Surprise visit after K-1 sent in

[Brit Abroad 166]

Do this and remove any doubts ahead of time - http://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip

This is the redress system for flying passengers who have issues with identification, where a suspected no-fly person has the same or a similar name and it has presented problems for an innocent traveller. It's not designed to evade the CBP check for visitors.

[blest.but.strest 50]

I am considering a surprise visit and I am extremely nervous about trying to cross the border, and reading the 'Yes, you can visit' thread made me even more nervous. Here's my situation:

In February, my fiancé (then boyfriend) came to Canada and then we were intending to drive back to the US together. I intended to stay for about 2.5 months. I had a return flight and a letter from my employer saying I was approved for a leave of absence, as well as travel insurance. They did not let me cross. I've yet to read about a situation like this so I'm curious and nervous. When they didn't let me cross, they didn't even ask to see any of my proof of ties to Canada even when I offered them they said no (This is all pre-K-1 filing). They allowed me to retract my 'application for entry' because they believed my intentions were honest. We were stuck at the border for hours where I had to swear under oath all of my intentions (to visit my boyfriend, that we intended on applying for a K-1 eventually, etc). They took my prints, picture, etc. Gave me a copy of the paperwork and he was on his way to drive me home...... Worst day of my life.

Since then, I haven't tried to cross the border at all. He has visited once since with no hassle, and then we sent in our application for the K-1 Visa. We've only so far received a receipt that it was received and the cheque was cashed.

I really would like to still use my flight that I already had booked from the US to Canada on April 16th and I was thinking that I would like to surprise my fiancé with a week visit. BUT... I am soooo nervous they will not let me in. I know I could be banned from entering for five or ten years if so. Here's my situation:

I live with my mother, and pay rent to her monthly, but my name isn't on her lease.

I haven't gone back to work since the leave of absence started. I still have the letter saying I am expected back to work on April 19th.

I have travel insurance through my bank until April 19th.

I can produce bank statements showing I have savings, however no money coming in since February.

I have the paperwork from when I was denied entry, showing I swore under oath that we would be filing for a K-1 and that I intended to marry him.

I have a copy of the K-1 Visa paperwork we sent in this month.

I can also have a copy of the e-mail sent to him saying that the Visa was received by them.

I just am so scared that they won't let me cross due to lack of proof of ties and I will be banned from re-entering for five-ten years because if that were to happen, we would change our plans completely and he would have to move to Canada, which we both don't want. Has anyone had any sort of similar situation who can offer me advice? I'm so nervous!! Thank you.

Hey Rachelle,

I have so much experience with crossing the border at land and at the airports, I can really help with this. First thing I can tell you, is that your entry is at the discretion of the CBP/DHS officer. You can try to enter the USA one day and get denied after being interrogated for hours and then come back at a later time with all the necessary documents, stressed out and they will let you through within 20 to 30 seconds, it has happened to many people I know. I have never had any problems at the border but I have law abiding family members from Canada that got denied entry into the US as well as a family member with misdemeanors criminal record that had no problems crossing the US border (and the latter has crossed maybe a 100 times with no problem, EVER).

here are a few simple but important tips:

-When you get in front of the agent, RELAX, be courteous, any type of shaking or sign of stress will make things harder for you.

-Answer the agents questions with short answers, no rambling, no lies.

-Only answer his questions, do not volunteer any information, do not give the agent any paperwork that you are not asked to provide.

-Make sure you have cash on you, enough cash to spend on your trip (but please not more than 10,000 lol). if you don't have cash and tell the agent that you have debit or credit, you might be refused, I know 5 or 6 people that only use debit cards and got denied entry because they didn't have cash.

-Have a roundtrip ticket, the agent needs to know that you are going back home. Have a print out of your itinerary.

-Don't bring a ish load of stuff, just enough for the length of your trip, bringing too much can make the officer feel like you are trying to move to the US illegally.

-Bring MAIL with your name on it, such has utility bills, any correspondence will help, really. Bring your last pay stub to show that you have a job. that letter from your employer giving you time off is also good to have.

-Bring copies of all USCIS receipts or documents you have, but again, do not volunteer the paperwork, show if they ask.

-Its weird to say but dress appropriately, too much make up is not good, a bunch of piercing in the face is not good, tight or reveling clothing is not good. I know it's not a USCIS interview but it really kind of is.

- Remember the dates of your last entry/or attempt to enter to USA, because they often ask that and if the dates you tell them don't match up with what they have in their system, more questions will follow.

-Have the exact address where you are going to be staying.

-Do not bring any unauthorized items, simple fruits and vegetables in your luggage can cause you to have to go through secondary inspection.

From my personal experience, I think it is much, Much, MUCH easier to get through customs at Canadian airports than at land border crossing. So I think you will be fine going through customs at Halifax airport. They can deny your entry yes, but don't worry you cannot get banned if you have not done anything illegal, they tell you that they can ban you to scare you into telling them the truth, ALWAYS tell them the truth but don't be scared. And someone said that the agents can do anything even deport you, LOL not true at all! how are they going to deport you from Halifax airport? your own country, lol , don't worry about that.

