Boyfriend/Fiance visiting with for 5 weeks.. worried about proving intent to return

[Boiler 45,949]

I used to say GF.

[SMINKACHU 0]

I'm planning on visiting my wife in February for a week, we don't have a pending I-130 and I'm not planning on staying beyond a week. I'll take proof I intend to return, signed letters from family and employer etc. Surely visiting for a week, given I've visited the States before for around the same time and I've left on time will stand me in relative good stead?

[JFH 12,191]

Ordinarily, yes. One week, return ticket, job to go back to, low fraud country (UK)...usually all fine. BUT! You have the biggest reason of all for potentially overstaying. A wife in the USA. Be prepared for questions. Answer truthfully and only give the information that is asked for.

[Boiler 45,949]

99.9 etc % of people have no issues, the ones I have noticed who have got into trouble usually have a situation that deserved it.

[SMINKACHU 0]

99.9 etc % of people have no issues, the ones I have noticed who have got into trouble usually have a situation that deserved it.

I married somewhat out of the blue when I was last in the States on an ESTA. Borderline deserving?

[Boiler 45,949]

I married somewhat out of the blue when I was last in the States on an ESTA. Borderline deserving?

No

Not in itself an issue, lots of people marry in the US as a visitor.

[SMINKACHU 0]

No

Not in itself an issue, lots of people marry in the US as a visitor.

Glad to hear it. Other responses seemed to imply I was going to be treated like a pariah for entering the States married for a week. I feel a lot more positive about the situation.

[JFH 12,191]

Just be truthful. Visiting your wife for a week is not illegal. Lying to an official is. I have been visiting every 6 - 8 weeks since we got married in 2014 and never had a problem.

[SMINKACHU 0]

Just be truthful. Visiting your wife for a week is not illegal. Lying to an official is. I have been visiting every 6 - 8 weeks since we got married in 2014 and never had a problem.

What with this being my first time going to the states married do I need to take anything with me, documentation to prove I'm returning? I've already enquired with my employer but in terms of ties, I rent a room at a house so I can ask my landlord to write a letter stating my intention to return, I have an active UK credit agreement, cell and iPad contracts that require me to be in the UK (I'm assuming) aside from that, I cannot think what to bring. I've seen suggestions about bringing a resume/CV to show my career, I've been at the same company 10 years, I'm hoping something like that would show, alongside a letter from my employer that I'm not visiting to stay on.

[Boiler 45,949]

What with this being my first time going to the states married do I need to take anything with me, documentation to prove I'm returning? I've already enquired with my employer but in terms of ties, I rent a room at a house so I can ask my landlord to write a letter stating my intention to return, I have an active UK credit agreement, cell and iPad contracts that require me to be in the UK (I'm assuming) aside from that, I cannot think what to bring. I've seen suggestions about bringing a resume/CV to show my career, I've been at the same company 10 years, I'm hoping something like that would show, alongside a letter from my employer that I'm not visiting to stay on.

Brining a CV is the worst thing you could do.

Let us say you were searched and they found a CV, what do you think they would think? What would you think?

[Transborderwife 4,666]

What with this being my first time going to the states married do I need to take anything with me, documentation to prove I'm returning? I've already enquired with my employer but in terms of ties, I rent a room at a house so I can ask my landlord to write a letter stating my intention to return, I have an active UK credit agreement, cell and iPad contracts that require me to be in the UK (I'm assuming) aside from that, I cannot think what to bring. I've seen suggestions about bringing a resume/CV to show my career, I've been at the same company 10 years, I'm hoping something like that would show, alongside a letter from my employer that I'm not visiting to stay on.

Credit, cell and iPad can likely be cancelled from the USA. People lie on resumes all of the time, as well it looks like an attempt to immigrate. Get an employment letter with specific dates signed in ink to help.

[HFM181818 750]

letters are no more valuable at proving intent than last week's newspapers...anyone can write a letter, stating anything within it...such letters are not legally binding and cannot control the actions of a human being. I just don't understand why people think that some 'notarized' (woo-hoo) letter waved around instantly establishes the bona fides of an alien traveler....how?

[Transborderwife 4,666]

letters are no more valuable at proving intent than last week's newspapers...anyone can write a letter, stating anything within it...such letters are not legally binding and cannot control the actions of a human being. I just don't understand why people think that some 'notarized' (woo-hoo) letter waved around instantly establishes the bona fides of an alien traveler....how?

I can only speak from my experience. Cbp (coming from Canada) wanted to deny me before seeing it before.

[HFM181818 750]

A good, focused CBP official is not going to be swayed by some letter....maybe the newer ones think they can use it to justify a poor decision...but not the experienced ones....I could write a letter now, claiming the moon is made of green cheese....does that make it so? No. A letter from the boss, stating, 'we fully expect Ms. X to return to her duties in five weeks' means nothing. 'Fully expect' is an opinion, not a legally enforceable statement of fact.

And how in the world can a utility bill drag someone kicking and screaming out of the US and onto an airplane?

[Transborderwife 4,666]

A good, focused CBP official is not going to be swayed by some letter....maybe the newer ones think they can use it to justify a poor decision...but not the experienced ones....I could write a letter now, claiming the moon is made of green cheese....does that make it so? No. A letter from the boss, stating, 'we fully expect Ms. X to return to her duties in five weeks' means nothing. 'Fully expect' is an opinion, not a legally enforceable statement of fact.

And how in the world can a utility bill drag someone kicking and screaming out of the US and onto an airplane?

I agree about the utilities