K1 Visa - Received NOA2 - Still Ok To Visit?

[KimchiLumpia 315]

I know there's already an "Is It Ok to visit?" mega-thread.  The problem with mega-threads, there are literally hundreds of pages to filter through with information that doesn't quite relate to Canadian/US border crossing.  I figured I'd ask here on the Canadian regional forum.

Quick clarification:

• My Canadian fiance lives in Vancouver, BC.
•  I live in Seattle, Washington which is only a 2.5 hour drive away.  
• My fiance has her Canadian passport, and I have my US passport.  
• We alternate visiting each other 2-3 times per month and drive across at the POE in Blaine, Washington - And never had a problem crossing. 

 

We received our K1 Visa NOA1 in November 2016.  We took a trip to Las Vegas in December 2016 with our flight leaving Bellingham, Washington.  She had no problems driving across the border to the Bellingham, Washington airport while our petition was in NOA1 status.

 

We recently received our K1 Visa NOA2 approval on February 7, 2017.  She has the first week of March 2017 off work and would like to visit me in Seattle again.

 

Has any of the Canadian member forum have issue when visiting the US while their K1 Visa was under NOA2 status?  

 

Thanks in advance!

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Just like with during the entire process. They can visit, as long as they can show strong ties that they are going to return home.

 

It is always up to immigrations whether or not to permit entry into the US.

[KimchiLumpia 315]

Thanks for the reply @Ben&Zian.  That's what I figured as well.  I read how those from other countries show their rental lease, mortgage payments, and even get a letter from their employer for proof of good work standing - to prove their strong ties to return home to their country.

I would still like to hear first hand experiences from any Canadians out there as well.  

[Cryssiekins 976]

My husband is from Buffalo, NY and I lived in the Niagara Region in Ontario.  Just a silly bridge and about a 30 min drive is all that separated us.  

 

Personal visits took place right up until the weekend before my interview at the Embassy.  Not once did I have to show my ties to home, though I always had evidence on me.  (Bank statements, lease, letter from my employer - my boss was great and always updated it basically every other week when I crossed).  I also carried a copy of the USCIS petition and NOA's. 

 

Just a note to your fiancé for when it comes time to go to Montreal for the interview - she should stay at the Courtyard by Marriot as it is literally a block away from the Embassy and makes navigating through Montreal morning traffic better and no matter what time her interview is scheduled for, she should line up around 7am as the times are not actual appointments as it works as a first come first serve. 

[KimchiLumpia 315]

26 minutes ago, Cryssiekins said:

My husband is from Buffalo, NY and I lived in the Niagara Region in Ontario.  Just a silly bridge and about a 30 min drive is all that separated us.  

 

Personal visits took place right up until the weekend before my interview at the Embassy.  Not once did I have to show my ties to home, though I always had evidence on me.  (Bank statements, lease, letter from my employer - my boss was great and always updated it basically every other week when I crossed).  I also carried a copy of the USCIS petition and NOA's. 

 

Just a note to your fiancé for when it comes time to go to Montreal for the interview - she should stay at the Courtyard by Marriot as it is literally a block away from the Embassy and makes navigating through Montreal morning traffic better and no matter what time her interview is scheduled for, she should line up around 7am as the times are not actual appointments as it works as a first come first serve. 

This is exactly what we wanted to hear!  Thank you for the additional tips regarding the Embassy in Montreal.  We were kind of bummed out that they stopped doing K1 Visa interviews in Vancouver last year.  But, we've never been to Montreal and hear its a beautiful city.  We're looking forward to making it a vacation as I will be joining her as well.
 

Thanks again!

[PickleChips 56]

I lived in Vancouver too and crossed at several of the borders. Never had a problem after the NOA2. Some people have said it shows up on their screen but they certainly didn't act like they knew anything. I always brought my ties of course. 

[Cryssiekins 976]

1 hour ago, Katmedic said:

I lived in Vancouver too and crossed at several of the borders. Never had a problem after the NOA2. Some people have said it shows up on their screen but they certainly didn't act like they knew anything. I always brought my ties of course. 

Something shows up on their screen for sure bc there was one time where CPB mentioned the pending visa before I could even state the purpose of my visit was to spend the weekend with my fiancée, but he called it another type of visa and I corrected him.  I wasn't sure if he accidentally misspoke or if he was trying to trip me up haha, but at the end of it, it always worked out well. 

 

I definitely don't miss the long lines waiting at the border!! 

[KimchiLumpia 315]

Thanks for the responses.  I figured the boarder agents are easier on Canadian crossers, especially driving into the US vs. those flying in from over seas.  I'll make sure we bring a copy of our K1 petition, NOA notices, and evidence my fiance will return to Canada.

 

[Cryssiekins 976]

1 hour ago, KimchiLumpia said:

Thanks for the responses.  I figured the boarder agents are easier on Canadian crossers, especially driving into the US vs. those flying in from over seas.  I'll make sure we bring a copy of our K1 petition, NOA notices, and evidence my fiance will return to Canada.