I personally don't think you shouldn't apply for Redress or DHS Trip, that is for people with major issues, people that have same names as wanted criminals/suspects or people that have been denied a gazillion times without an apparent reason. You have been denied once, not a big deal.

Sorry for the long reply, I hope this helps, I wish you good luck at Halifax airport, remember relax.

[blest.but.strest 50]

I am considering a surprise visit and I am extremely nervous about trying to cross the border, and reading the 'Yes, you can visit' thread made me even more nervous. Here's my situation:

In February, my fiancé (then boyfriend) came to Canada and then we were intending to drive back to the US together. I intended to stay for about 2.5 months. I had a return flight and a letter from my employer saying I was approved for a leave of absence, as well as travel insurance. They did not let me cross. I've yet to read about a situation like this so I'm curious and nervous. When they didn't let me cross, they didn't even ask to see any of my proof of ties to Canada even when I offered them they said no (This is all pre-K-1 filing). They allowed me to retract my 'application for entry' because they believed my intentions were honest. We were stuck at the border for hours where I had to swear under oath all of my intentions (to visit my boyfriend, that we intended on applying for a K-1 eventually, etc). They took my prints, picture, etc. Gave me a copy of the paperwork and he was on his way to drive me home...... Worst day of my life.

Since then, I haven't tried to cross the border at all. He has visited once since with no hassle, and then we sent in our application for the K-1 Visa. We've only so far received a receipt that it was received and the cheque was cashed.

I really would like to still use my flight that I already had booked from the US to Canada on April 16th and I was thinking that I would like to surprise my fiancé with a week visit. BUT... I am soooo nervous they will not let me in. I know I could be banned from entering for five or ten years if so. Here's my situation:

I live with my mother, and pay rent to her monthly, but my name isn't on her lease.

I haven't gone back to work since the leave of absence started. I still have the letter saying I am expected back to work on April 19th.

I have travel insurance through my bank until April 19th.

I can produce bank statements showing I have savings, however no money coming in since February.

I have the paperwork from when I was denied entry, showing I swore under oath that we would be filing for a K-1 and that I intended to marry him.

I have a copy of the K-1 Visa paperwork we sent in this month.

I can also have a copy of the e-mail sent to him saying that the Visa was received by them.

I just am so scared that they won't let me cross due to lack of proof of ties and I will be banned from re-entering for five-ten years because if that were to happen, we would change our plans completely and he would have to move to Canada, which we both don't want. Has anyone had any sort of similar situation who can offer me advice? I'm so nervous!! Thank you.

ONE MORE IMPORTANT THING, I do not think a surprise visit is a good idea, because if they decide to call your fiancé to verify if you are really going to see him and staying at his place and he doesn't know anything about it, you are seriously screwed. So no surprise visits.

[RachelleMyke 0]

Hey Rachelle,

I have so much experience with crossing the border at land and at the airports, I can really help with this. First thing I can tell you, is that your entry is at the discretion of the CBP/DHS officer. You can try to enter the USA one day and get denied after being interrogated for hours and then come back at a later time with all the necessary documents, stressed out and they will let you through within 20 to 30 seconds, it has happened to many people I know. I have never had any problems at the border but I have law abiding family members from Canada that got denied entry into the US as well as a family member with misdemeanors criminal record that had no problems crossing the US border (and the latter has crossed maybe a 100 times with no problem, EVER).

here are a few simple but important tips:

-When you get in front of the agent, RELAX, be courteous, any type of shaking or sign of stress will make things harder for you.

-Answer the agents questions with short answers, no rambling, no lies.

-Only answer his questions, do not volunteer any information, do not give the agent any paperwork that you are not asked to provide.

-Make sure you have cash on you, enough cash to spend on your trip (but please not more than 10,000 lol). if you don't have cash and tell the agent that you have debit or credit, you might be refused, I know 5 or 6 people that only use debit cards and got denied entry because they didn't have cash.

-Have a roundtrip ticket, the agent needs to know that you are going back home. Have a print out of your itinerary.

-Don't bring a ish load of stuff, just enough for the length of your trip, bringing too much can make the officer feel like you are trying to move to the US illegally.

-Bring MAIL with your name on it, such has utility bills, any correspondence will help, really. Bring your last pay stub to show that you have a job. that letter from your employer giving you time off is also good to have.

-Bring copies of all USCIS receipts or documents you have, but again, do not volunteer the paperwork, show if they ask.

-Its weird to say but dress appropriately, too much make up is not good, a bunch of piercing in the face is not good, tight or reveling clothing is not good. I know it's not a USCIS interview but it really kind of is.

- Remember the dates of your last entry/or attempt to enter to USA, because they often ask that and if the dates you tell them don't match up with what they have in their system, more questions will follow.

-Have the exact address where you are going to be staying.

-Do not bring any unauthorized items, simple fruits and vegetables in your luggage can cause you to have to go through secondary inspection.

From my personal experience, I think it is much, Much, MUCH easier to get through customs at Canadian airports than at land border crossing. So I think you will be fine going through customs at Halifax airport. They can deny your entry yes, but don't worry you cannot get banned if you have not done anything illegal, they tell you that they can ban you to scare you into telling them the truth, ALWAYS tell them the truth but don't be scared. And someone said that the agents can do anything even deport you, LOL not true at all! how are they going to deport you from Halifax airport? your own country, lol , don't worry about that.

