Was "Flagged" At the Border, Could this affect my K-1 visa?

[NobleDog 0]

Essentially I was told that I was flagged and would be sent to secondary every time I went to visit my SO, I'm from Canada and she's from the states and I was flagged because my duration of visit was 3 months, which they deemed to be pretty long. I was allowed through but am worried that this might affect my future plans to apply for a K-1, they also asked me a bunch of questions about my education, and my and her address. has anyone had anything similar happen to them? and if so, how did it end up turning out? Thanks in advance.

[almost_umrican 54]

you are not a Canadian national, are you ?

[p-ana 933]

If you haven't lied about anything, I don't think it will affect a future k1.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

I was denied entry twice visiting my boyfriend (at the time) because I was deemed to have immigrant intent. We later applied for a Cr1 visa. It was mentioned at the interview but I was approved without issue.

Good luck

[NobleDog 0]

If you haven't lied about anything, I don't think it will affect a future k1.

No, I was allowed through but was just told I was flagged in there system for further screening but was still in "Good standing" with them.

you are not a Canadian national, are you ?

I'm a Canadian Citizen, born in Canada.

[RodDetroit 118]

Essentially I was told that I was flagged and would be sent to secondary every time I went to visit my SO, I'm from Canada and she's from the states and I was flagged because my duration of visit was 3 months, which they deemed to be pretty long. I was allowed through but am worried that this might affect my future plans to apply for a K-1, they also asked me a bunch of questions about my education, and my and her address. has anyone had anything similar happen to them? and if so, how did it end up turning out? Thanks in advance.

I used to live in Canada and during my time there I would come to the US almost every weekend, I was sent to secondary a few times and most Canadians that i noticed there were new Canadians, originally from middle eastern countries and southwest Asia. it was completely racial profile but they wont admit that. Canadians are allow to spend upto 6 months in the US as tourist. you didnt break any law by stating 3 months in the US.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

I was flagged for a withdrawal of application once. I got through on my next visit no questions asked.

I don't think it'll affect your k1

[Limey 551]

So long as you told the truth you'll be fine. If you're flagged as a tourist because they feel you are spending too long in the US, then those grounds don't apply to a k1, where the intention is for you to reside there permanently. If anything the regular trips to the US just show how bona fide your relationship is (not that Canadians would get many problems proving that).

[NobleDog 0]

I used to live in Canada and during my time there I would come to the US almost every weekend, I was sent to secondary a few times and most Canadians that i noticed there were new Canadians, originally from middle eastern countries and southwest Asia. it was completely racial profile but they wont admit that. Canadians are allow to spend upto 6 months in the US as tourist. you didnt break any law by stating 3 months in the US.

The first officer apparently misheard me and believed I said " I work for free back home" which I never said, I kind of mumble sometimes and maybe that's what sent me to secondary? I work part time and have no interest in making below minimum wage in the USA. I'm Portuguese, Fairly white looking. I did have a beard so maybe that set them off? No idea. I just hope it wont affect my applications in the future.

So long as you told the truth you'll be fine. If you're flagged as a tourist because they feel you are spending too long in the US, then those grounds don't apply to a k1, where the intention is for you to reside there permanently. If anything the regular trips to the US just show how bona fide your relationship is (not that Canadians would get many problems proving that).

I'm glad, I was visiting on the VWP as a tourist, and I believe I was sent to secondary because the first officer misheard me when I said "I work part time doing Maintenance work" too "I work for free back home" Which is what I think got me in secondary. I clarified with the officer that I do indeed have a job and that I was super tired because it was 5:00 AM and I was up all night because how early we had to get too the airport. So my K-1 application shouldn't have any extra hiccups because of this, right?

[almost_umrican 54]

No, I was allowed through but was just told I was flagged in there system for further screening but was still in "Good standing" with them.

I'm a Canadian Citizen, born in Canada.

Good deal, you will be okay.a secondary every time is ridiculous. i am a canadian expat as well btw.

[NobleDog 0]

I was denied entry twice visiting my boyfriend (at the time) because I was deemed to have immigrant intent. We later applied for a Cr1 visa. It was mentioned at the interview but I was approved without issue.

Good luck

So I should be alright then? Would contacting a lawyer be something I should maybe do in your opinion?

[Transborderwife 4,666]

So I should be alright then? Would contacting a lawyer be something I should maybe do in your opinion?

A lawyer can't help you

[NobleDog 0]

A lawyer can't help you

Do you think it'll affect my k-1 at all then?

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Do you think it'll affect my k-1 at all then?

I already answered this. It's unlikely

[ExPatty 502]

The very fact that they let you through makes it painfully clear, IMO, that this is not a huge issue. Not saying it's a complete non-issue, but if they thought you were truly being a naughty boy they wouldn't have let you through at all. I can't see it causing issues.

Edited July 12, 2016 by ExPatty