Prolonged Trip? *coughs*

[Valliy 1]

Hey Guys,

Well I'm Canadian with an American Fiance

As a Canadian I can visit the US for upto 6 months on just my passport.

Alot of canadians are snowbirds and got to the warmer states for the winter. And my parents actually have a winter home in Florida.

We filed the K1 in November 2012 but looking at these timelines is scary I see people on here waiting over a year when the USCIS site says 5 months.

I've been to the US since my fiancee filed the K1 and I've found as long as I dont mention him at all during border crossing there is no problem.

I just don't offer that information at all.

I'm actually debating on whether or not it might be feasible to just go there for 4 or 5 months and then just come back for my interview. And yes I realize I won't be able to work but hopefully I will have saved enough to live on during that time.

I'm also thinking that time together would be great for making sure we are compatible in a domestic setting rather than a exciting vacation setting.

Sounds a bit risky and I'm worried about it but honestly I dont think the border guard realized that he had filed a K1...perhaps because it wasnt and still isnt being processed? From what I understand they are only into July and August now...so if that is the case my case wouldnt be processed until July.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hey Guys,

Well I'm Canadian with an American Fiance

As a Canadian I can visit the US for upto 6 months on just my passport.

Alot of canadians are snowbirds and got to the warmer states for the winter. And my parents actually have a winter home in Florida.

We filed the K1 in November 2012 but looking at these timelines is scary I see people on here waiting over a year when the USCIS site says 5 months.

I've been to the US since my fiancee filed the K1 and I've found as long as I dont mention him at all during border crossing there is no problem.

I just don't offer that information at all.

I'm actually debating on whether or not it might be feasible to just go there for 4 or 5 months and then just come back for my interview. And yes I realize I won't be able to work but hopefully I will have saved enough to live on during that time.

I'm also thinking that time together would be great for making sure we are compatible in a domestic setting rather than a exciting vacation setting.

Sounds a bit risky and I'm worried about it but honestly I dont think the border guard realized that he had filed a K1...perhaps because it wasnt and still isnt being processed? From what I understand they are only into July and August now...so if that is the case my case wouldnt be processed until July.

You can with TWO caveats...

1. DO NOT lie to anyone regarding your visit. Saying nothing is OK. (I go to Canada a lot, we live right at the border, and they never ask me about any possible girlfriend, etc)

2. DO NOT overstay the time you are allowed to visit and make sure you know how long that is

Incidentally you have NOT filed a K-1, your fiance filed a petition. If it shows up and they ask, DO NOT LIE

[JustBreathe 22]

I am also a Canadian had a very similar experience. Although I went to the USA in October and we filed in November. I recently just got back (just over 4 months there) When I crossed into the USA I was prepared and it was good that I was. I had told them that I was going to stay with my fiance. I had my employer write up a letter stating I was on an approved Leave of Absence and it stated when I was required to return to work, I had copies of my mortgage information to show ties to Canada, I brought my dog- so I had all her vet info and her papers. The border guard asked for all of this and was impressed with how prepared I was. It was no issue at all to cross. If I had not had the proof of ties to Canada, it might have been more difficult, or in the worst case- denied entry. I think you can do it, just be prepared with all the required stuff to show you do not intend to stay over the 6 months.

Also- you may want to come back well before July so you can get yourself ready for what comes after NOA2, or do what you can before you go so you are not left scrambling.

Best of Luck!

[JedNik 5]

I think as soon as you mention your girlfriend/boyfriend or spouse, they automatically get super alert! I was driving once to see my fiance in the states and I mentioned I was going to see my boyfriend and they immediately asked if we're getting married. Kind of caught me off guard as we had talked about it, just hadn't made anything 'official'!

Just say you're visiting friends. Because your bf/gf is your friend right? And you aren't lying.

Theres a difference in lying, and leaving out some details

And of course, don't over stay your visit !

All the best

(I did get turned away because I had my k1 visa pending, and they didn't think I was ever coming back to Canada. I had a bunch of stuff, my wedding dress, and no job, so I can see how they assumed it! Even though i'm definitely coming back to Canada in the future, even if it is just for the perogies!!)