want to stay with my american girlfriend for a few months without getting married

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Saying you are visiting a gf does not mean you will be denied. There is nothing wrong with visiting a gf. Lying about it or hiding it is the wrong way to go.

[RhettVoe 282]

'sponsorship' does not apply to tourist visas....but back to the real issue....yes, if you are 100% truthful, you may well be denied....happens...but blame all of those who have gone before you, claiming they had numerous reasons to justify their return, but shortly after picking up their luggage....gosh...gee whiz....they changed their minds (and their alleged intentions).....those who have gamed the system have made it tougher for others.....so thank them....at the end of the day, you have to look in the mirror and see yourself...are you a person of good and solid character, or just another potential visa cheat, who will say anything to get a visa.....??....the choice is yours.....one last thought.....if you decide to challenge the VO with some creative story, but he or she discovers your attempt to deceive, they will put some notes in their electronic files that make doubly, if not triply sure, that you will never get a tourist visa for the rest of your life...moreover, they could also compose those same notes (opinions) in such a way as to cause incredible delay of you getting a K1 visa....so ask yourself......what it is worth to try and fool the VO?....only you know (or think you know) the answer.

[sam1983 0]

I'm going to be a hundred percent honest and hope for the best, there doesn't seem to be much else i can do. Obviously my chances don't look good but as you said, its not worth being anything but honest in the long run. Because shes only been back in the states for 2 months, it will take a while for her to have been earning long enough to sponsor me for a k1 visa and from what I've read, self sponsorship would require me to have a lot more than the 5k that i will be able to save by feb. like you said too, the people who have cheated the system before have made it more difficult for applicants now. I can but try. I just remember how objective and without emotion the CO's are, being decent and genuine really doesn't count for much to them. The silver lining, of course, is that she can visit me in the uk visa free, but while shes visiting me shes not earning so that could then interfere with the amount and consistency that she will need to earn to sponsor me. Its genuinely heartbreaking, and feels like an almost impossible situation,but the bottom line, its a matter of time and it will all have been worth it when we're finally together properly.

[RhettVoe 282]

The COs are looking for honesty and consistency....that is not an easy thing to fake....(some do, no doubt)....a good CO, as I said earlier, will have at his or her disposal, some questions that will test that credibility and consistency....because those questions will 'lean on each other' like a house of playing cards......pull one card out, down comes the house....anyway, at the very least, you are thinking things over and will ultimately make your own decision about how you wish to approach your next interview....'coming clean' might well be the best way....but even if unsuccessful, you won't be branded as somebody who just makes up stories to suit their needs (and another denial will not affect an eventual K1)....good luck.

[Shiobhan 235]

If U cant be apart in this life & know each other that well & in loveeee

Y not get k1...unless there are doubts

[HK12 273]

If U cant be apart in this life & know each other that well & in loveeee

Y not get k1...unless there are doubts

Well, OP said that they want to get to know each other better first, and I think he has a valid point there. Immigration and being on different continents doesn't make it easier, but I do not think people should rush into a K1 visa/marriage too early just for the sake of "being together".

Good luck OP with your visa application!