my visit during processing of I-129f (K1)

[GeeH 5]

I know that a lot of people are concerned about visiting the USA during the processing of their K1, I know I was, specially after I read some horror stories and those saying they were held and interrogated during entry.

I just thought I'd give my version of what I went through, as it was THE MOST PLEASANT ENTRY TO THE USA I HAVE EVER HAD! Sounds crazy but true, maybe it was just sheer luck but it really was.

I have recently been here (writing this while sitting in a hotel in Hawaii !) For 82 and 78 days with only a short 3.5week gap in the middle. I was cautioned in my last visit and told that I would most likely be put through to secondary... no such thing!

I arrived at LAX, got to POE and talked to the lady (maybe that's why?) For about 5mins about my trip. This is roughly how it went:

Officer (smiling and friendly the whole time): "how long are you in the usa?"

Me: 26 days, i leave 25th june

She then saw I was enroute to Hawaii but had an overnight layover in LA

Officer: not going to pretend I'm not jealous, but what are you doing in hawaii all that time?

Me: oh no I'm only there 10 days then 2 weeks back here.

We then proceeded to converse about how beautiful Hawaii was, how she was jealous and she wrote down two places for me to visit. She did ask if I was going alone, and I mentioned it was with my fiance and his family, but she only wanted to know because she said I would have just as much fun alone too.

And THAT was it! It was approx 35-40 mins from the moment I got off the plane to the moment I kissed my fiance hello outside the gate.

After all last month stressing out and having horrible visions of my impending interrogation, printing off all the recommended papers for my ties back home etc etc I couldn't believe my luck. I think still go prepared but be honest and relax.

Good luck to all stressing about this specially the ladies as I know how much we tend to fret more than the guys. Relax and be honest and true and have things with you that you think necessary just in case...but keep my story in mind too and smile

[LMK74 1]

So glad you had an easy entry!

I too was worried about arriving in the US while applying for the K1.....

I had letter from employer, proof of dentist appointment etc and I walked up to the man In Charlotte North Carolina...he asked reason for visit, how long I was there for then just said "4 fingers of your right hand" etc and stamped my passport!!! I walked away quite shocked and then ended up standing at arrivals for a while waiting for my boyfriend as I'd got through so quickly!!!

Luck of the draw maybe but I was very happy!!

Good luck in the future

x

[Azsara 110]

Thanks for sharing! Heres how my April trip went

I was pretty nervous (as I always am!) and had all docs to support that I was intending to return!

So i stepped up to the counter in Newark and he asked me

"How come your travelling alone?"

I said, Im visiting my boyfriend

"What is he doing here?"

He lives here

"Hes an american?"

Yes he is

"How did you meet and what are your plans together here?"

We met online, and we are going to look at some wedding venues

"Oh so now your engaged" and he sits back in his chair

(my heart is pounding like crazy)

I say yes, show him my ring and give him my biggest smile

He says, "well congratulations, when did you meet?"

I said we met around 14 months ago

"isnt that a bit soon to be engaged?"

I say well we dont exactly want to do long distance forever, and once you know, you know, right?

he says "True true, Good luck " and stamps my passport

BREATHE!!

I was questioned at the check point for around 10 minutes by this guy, he was actually pretty laid back, if not extremely opinionated!

Also when I got back to the UK i had more problems than entering the US.

The lady said my passport was in bad condition and looked like it had been tampered with

I had to stand there for a while while she waited for someone to come over, she asked me whether I had been near Boston, and that she was surprised they let me into newark with this passport.

So a second more senior immigration officer came over, took one look at my passport and said you can go through

My next US trip isnt until August and im nervous already lol, although next time my mum will be with me