Pending K1 visa, visiting US with pet

[gnaxtine 0]

Hello everyone! I have kind of an odd question here.

I've seen the previous discussion entitled "Yes, you can visit!" here, and that was very informative. Cheers, guys! However, I did not see anything regarding traveling with animals, which brings me to my question: Is it possible for someone who has a pending K-1 Visa to travel to the US for a 2 week holiday, and be admitted with a pet?

Back story: I am a USC. My fiance is Italian. We met while we were both living in London. After 2.5 years, my UK visa ended and I returned to the States this past July. Unfortunately I wasn't in a position to take my cat, who is originally American .

We are on the verge of starting the K-1 process, and my fiance intends to visit sometime in October, obviously only for 2-3 weeks. If he could bring the cat home for me, it would be a great help. Does anyone have any personal experience with that? I know the US Customs website says it is ok to bring a pet to the US whilst on a tourist visa (if you declare it on the customs form), but I guess I am wondering if the border agents will find it suspicious that my fiance is traveling with a cat for a short amount of time. I imagine they'll have a lot of questions for him, which will ultimately lead to the fact that we have filed for a visa. I am thinking he should come armed with many documents that show he has ties to the UK, like from his job, bank, landlord, etc. just in case.

Any stories, ideas or comments would be greatly appreciated!

[Brit Abroad 166]

Do you have any original documents proving that the cat originated in the US? Past vet records? Adoption from a shelter, animal control or breeder? Anything that links the cat to YOU, rather than your fiance.

Obviously, you can write a statement outlining the history of puss' ownership and why s/he is now able to return to you. Presumably you have all the records for your fiance to prove intent to return to the UK and wait it out, so it shouldn't be that much of an issue.

Good luck, and I hope kitty is a good traveller!

[gnaxtine 0]

Do you have any original documents proving that the cat originated in the US? Past vet records? Adoption from a shelter, animal control or breeder? Anything that links the cat to YOU, rather than your fiance.

Obviously, you can write a statement outlining the history of puss' ownership and why s/he is now able to return to you. Presumably you have all the records for your fiance to prove intent to return to the UK and wait it out, so it shouldn't be that much of an issue.

Good luck, and I hope kitty is a good traveller!

I do have all of her original documentation, what a great idea. Cheers!

[Lainie B 465]

While waiting for the petition approval I visited the US on the VWP and brought my dog. It was no problem whatsoever, no questions were asked. If any questions had been asked I would have just explained the truth, that I was visiting while waiting on the petition, and using the opportunity to bring the dog across.

Just for clarification, you and your fiance won't have "filed for a visa" at that point. Submitting the I-129f petition is not the same as applying for a visa. Once the petition is approved the package is sent from USCIS to your US consulate, and that is where your fiance will apply for the visa.

[gnaxtine 0]

While waiting for the petition approval I visited the US on the VWP and brought my dog. It was no problem whatsoever, no questions were asked. If any questions had been asked I would have just explained the truth, that I was visiting while waiting on the petition, and using the opportunity to bring the dog across.

Just for clarification, you and your fiance won't have "filed for a visa" at that point. Submitting the I-129f petition is not the same as applying for a visa. Once the petition is approved the package is sent from USCIS to your US consulate, and that is where your fiance will apply for the visa.

That's good to hear, thanks for letting me know!

And yes, I most certainly meant to say petition