 

I mean as a reasonable person I don't understand how they could give a problem.  The fact that someone filed the appropriate paperwork should make it easier to visit.  It shows that the proper legal procedure is being followed - who would risk their future to speed things up by only a few months??  But that's just me.  

 

As long as her vehicle isn't packed with all her worldly belongings, she should be okay.  I think they leave a note on every entry, so there's a history of arriving and departing the US well within the parameters of VWP.  

 

Best wishes for the rest of the journey!

[PickleChips 56]

3 hours ago, Cryssiekins said:

Something shows up on their screen for sure bc there was one time where CPB mentioned the pending visa before I could even state the purpose of my visit was to spend the weekend with my fiancée, but he called it another type of visa and I corrected him.  I wasn't sure if he accidentally misspoke or if he was trying to trip me up haha, but at the end of it, it always worked out well. 

 

I definitely don't miss the long lines waiting at the border!! 

No way! Glad they didn't hassle you!

 

My fiancé was deployed at the time so I brought his orders with me as proof that I wasn't going to stay and adjust since he wasn't even in America lol

Edited February 11, 2017 by Katmedic

[NikLR 13,227]

People do get denied entry, especially of they aren't in school and dont have jobs. But having prood of your ties to Canada generally helps. 

[shayden10 78]

Yes! You can visit  

 

I was denied entry prior to applying for the K1 Visa, and every time I visited the US to see my fiancé I had to show evidence of ties to my country, generally I showed return travel plans, letter from employers and most recent pay stubs and that was enough.  I received my NOA2 at the beginning of October and went to visit my fiancé at the end of November. When I went to the border I took the same evidence I always took, my NOA2, and my letter that said when my interview was. If you don't have your interview yet, just take the NOA2. If it helps, tell the border official you are going to visit and get the documents together for your interview (financial support forms and evidence, for example). 

You shouldn't have any issues either way, and if you do get denied it will be sad but do not think it will effect the interview. I told the interviewer about my denial and he said it happens quite frequently.

Good luck!

[FrancesTaber 12]

On ‎2‎/‎10‎/‎2017 at 2:34 PM, KimchiLumpia said:

I know there's already an "Is It Ok to visit?" mega-thread.  The problem with mega-threads, there are literally hundreds of pages to filter through with information that doesn't quite relate to Canadian/US border crossing.  I figured I'd ask here on the Canadian regional forum.

Quick clarification:

• My Canadian fiance lives in Vancouver, BC.
•  I live in Seattle, Washington which is only a 2.5 hour drive away.  
• My fiance has her Canadian passport, and I have my US passport.  
• We alternate visiting each other 2-3 times per month and drive across at the POE in Blaine, Washington - And never had a problem crossing. 

 

We received our K1 Visa NOA1 in November 2016.  We took a trip to Las Vegas in December 2016 with our flight leaving Bellingham, Washington.  She had no problems driving across the border to the Bellingham, Washington airport while our petition was in NOA1 status.

 

We recently received our K1 Visa NOA2 approval on February 7, 2017.  She has the first week of March 2017 off work and would like to visit me in Seattle again.

 

Has any of the Canadian member forum have issue when visiting the US while their K1 Visa was under NOA2 status?  

 

Thanks in advance!

Yes, your fiancé can continue to cross into the U.S. right up until her interview. As many people say, it is up to the discretion of the border agent that day however I think it is unusual to have any problems. I crossed the border probably 10-15 times between my NOA2 and interview date. It's important to have the ability to show ties to Canada in the form of bank statements, lease, letter from employer etc... however I was never asked for anything of the sort. I would also recommend not over packing, as anything more than a suitcase may make it seem as though she is already moving stuff across the border before an official approval. In the many times I crossed (whether it be a day trip unrelated to visiting my fiancé or spending two weeks visiting him) I was never once asked any questions related to my immigration status!

[JlovesA 109]

On 2/10/2017 at 3:45 PM, KimchiLumpia said:

This is exactly what we wanted to hear!  Thank you for the additional tips regarding the Embassy in Montreal.  We were kind of bummed out that they stopped doing K1 Visa interviews in Vancouver last year.  But, we've never been to Montreal and hear its a beautiful city.  We're looking forward to making it a vacation as I will be joining her as well.
 

Thanks again!

 

Just an FYI, don't show up at 7am. Things have changed and the consulate will only let you in 15 min before your interview. I had a 10:30am appointment today and was turned away at 10:00am, told to come back at 10:15am. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott which was excellent.

[KimchiLumpia 315]

1 hour ago, JlovesA said:

 

Just an FYI, don't show up at 7am. Things have changed and the consulate will only let you in 15 min before your interview. I had a 10:30am appointment today and was turned away at 10:00am, told to come back at 10:15am. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott which was excellent.

Excellent....good to know.  I just read your review on the Montreal consulate forum.  Thanks for the tip!