing for a K1 *****

[JTB11 1,079]

I have done the same thing in November of 2011 - stayed for 86 days and did face a bit of questioning especially since I had just left my job then so it was suspicious, i was also asked about the amount of money bringing with me and a whole lot of questions after that (like - do we intend to get married, where does my fiance than bf work and live and where I would be staying and how we met and how long we had known each other what does he do etc) and then was sent to a second check and was let thru but I was absolutely horrified to be honest. I did come to the US again in 2012 about 5 months later for 2 months and was again asked a lot of questions and the lady at the check did tell me that stays of this length are not usually looked good upon , even if you are technically allowed to be there up to 90 days per stay. So at the end I apologized and was glad she let me thru but she made sure to tell me that it is the last time I am passing.

The idea with shorter stay and extending it while in the US sounds good, in my opinion.

Have a safe trip

[Vicomi 31]

I would heed Jacque67's advice especially with regards to changing the return date on your ticket. With such a long return date, they may ask for evidence on how you are going to maintain yourself over the 86 day period and your length of stay may also suggest immigration intent. You could also be questioned longer than usual... it depends on the POE guy. As others have said, it's best to be honest about the reason for your visit. Safe travels and enjoy

[Pitaya 2,577]

I would not lie what ever you do, can they check further yes. Will they, depends?

[MCIANFRANI 0]

My fiancé got pulles aside in August during a viisit and when he presented the NOA2 approval letter but was told by the immigration officer in Phoenix that the k1 superseded his visitor visa and threatened to send him back. Not sure how true it is but he said he couldn't visit until the k1 process is complete. Because my fiancé had proof of a return ticket and the deed to his flat in London, they let him stay. He also asked for a utility bill and a letter from his employer stating he had a job to go back to. My fiance is retired but he was able to pull up his gas bill in email. Its very frustrating and they can be pretty intimidating but if your honest things should be fine. They want to be sure you will be going back.

Good

Luck!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I had a long talk with a CBP officer once and he said they want to make sure the visitor( or host) has enough money to pay for their long stay without trying to work illegally. So the questions about money, credit cards, or employment of the host are to determine how such a long visit can possibly be funded. A person visiting for 3 months doesn't appear to be employed so of course they will dig into that a bit. "I'm a full time student and spending my summer break with an American family" sounds reasonable. "I don't have a job and am not enrolled in school and just want to bum around in America for 3 months with $50 cash and no credit cards" won't go over so well. Look at how you will appear to the officer because everybody has a different situation. It's not just about having a girlfriend.

[jaycali 415]

Hi,I'm flying out to see my g/f next week, on a Visa Waiver Program for 86 days. I'm in the UK. I've visited the USA a few times in the past few years. The last time being in May 2012, for 2 weeks. I've been told by a couple of friends, NOT to say that I'm visiting my girlfriend, as immigration can become very difficult about this. Does anyone know, what lengths would immigration normally go to, to see if I was in a relationship or not? Would they check my facebook etc?Thanks in advance.Devilriderman

First - Yes, they can check your Facebook. I personally know of at least two cases. One of a Canadian visitor who was barred because the CBP found a textbook in his bag, checked his Facebook and found a status update saying "First day of class!" the day after he arrived as a "visitor" the last time. The other of a Canadian visitor who was denied entry because his Facebook said "Hometown: Toronto, Lives in: Los Angeles." Both of them had pretty frequent travel movements back and forth. I don't know if they frequently do this, I doubt it. But they can.

Second. "Girlfriend" is not a legal definition of anything. Saying you're visiting "a friend" isn't lying. Being asked "Are you visiting your girlfriend?" and replying "No." is lying. There's a fine line between not volunteering information and lying. Not bringing it to the attention of the officer that you have a girlfriend in the US is fine. Denying that you have a gf in the US is not fine.

Third - I don't think the CBP officer's main concern will be whether you have a gf or not in the US. I think their main concern will be how you expect to stay in the US for 3 months without ending up on the street or working illegally. Also, they know most people don't get 3 months off work. Make sure you're ready to answer any questions about finances and what your plans are for the three months. You don't need to have every day planned out, but they will probably ask where you're staying, where you're going, and what you do back home.

This being said, I've entered on the VWP 4 times after I got married to my American wife. Never had any problems what so ever. Was asked generic questions, gave generic, but truthful answers and I was on my merry way to baggage claim. Years before I got married to anyone, I once visited for 7 weeks, left, worked a temp job back home, and went back to the US for 88 days, and was lead into secondary the moment I greeted the CBP officer. They spent 10 minutes typing on the computer, asked me if I had a girlfriend in the US, and what I did back home (I had a very flexible, part-time, online job that time, but I had a job starting 89 days later). They let me go.

And whatever you do, keep this in mind:

Getting denied entry by telling the truth = A long plane ride back home and money wasted. No effect on any future fiance/spousal visa.

Getting caught lying to the CBP = A 10 years to lifetime bar from re-entry. A very difficult I-601 waiver required to even be considered for a future fiance/spousal visa.

Edited November 25, 2012 by Jay Jay