my GF got yanked at Seattle airport and sent back to Thailand

[azmarkd 6]

Did she overstay any out the previous visits? What was the duration and times in between prior visits?

Seems strange they mention terrorist screening.

Never over stayed in past and I mentioned that to immigration.

[Rc123rc 528]

Good luck! The only thing I can say is you set it up for failure from the beginning and then compounded the problem when they called you. Too many red flags and now you're saying it was for going to school to learn English? Lesson learned, start over with a K-1 and make absolutely sure you tell the truth up front and consistently.

[azmarkd 6]

So sorry, as someone who has been denied entry to the U.S. I know how humiliating and unfair it seems. But looking back, it seems like her denial, and mine, were justified.

Because of all the reasons laid out, the CBP officer did the right thing. I'm sorry it happened but now you must move forward.

How long had she stayed the previous 2 times she was in the U.S.? How recently ago was this?

Good luck

in the past it was only 2 weeks and last time here was late last year.

[ryna 132]

So sorry, as someone who has been denied entry to the U.S. I know how humiliating and unfair it seems. But looking back, it seems like her denial, and mine, were justified.

Because of all the reasons laid out, the CBP officer did the right thing. I'm sorry it happened but now you must move forward.

How long had she stayed the previous 2 times she was in the U.S.? How recently ago was this?

Good luck

Her being turned back will not affect the K-1 process in the future other than having to disclose it.

However, the length of time since you last saw her will affect the K-1 process since it is a requirement that you be together at some point during the 2 years previous to filing the K-1 petition (I-129F). Since she got turned back, I am assuming that the previous trips were less than 2 years ago so you should be OK there. If not, or you don't file right away, it could become an issue and you'd have to travel to see her given that it is unlikely that she will be allowed entry again on a B2.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

Good luck! The only thing I can say is you set it up for failure from the beginning and then compounded the problem when they called you. Too many red flags and now you're saying it was for going to school to learn English? Lesson learned, start over with a K-1 and make absolutely sure you tell the truth up front and consistently.

Yes, and a visitor cannot accept admission to a school because there are financial requirements to be met before an international student can enroll in school in the USA and often times, some ppl try to use visitor's visa as a decoy to skip that requirement.

So in essence, everything had some shade of suspicion that's why the CBP officer made the call. Not many ppl get that phone call.

[azmarkd 6]

Her being turned back will not affect the K-1 process in the future other than having to disclose it.

However, the length of time since you last saw her will affect the K-1 process since it is a requirement that you be together at some point during the 2 years previous to filing the K-1 petition (I-129F). Since she got turned back, I am assuming that the previous trips were less than 2 years ago so you should be OK there. If not, or you don't file right away, it could become an issue and you'd have to travel to see her given that it is unlikely that she will be allowed entry again on a B2.

Just spent 3 weeks there with her in February.

[azmarkd 6]

Yes, and a visitor cannot accept admission to a school because there are financial requirements to be met before an international student can enroll in school in the USA and often times, some ppl try to use visitor's visa as a decoy to skip that requirement.

So in essence, everything had some shade of suspicion that's why the CBP officer made the call. Not many ppl get that phone call.

When I spoke to the ESL schools in town all were open to take her. These are private schools and do this all the time, all they want is their $360 a month.

[ryna 132]

Just spent 3 weeks there with her in February.

Then you're golden for filing the K-1 until Feb 2018!

The process (the wait) isn't easy but it is what it is. I, for one, traveled so many times during the K-1 wait that CBP was getting on my case every time I'd come back.

Good luck and always tell the truth!

[Transborderwife 4,666]

1. There are esl schools in Thailand. Not very compelling for why she needs to stay so long

2. How is it easier to do the k1 with her here?

3. Important to find out if she was removed or had her application withdrawn.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

When I spoke to the ESL schools in town all were open to take her. These are private schools and do this all the time, all they want is their $360 a month.

Your gf can only enroll in a school after she has adjusted her status. which could only happen if they two get married. And that shows "Intent to immigrate". You tried to beat the system and it didn't work.

[Boiler 45,949]

Not every form of studying requires a F1, ESL classes are an example that could well not.

[Mollie09 1,543]

Your gf can only enroll in a school after she has adjusted her status. which could only happen if they two get married. And that shows "Intent to immigrate". You tried to beat the system and it didn't work.

Not true, people can enroll in non-credit classes without a student visa, including tourist visas and ESTA. Especially English courses like the OP mentioned.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

I am just going by this:

https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment/special-instructions-b-1b-2-visitors-who-want-enroll-school

[Jawaree 718]

Factors are... Your answers to is she your fiancé

Are you getting married & when, the terrorist arguments was just to get you off guard

her wanting to stay 5.6 mths, don't she have a job at home.....lack of country ties is shown here.

two prior visits even with no overstays they think planning was done then, scrutinizing the amount of luggage

It will not affect a K1 petition & you have to marry within 90 days

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

Not true, people can enroll in non-credit classes without a student visa, including tourist visas and ESTA. Especially English courses like the OP mentioned.

Do you have a link to this?

I am going by this :https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment/special-instructions-b-1b-2-visitors-who-want-enroll-school