worrying, again and again

[kimandfred 0]

Hi,

Here I am worrying again so I have to ask this question. As I said in my previous post, I'm worrying about coming to the US for the second time in 3 months to visit my not yet fiancée. The application has not been sent yet, we'll do that once I'm there to avoid taking the risk of being denied entry. But eventhough it has not been sent, I'm still afraid of being asked questions and don't really know if I should mention that I'm visiting "friends" or my girlfriend. I thank everyone who replied to me eventhough it seems there's no real answer to it. Now, my second question would be how risky would it be to come to the US with a ring in my carry on. I know that most of you would think this is crazy. I would just like to know what are the risks? Do I have to declare it? Would this give any officer a very good reason to deny me entry?

I know that I'm probably going to hear horrible worst case scenarios and that it's going to make me worry even more but I prefer to be prepared than sorry. What I find very sad is that I already feel guilty of something but the biggest crime I'm commiting is to be in love with her. I know there's nothing to debate here, the laws are what they are but still...

Fred

[Dan J 277]

Nah, you're not crazy, you're just being on-guard...well a bit over on-guard so that you worry about everything.

As long as you don't bring drugs or bombs I think they won't ask you weird things. And if they ask why do you bring the ring, I think you could just answer casually, " Yes, it's a ring.. would it cause me any problem ?". If they ask who do you want to visit, you could answer casually again, " My girlfriend, would it cause me any problem ?".

I think it's the best thing I could help you with my words. I'm never good in giving advice. Oh well. If you have a woory-too-much-club, count me in 'coz I'm like you too sometimes. It sux though.

[JenT 0]

Just be calm and honest when they ask you your questions. Respond matter of factly. Bring proof of ties to your home country and have your return ticket available if they ask to see it.

Unless you have some 'other' reason to be worried about US immigration, I really wouldn't stress out about it. What's the worst they can do? Send you back and you file while you're apart. We filed in April 05 and David came for 4 weeks May-June... absolutely no problems.

As far as the ring goes, it's a gift and you should declare it. Better that they don't find it first and wind up putting you on the defensive....

[msu17 0]

My fiance brought the ring on the plane. No problem. He had it in his coat pocket for good measure!

[Rob and Melinda 0]

Tell the truth

Rob and Melinda

[TimsDaisy 0]

If you haven't had trouble at the gate before (and by trouble, I don't mean a few extra questions, I mean getting sent home), then you are likely going to be fine this time. Take extra evidence if you are concerned - ie: more than just the return ticket. Bring some bank statements showing you are money enough not to take welfare from a needy American and bring a letter from your boss saying you're expected back at work on X date. You can also bring a mortgage statement or lease showing you have financial responsibilities at home.

Then, answer openly and honestly at the border in a clear, confident-yet-appropriately-respectful tone, and project the "this is no big thing, i'm going home" attitude they'll want.

Also - that you've been and gone should show that you are capable of following the rules.

[kimandfred 0]

Thanks for the replies. I've never had any problem at the gate not even any extra questions and I've been to the US quite a few times. I've studied in the US back in '97, '98 which might help in letting them know I can follow the rules. As far as the ring goes, I just don't know if I should declare it or just have it on me (which i will anyway). I don't want to scare the POE officer by declaring this ring. On the other hand, I sure don't want to brake any law or jeopardize anything for a stupid mistake...Maybe I should form a club, something like the Worriers Anonymous, anyone is more than welcome to join up

Thanks again for the replies.

Fred

[JenT 0]

A certain degree of worry is a good thing. It helps us check and double check to make sure things are in order, as best they can be. You did the right thing by asking the questions... now make your decision for yourself.

[Dan J 277]

Thanks for the replies. I've never had any problem at the gate not even any extra questions and I've been to the US quite a few times. I've studied in the US back in '97, '98 which might help in letting them know I can follow the rules. As far as the ring goes, I just don't know if I should declare it or just have it on me (which i will anyway). I don't want to scare the POE officer by declaring this ring. On the other hand, I sure don't want to brake any law or jeopardize anything for a stupid mistake...Maybe I should form a club, something like the Worriers Anonymous, anyone is more than welcome to join up

Thanks again for the replies.

Fred

I'd join up !!

[Carlawarla 1]

My fiance proposed to me after arriving in Edmonton for a vacation/visit in June. We had already started the K-1 Visa journey, so he was flying to see me. When going through customs, and asked the purpose of the visit, Gene stated, to visit my finance, er I mean girlfriend. He stumbled around a bit and ended up telling the officer about how we were going through the visa process, and he'd never given me a ring, and he wanted to do this, just outside in the airport area where I was waiting....and the Customs guy said...WAIT! Do you have a ring? Gene said yes, and fumbled around a bit and then brought it out. He was waved into another area, where he had to explain everything again. He was laughingly saying how nervous he was, and excited. He was then told, he didn't declare it on his customs form. He was sternly told that they had the right to confiscate the ring, and that he could be in a lot of trouble. Gene was sweating bullets. The guy said, what the heck did you think the ring was if not something you needed to declare. Gene said, a gift of love? Must have melted the guys heart, because he said, okay...we'll let you through, AFTER you pay the GST on the ring. Phew! So, declare the ring...pay the tax on it if you must!

Just thought I'd share this little ditty!

Carla

[JenT 0]

My fiance proposed to me after arriving in Edmonton for a vacation/visit in June. We had already started the K-1 Visa journey, so he was flying to see me. When going through customs, and asked the purpose of the visit, Gene stated, to visit my finance, er I mean girlfriend. He stumbled around a bit and ended up telling the officer about how we were going through the visa process, and he'd never given me a ring, and he wanted to do this, just outside in the airport area where I was waiting....and the Customs guy said...WAIT! Do you have a ring? Gene said yes, and fumbled around a bit and then brought it out. He was waved into another area, where he had to explain everything again. He was laughingly saying how nervous he was, and excited. He was then told, he didn't declare it on his customs form. He was sternly told that they had the right to confiscate the ring, and that he could be in a lot of trouble. Gene was sweating bullets. The guy said, what the heck did you think the ring was if not something you needed to declare. Gene said, a gift of love? Must have melted the guys heart, because he said, okay...we'll let you through, AFTER you pay the GST on the ring. Phew! So, declare the ring...pay the tax on it if you must!

Just thought I'd share this little ditty!

Carla

Yep... that's why I said, 'be honest and declare it'. It's not worth the aggravation.