Visting girlfriend ETSA

[T_McCann 10]

10 hours ago, zemit said:

I do have a job its really flexible, I live with my parents, no i haven't got travel insurance  I'm I looking at a problem at the POE?

Make sure you get travel insurance. If something was to happen and you needed medical attention.... you will need it for your trip!! 

[TriloByte 1,818]

My fiancee from the UK has visited me twice on ETSA in the last year, 3 months each time for a total of 6 months, with what they called "weak ties". They interrogated her for hours, she cried, they let her in. I suspect based on our experience, they will likely let you in. In conclusion, border control is a pain, but you will most likely be ok. Good luck.

Edited May 30, 2017 by TriloByte

[Michael2017 368]

2 hours ago, TriloByte said:

My fiancee from the UK has visited me twice on ETSA in the last year, 3 months each time for a total of 6 months, with what they called "weak ties". They interrogated her for hours, she cried, they let her in. I suspect based on our experience, they will likely let you in. In conclusion, border control is a pain, but you will most likely be ok. Good luck.

Exactly. While Esta is a piece of cake for most, sometimes you get into secondary and there it is getting ugly. For those cases, you need a strong documentation of ties. The OP would raise big red flags travelling with 8000$ in cash. On the other hand, not having proof of funds for his entire stay could raise red flags regarding working. In my opinion, better safe than sorry. Normally, the first trip should not be an issue and it is getting harder at frequent visits, still, documentation is important to be safe for a secondary inspection.

[Marzena & Stephen 544]

My fiance lives in the usa and i travel there alot but this weekend was the first time since we submitted out k1 visa in march. I was a little hesitant to go there because i was not sure if i would have any issues so i made sure to get a letter from my employer stating the dates i would be away and when i was expected back at work. However my travel was easy and no hassle at all!!! I was not even asked for a letter or how much cash i have or a return ticket..nothing.. There or back i was asked why im going there and i just said my fiance lives there and that was all i was good to go..unless you have some reason for them to keep you from entering i think you will be okay  ..hope this makes you feel better. 

Edited May 30, 2017 by Marzena & Stephen

[Steff&DJ 0]

I'm going over to the US to visit my fiancé in 2 days time, I have a file of paperwork to show that I have ties to my home country (Australia) and that we are going about getting the K1 visa the correct way.

I am only going for 3 weeks but we are also driving across the border to Canada for a weekend so I have a bit of anxiety around returning through there as well. 

The documents I have included are;

• ESTA Visa

• Return ticket

• Travel Insurance 

• Letter from employer stating how many days leave I am taking and my return to work date

• Payslips 

• Bank statements showing mortgages

• Statements from my rental properties 

• A letter of intent to border protection stating I am only entering as a visitor 

• A letter from my fiancé stating that I will be staying with him at his family home 

• A copy of our NOA1 form 

 

I know it sounds like I have gone a bit overboard but a woman from Australia was detained a couple of weeks ago when she tried to enter the US to visit her boyfriend and couldn't prove she was going to leave.

 

At the end of the day, it all comes down to the officer you get at your POE and how they feel about your answers to their questions. Personally, I want to be as prepared as possible.

 

Goodluck & I hope you have a great holiday with your partner

[JessieABC 159]

On 5/29/2017 at 10:16 AM, zemit said:

I'm vising my girlfriend for 2 months in 3 days time from the UK, I'm staying at a hotel, I have enough funds to support myself 8000 dollars will i have any problems at border-control thank you, this is my very first visit trip

Make sure you sign up for ESTA:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/application.html;jsessionid=ssrgZdDChPQJnxylWhQ7RyGLntbxcQqJQHxym3vKQs1SmrPGnpnh!-91344155?execution=e1s1

 

Won't be allowed on the plane without it. Bring anything tying you to the UK per above suggestions.

[Michael2017 368]

Dont take 8k in cash. Take it in a Card.

[Marzena & Stephen 544]

On ‎5‎/‎29‎/‎2017 at 8:16 AM, zemit said:

I'm vising my girlfriend for 2 months in 3 days time from the UK, I'm staying at a hotel, I have enough funds to support myself 8000 dollars will i have any problems at border-control thank you, this is my very first visit trip

No-you are allowed to take money especially if you are staying that long. As long as it doesn't exceed 10,000 US Dollars - if it does you need to claim it.  

 

The comment about having ties to your country is important even if you are not bringing money over.

[Michael2017 368]

1 minute ago, Marzena & Stephen said:

No-you are allowed to take money especially if you are staying that long. As long as it doesn't exceed 10,000 US Dollars - if it does you need to claim it.  

 

The comment about having ties to your country is important even if you are not bringing money over.

Yes, it is allowed, but my lawyer told me, a large amount of cash is the fastest way to secondary inspection and is NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!!

[Marzena & Stephen 544]

1 minute ago, Michael2017 said:

Yes, it is allowed, but my lawyer told me, a large amount of cash is the fastest way to secondary inspection and is NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!!

cool.