Holiday to USA During K1 Visa

[robertsjaso1 1]

Hi All,

I would just like to clarify my understanding. At the moment, we have received our NOA2 but are yet to receive the notice from the NVC. I have already bought tickets to visit my fiancé and her mother during the week of Thanksgiving and I am just wanting to make sure that would not be a problem while part way through the K1 visa process. From what I have been able to find out so far, while there can be grounds to be refused entry at the border, I should be ok because I have a return ticket already booked, a letter from my employer stating that I am still gainfully employed there, and her mothers travel itinerary to Orlando to show that we are all meeting up to discuss wedding planning. I realise that it would come down to the particular border agent on the day, but as far as anyone else knows, I should be ok gaining entry during Thanksgiving right?

I appreciate any input or any help anyone can offer.

Thanks

[RobertM54 36]

As ling as your interview is after the trip, you should be fine.

[JFH 12,190]

No reason why you would be refused entry. I went twice during my CR-1 process. Any entry is subject to the officer on the day but from what you have posted here there is nothing to suggest that you have a reason to be refused.

[Limey 551]

Hi All,

I would just like to clarify my understanding. At the moment, we have received our NOA2 but are yet to receive the notice from the NVC. I have already bought tickets to visit my fiancé and her mother during the week of Thanksgiving and I am just wanting to make sure that would not be a problem while part way through the K1 visa process. From what I have been able to find out so far, while there can be grounds to be refused entry at the border, I should be ok because I have a return ticket already booked, a letter from my employer stating that I am still gainfully employed there, and her mothers travel itinerary to Orlando to show that we are all meeting up to discuss wedding planning. I realise that it would come down to the particular border agent on the day, but as far as anyone else knows, I should be ok gaining entry during Thanksgiving right?

I appreciate any input or any help anyone can offer.

Thanks

So long as you travel before your K1 is issued, then you should be fine. Many of us have done it, and hardly anyone has had problems (see the sticky thread about "can I visit?").

Take your NOA2 with you. That shows that you don't intend overstaying or getting married during this trip, and that you are doing things properly. This seems to be quite persuasive to immigration officers. Your other docs you mentioned are obviously relevant too.

And don't worry too much if you google and come up with the USCIS page that says you shouldn't travel when in the process as you are likely to be denied for having immigrant intent. The experience of virtually every one here is that its fine - especially since you are British and are therefore able to travel under visa waiver.

Few pointers

- answer the questions at immigration honestly when asked, but don't feel obliged to give more information. Eg

"what is the purpose of your visit?"

"vacation"

"where will you be staying?"

"in X city, Y state"

Of course if they ask who you will be staying with, be honest. Don't say a friend when its your fiancee. Honesty is key - its better to be denied entry for being honest, than be denied entry for lying to them. The first won't affect your k1, the second will!