"visit" while waiting for NOA2 I-129f

[Steph and George 1]

Hello Everyone!

My fiancé and I sent in our I-129F in January, received our NOA1 January 25/2013 and are now sitting around picking our noses waiting for the NOA2 and Interview dates.

I know that we are essentially allowed to visit for up to 180 days (or 6 months) and I was wondering if I can do that while waiting for the noa2, and once he receives it, I can just take it on home with me and go to the interview?

Do I need special papers to visit that long or do I just book me a trip and set off? What are the chances of the border police laughing at me and giving me a big ol' boot back to Canada?

I have my own place here that I'm sure my gf would love to rent for a few months while I'm gone, and a job that I have no real desire to keep (though that probably shouldn't be mentioned to the crossing guards, lol)

Is this realistic? I just really miss being with my fiancé, though I'm sure everyone understands that.

Any advice is great, thanks all!

[NikLR 13,232]

You can visit. The longer the trip the better and more proof you should take of your ties to Canada. It's a good idea to have a return ticket, a letter from employer, mortgage or lease papers. Never lie to CBP! Give direct concise polite answers to questions.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

*** Moving from CR-2 spousal forum as OP is chasing a K12 fiance visa, to Canada forum as Canadians have special priviledges when it comse to visiting ***

[Flames9_RN 358]

1 should ALWAYS bring ties to Canada with you. Many of us have visited and never had a problem, and yes a few do get denied (but very few) A denial is not a big deal--being barred is--never lie. My 2 cents is down below. As well do a search--as this question is probably in the top 3 asked here in the Canada forum

Edited April 14, 2013 by Flames9_RN

[canadian_wife 1,829]

I also think you need to read up on the process. You cannot just take the NOA2 and go for the interview. There are things that need to be done IN Canada. The medical for one, the police certificate for two

good luck

[ValPrime 1]

I am the USC and my husband and I visit pretty frequently (about every month). Neither of us have ever been denied entry but as stated above always tell the truth. The convos we have with border control goes about the same way every time.....though here lately they don't ask as much. Maybe they recognize us, lol. I usually get asked who are you visiting (answer husband). Then they ask why do we live so far apart (I tell them where we are in the process of him immigrating). Then they stamp my passport and let me through. They ask him the same questions and he gives the same replies. Make sure you do have your "ties" to canada handy cause they could ask for them. We have had these experiences from traveling by air and driving through border. Good luck to you both.

PS...hope my rambling helps someone, lol

[Steph and George 1]

Thank you everyone, though it seems I have made myself unclear. I don't intend to lie to the border control I was half joking that I wouldn't care about coming back to the job I have. Also I know I have to do the medical and everything here I was simply asking if I could just visit until we receive the noa2 and bring it back with me.

Or is that a big problem at this stage in the visa to visit for more than a few weeks?

[SF2007 48]

There is no problem for you to visit at any stage of the process. But CPB does not have to grant you entry either. It's up to the custom officer, as always, to admit you to the U.S. or not. If you have a job to go back to and pay rent (both very good proof you intent to go back to Canada) then your chances to be denied entry are slim. However, the longer the trip and the less ties to Canada you have, the more suspicious CBP will be that you do not intent to go back to Canada. Which would be a problem as you cannot move or live in the U.S. while your visa is pending. So it is up to you to prove otherwise.

I was denied entry right before my husband petitioned for my K1. I was misinformed and traveled with little ties to Canada thus failed to convince CBP I would return (that and an over zealous young officer IMO). It did not impact my visa application because I was polite and truthful and never lied. However, I was told to not come back without my visa. For 1 year, my husband had to visit me. With his limited amount of vacation time, it means we saw very little of each other.

It is up to you. Do know you CAN be denied entry. Better have a plan B and not quit your job before you have your visa in hand.

Edited April 14, 2013 by SF2007

[ricnally 259]

If you're flying, try to go from an airport where you clear customs before leaving Canada instead of when you arrive in the US. That way, if you get denied, you won't have to buy an expensive last minute ticket back from your US destination.

[johnnyv 20]

If you're flying, try to go from an airport where you clear customs before leaving Canada instead of when you arrive in the US. That way, if you get denied, you won't have to buy an expensive last minute ticket back from your US destination.

Example would be Calgary airport, correct?

[Flames9_RN 358]

Example would be Calgary airport, correct?

yep, pre-clear in Calgary. Most big cities one does pre-clear. Off the top of my head--Saskatoon is one of the few where you do NOT

[NikLR 13,232]

Thank you everyone, though it seems I have made myself unclear. I don't intend to lie to the border control I was half joking that I wouldn't care about coming back to the job I have. Also I know I have to do the medical and everything here I was simply asking if I could just visit until we receive the noa2 and bring it back with me.

Or is that a big problem at this stage in the visa to visit for more than a few weeks?

It's automatic for us to say "don't lie" not because you have any intention of lying, just that it's like one of those things you just say to someone when giving advice.

It's not a huge deal to visit longer, just remember that a CBP could deny you for a longer visit. It's a chance you take. My visits are never longer than 10 or 11 days. But I know there was a person who was studying his master's degree so went down for 6 months. They may not ask to see proof or ties or that you are returning but most of the time they ask how long you are staying. Leaving it open ended doesn't sound that good to them. Best of luck to you! I'm sure everything will be fine.

[hikergirl 277]

Also, if you’re going to be travelling back and forth I would highly recommend getting a NEXUS card.

It makes travelling a whole lot stressful as the lineups are generally very short.

Good luck in your journey!

[Toria 0]

Note: I usually cross the border by bus (Greyhound), and then fly out of Buffalo or just bus all the way. I will be flying out of Pearson in May (A grad present to myself, five hours of travel instead of 18! )

Have all of your documents at hand. I know it sounds silly, but I have a folder I keep in my purse that contains my tickets (whether I'm flying or bussing) and receipts and itineraries. I pull it out and have it waiting in hand or on the table.

Behind that, then I start piling proof (used to be copies of school registration, copies of work schedule, now I should get a letter from my rental agency, and a letter from work...). I usually also bring along a copy of my marriage certification too. Usually when the officer starts asking questions 'Where do you two want to settle...", I get ready with the documents and ready to explain our story.

My last entry the guy was crazy thorough and kept looking at the computer then at me, and I volunteered the information "Would you like proof of my ties to Canada?" ...Don't do that. He then asked why I carried so much documentation. "Because we're undergoing immigration Process and I want to make sure there is no problems for us". The first time I ever saw an agent crack a smile! He offered to help me put my suitcase on the x-ray, and said it was good to have the papers in order.

In summary:

-have proof, proof and more proof, know where it is, have it at hand, and be ready to explain your story in a few short sentences "We met...." "We got married/engaged" "We are starting the immigration Proccess..."

-Don't lie!

-Don't volunteer information, answer their questions truthfully

-Be polite, and try not to get anxious (for your own sanity)