Proposing and cross the border

[johnnyv 20]

So I just proposed on May 4th (YAY)! But I have a question now about her crossing into the states.

We are not going to start applying for the visa until August. She's finishing school (she's canadian btw) and she'll finish in June of next year. If we apply in august, this gives us time to complete the k-1 process 6-10 months and allows her to finish school. We don't want to apply too early, have it get approved early, and run the risk of using all 6 months to cross (at least I heard you have six months to enter the states after visa approved).

Anyway!

She's coming back in June. Should she tell the CBP that she's my fiancee but we haven't applied for the visa yet, or should she just say I'm her boyfriend? I don't want it to raise any red flags to say I"m her fiance but we haven't applied for a visa. Thoughts? Am I worrying over nothing?

[duraaraa 203]

So I just proposed on May 4th (YAY)! But I have a question now about her crossing into the states.

We are not going to start applying for the visa until August. She's finishing school (she's canadian btw) and she'll finish in June of next year. If we apply in august, this gives us time to complete the k-1 process 6-10 months and allows her to finish school. We don't want to apply too early, have it get approved early, and run the risk of using all 6 months to cross (at least I heard you have six months to enter the states after visa approved).

Anyway!

She's coming back in June. Should she tell the CBP that she's my fiancee but we haven't applied for the visa yet, or should she just say I'm her boyfriend? I don't want it to raise any red flags to say I"m her fiance but we haven't applied for a visa. Thoughts? Am I worrying over nothing?

I think it's best to be honest. With that said, have her bring proof that she will return to Canada. Proof that she will finish school, has a place she lives, etc. That should be good enough, although there is always a risk of being denied entry.

[johnnyv 20]

I know being honest is best, and her last visit she brought proof of schooling and paystubs (she moved back home so she doesn't have a lease agreement), but they didn't even ask for proof. I guess it's best to have it. Yes, denied entry is what I don't want.

[M and C 32]

Just be honest. And just as duraaraa said, just back it up with documents to support ties to Canada. Last November 2012 my fiance visited me in the Bahamas where he proposed. On his way back to the US, I traveled with him up to Florida because I was transiting the US on my way to the Philippines. At POE I was asked if I was traveling alone. Without thinking of repercussions I said I was with my fiance (maybe the excitement hasn't worn off yet because of the recent engagement then, haha). I did present my round trip itinerary to Manila and my work permit here in the Bahamas so that established my ties. When it was my fiance's turn, he was asked if he already filed to petition me and he said no (which was the truth). The officer even ended up giving my fiance advice on how to go about the petition process so I thought that was really nice of him.

[ricnally 258]

This process takes longer than you think, so you might want to apply right away. There are a couple of spots where you can slow things down and stretch it out, if need be: once you get the NOA2, you have 4 months before you have to have completed the interview, and then once you get the visa, you have 6 months to use it (i.e. enter the U.S.)

[johnnyv 20]

Well I cannot apply until July anyway because of a previous marriage and the laws here in Oklahoma prevents me from getting married again. I assumed if I couldn't get married yet I should wait to apply until that time frame is over.