British female visiting boyfriend in US with VWP

[Tollod 0]

I need some advice please,  I am a British citizen and I visited New York to see a friend (girl), via JFK, 3 years ago and had no issues. The only question I got asked then was 'business or pleasure', which was pleasure. I enjoyed my stay, got into no troubles and went back as planned. My boyfriend is now in Missouri (working for a year after finishing his master's there) and I intend to visit next year for 2 weeks but I am concerned about declaring him my bf or my friend to an officer. My VWP has been approved but haven't purchased my ticket yet. 

 

We are both of Ghanaian origin (he still has a Ghanaian passport so not American but I am now British),  I am also worried I might not be allowed entry since I'm in the writing up process of my PhD and do not have a job yet, therefore, not being able to show strong ties to the UK. I definitely have enough funds to support my trip and intend to go back to finish my studies. How worried should I be about entry refusal?

[Ashley Scott 180]

Every situation is different but our experience was not bad.  My (now) husband visited me twice on the VWP while we were dating.  The first time he was not asked anything and had no issues.  The second visit he was asked who he was visiting, to which he told them the truth and said his girlfriend.  He was detained in a small office and questioned further about how long he was staying, if we planned to get married, when he was returning to the UK, etc.  The officer then called me and questioned me about his stay and our intentions as well.  I told the officer that he was visiting for 2 and a half weeks and staying with me.  That we did plan to get married but not any time soon (we got engaged while he was here during that trip).  I explained that we were spending the holidays together and that he would be returning to England on the scheduled return ticket.  We were just completely honest with all of our answers and he accepted that and let him through.  It was a little extra hassle but ultimately nothing too bad. 

 

I know its up to each officer individually but I would suggest just telling them the truth and bringing any ties that you can to prove that you plan to return.  Good luck!

[geowrian 22,338]

They may ask about the trip, and carry whatever ties you do have, but I don't see any particular reason for concern. Just be honest and try not to get too nervous. Getting turned away with a a valid ESTA is pretty uncommon, and you're not doing anything remotely suspicious. Best wishes.

[Tollod 0]

What sort of documents constitute 'ties' to the UK? I do not own a house and I'm currently finishing my PhD so no job yet. 

[geowrian 22,338]

3 minutes ago, Tollod said:

What sort of documents constitute 'ties' to the UK? I do not own a house and I'm currently finishing my PhD so no job yet. 

It's not much, but proof of enrollment in your school would be one item.

[Tollod 0]

Thank you, I can definitely show that but would that be the only major thing I could provide?

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

11 minutes ago, Tollod said:

What sort of documents constitute 'ties' to the UK? I do not own a house and I'm currently finishing my PhD so no job yet. 

Bring a letter from your university - department or supervisor - on the uni letterhead, saying you’re still enrolled and writing up.

 

your British passport will help a lot.

Edited November 22, 2017 by SusieQQQ

[geowrian 22,338]

7 minutes ago, SusieQQQ said:

your British passport will help a lot.

Yup, this would be the main factor IMO.

[yuna628 9,712]

In the very many years my husband entered the US to visit me, he always told the truth regarding our status - friend/gf-bf/fiancé. In all those years, besides the average questioning and advising not to marry - the only time he was extensively questioned was his first visit. He was truthful and answered everything they threw at him and they gave him no further trouble. I will also note he didn't ever bring much proof of returning home either, and it was not exactly ever asked for regardless of if he was employed/unemployed/or a student. Recently at the airport I did see a UK gentleman coming to visit his s/o who was waiting outside the doors for him. The officer did a 'spot check interview', and spoke to both of them right in front of everyone, and he seemed satisfied by their answers. They were understandably relieved, but the officer is just doing his job. I would certainly suggest bringing proof of something regarding your education status, and simply explain to them truthfully if asked. They also do seem to like travel insurance... if that's any help.

[mallafri76 1,012]

If you’re renting an apartment, bring your lease. Do you pay tuition when you do a PhD? If so, bring the receipt. Showing how much money you’re spending on your education may be seen as evidence of wanting to return to the UK to finish your education. 

 

As others have said, always be honest and answer questions truthfully but don’t volunteer information. 

[Ontarkie 14,449]

~~Moved to Tourist Visas, from IR1/CR1 P&P - As the question is about visiting.~~

[caliliving 606]

your british passport will help and ties to your country as well! IMO people that have issues tend to cross too much and too often. for example, using your VWP to enter for 80 days, go back to uk for 10 days, and then enter again.  also, going on a month trip and packing like you are going on a 6 month trip will raise flags.

no one can say what will happen.. but if you go for the time alloted, have a trip back, show ties and pack like your trip is how long it should be you should be ok.  but again, it always is up to the officer at the border. 

[Ketsuban 1,034]

I visited about 5 times over the span of 3 years on the VWP and said I was visiting my boyfriend each time. Except the last time, I said I was visiting my husband. Sometimes the officers threw me off from how rude/robotic they were but I never had any trouble. They were like that when I came in with my green card too, so... that's just how they are.

[Coco8 1,042]

Your boyfriend is not American so visiting him is not a problem. They would ask more questions if he was American. 

[Tollod 0]

9 hours ago, mallafri76 said:

If you’re renting an apartment, bring your lease. Do you pay tuition when you do a PhD? If so, bring the receipt. Showing how much money you’re spending on your education may be seen as evidence of wanting to return to the UK to finish your education. 

 

As others have said, always be honest and answer questions truthfully but don’t volunteer information. 

Thank you so much, everyone, for all your bits of advice. I could take a letter from my University but don't really have any other documents to show because my PhD is funded by a charity. I used to rent on my own for three years until 2 months ago, where I've moved back home so no longer paying rent and my funding has run out (a reason I moved back home to minimise my expenses).