I personally don't think you shouldn't apply for Redress or DHS Trip, that is for people with major issues, people that have same names as wanted criminals/suspects or people that have been denied a gazillion times without an apparent reason. You have been denied once, not a big deal.

Sorry for the long reply, I hope this helps, I wish you good luck at Halifax airport, remember relax.

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

I hadn't thought to bring mail. I have plenty from banks, loans, etc. I'll be packing one small suitcase and that is all. Not even taking my laptop.

I do have a lip ring... But I still look presentable... I can't imagine a situation where that would be the deciding factor...

I booked my ticket and I told my fiancé. I'm trying to keep him NOT excited. I told him he can be excited IF I cross the border.

Should I bring my paperwork from when I was last denied entry? I wore under oath that I was going to be applying for the K-1 Visa, which I then did, and will have those papers as well...

Thank you again!!

[blest.but.strest 50]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!

I hadn't thought to bring mail. I have plenty from banks, loans, etc. I'll be packing one small suitcase and that is all. Not even taking my laptop.

I do have a lip ring... But I still look presentable... I can't imagine a situation where that would be the deciding factor...

I booked my ticket and I told my fiancé. I'm trying to keep him NOT excited. I told him he can be excited IF I cross the border.

Should I bring my paperwork from when I was last denied entry? I wore under oath that I was going to be applying for the K-1 Visa, which I then did, and will have those papers as well...

Thank you again!!

Yes bring the paperwork from when you were denied, only hand it to them if they ask you for it. Also bring the k1 related documents. I'm sure you will be fine, but let me know how it went down.

[RachelleMyke 0]

Yes bring the paperwork from when you were denied, only hand it to them if they ask you for it. Also bring the k1 related documents. I'm sure you will be fine, but let me know how it went down.

Thank you again! I will post an update!

[Allymash 7]

bring as much proof and you can. This same thing happened to me a year ago and I have been able to enter the US by land and airport customs 10 times since then. I always go to secondary and they always look through my documents- but I get through.

what I recommend you bring

- apartment/car lease

- if you live with parents get a notarized letter stating you live at home.

- tax statements from the current ir previous years.

- credit statements ( dating back 6months recommended by CBP officer)

- if business owner: bring banks statements, business cards etc.

- bring proof of car insurance.

- bring full travel itinerary: flights, health insurance and airport parking reservation, hotel reservation.

- proof of job if employed by company: approced leabe with return date

- bring ALL K1 related documents.

- Always carry US cash for the time you are spending in US. credit or debit funds are not a reliable source of money to CBP officers

carry it all with you and be truthful. You have nothing to hide. ultimately its up to the discretion of the officer. but if you have your stuff in order, you should be fine.

good luck!

[RachelleMyke 0]

Yes bring the paperwork from when you were denied, only hand it to them if they ask you for it. Also bring the k1 related documents. I'm sure you will be fine, but let me know how it went down.

I was denied entry and told that I can't enter the US at all until the visa is approved because I am a pending immigrant so I'm SOOOOOOO HAPPY I spent over $550 on flights for nothing while being told I could go visit when it was all untrue.... Not once in all of the paperwork we did, did it ever say "You may not enter the US while the visa is pending" NOWHERE. The officer said a K-1 should take 3 months.... Ha. Okay. See you in 2 months then.......

[islandgirl80 28]

I was denied entry and told that I can't enter the US at all until the visa is approved because I am a pending immigrant so I'm SOOOOOOO HAPPY I spent over $550 on flights for nothing while being told I could go visit when it was all untrue.... Not once in all of the paperwork we did, did it ever say "You may not enter the US while the visa is pending" NOWHERE. The officer said a K-1 should take 3 months.... Ha. Okay. See you in 2 months then.......

What did you tell them and what they asked you?

[Boiler 45,553]

Probably intending rather than pending.

[RachelleMyke 0]

What did you tell them and what they asked you?

"What are your intentions on this trip?" "Visiting my fiancé" ... "Are you planning on moving there or is he moving here?" "I plan to move there" "How?" "We've applied for a K-1 visa" And that was it. It was instantly a no. You're a pending immigrant you cannot enter the United States until the visa is approved. And that was it. Escorted to get my luggage and went home.

Probably intending rather than pending.

He definitely said pending immigrant. As in my visa case is pending, so I can't enter until it's approved.

[Boiler 45,553]

They are allowed to lie, what did they write in your passport.

[Tuzi and Niu 5]

Sorry to hear that you were denied entry. I found a page on the US embassy site for Ottawa that Canadians that are applying for K1 need a visa to enter.

In almost all circumstances, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States, either from Canada or from other countries. However, some exceptions exist:

• foreign citizen fiancé(e)s (K-1 Visa), as well as the fiancé(e)'s children (K-2 Visa)

http://canada.usembassy.gov/visas/information-for-canadians/canadians-requiring-visas.html

good luck

[Boiler 45,553]

She has applied for K1, this was to visit.