British female visiting boyfriend in US with VWP

[Tollod 0]

5 hours ago, Coco8 said:

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

I was thinking that too but wasn't sure what problems that might cause. 

[JFH 12,191]

I wouldn't worry about it. In over 40 visits on the VWP I never had any problems. Be brief. Be factual. Be polite. Answer only the question that is asked. Do not give extra information. I was never asked for actual evidence of ties to the U.K. Once I was asked for the phone number and name of my line manager at work but no calls were made to her. I was regularly asked how much money I was carrying with me. Do not inflate the amount you have on you to make it look like you can afford the trip. Be truthful. 

Edited November 23, 2017 by JFH

[Tollod 0]

12 hours ago, yuna628 said:

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.

Thank you for that information. I'll be getting insurance when I purchase my flight tickets and document from my University. I'm just worrying because I don't want to have travelled that far then get turned away.

[Tollod 0]

11 minutes ago, JFH said:

I wouldn't worry about it. In over 40 visits on the VWP I never had any problems. Be brief. Be factual. Be polite. Answer only the question that is asked. Do not give extra information. I was never asked for actual evidence of ties to the U.K. Once I was asked for the phone number and name of my line manager at work but no calls were made to her. I was regularly asked how much money I was carrying with me. Do not inflate the amount you have on you to make it look like you can afford the trip. Be truthful. 

How much money do you think would be appropriate for 2 weeks in Missouri? I already have somewhere to stay so only need spending money.

[JFH 12,191]

2 minutes ago, Tollod said:

How much money do you think would be appropriate for 2 weeks in Missouri? I already have somewhere to stay so only need spending money.

It depends what you plan to spend and can afford. I never carry more than $10 cash anyway and use my card for everything. I always answered honestly "around $10 cash and my U.K. debit and credit card". They like to see people using their debit and credit cards from their home country ad this demonstrates that the account hasn't been closed and is still active. It looks suspicious if someone (especially someone with a love interest or family member in the US) has a large amount of cash and no cards - suggests the bank account has been closed and all belongings sold (in other words, planning to overstay). 

[Tollod 0]

23 hours ago, JFH said:

It depends what you plan to spend and can afford. I never carry more than $10 cash anyway and use my card for everything. I always answered honestly "around $10 cash and my U.K. debit and credit card". They like to see people using their debit and credit cards from their home country ad this demonstrates that the account hasn't been closed and is still active. It looks suspicious if someone (especially someone with a love interest or family member in the US) has a large amount of cash and no cards - suggests the bank account has been closed and all belongings sold (in other words, planning to overstay). 

That's helpful, thank you.