Yes, you can visit!

[Bethany92 0]

Hello everyone! 

We're pretty far in the visa process, the case is now at the US embassy (Montreal, Canada) and we have an MTL#. We have a trip planned, we're going on a cruise! But I'm super afraid they won't let him cross the border with the process being so far along. We've had this trip planned for 10 months, and we honestly thought he'd be in the country by the time the trip happened...

 

He's planning on bringing his itinerary that has his return tickets listed and proof of employment in his home country. Do you think that will be enough? He has tried calling people all day for an answer but hasn't been able to get through at any actual border offices or other US immigration-related offices. The best he got was calling someone at NVC and all she could do was recommend proof of employment. His family is also going on the cruise with us, but he's not traveling with them to get there, so they can't vouch for him. 

[Boiler 45,447]

The only person who matters is the Officer who will interview him when he seeks entry.

[Emanuelle 40]

Is there any special document to travel during the process?? or just the ticket and the NOA1??

 

[Boiler 45,447]

Visa

1 hour ago, Emanuelle said:

Is there any special document to travel during the process?? or just the ticket and the NOA1??

 

 

[Emanuelle 40]

Just now, Boiler said:

Visa

 

Visa is always necessary....

[Boiler 45,447]

6 minutes ago, Emanuelle said:

Visa is always necessary....

Yup

 

And tickets.

Edited November 29, 2017 by Boiler

[Dutchster 1,107]

If you want to be safe and just want to take evidence of returning home; NOA1's, flight itinerary, proof of employment, any proof of ties (can be things such as still having your insurances, rent or bank account details).

Honestly, I was never questioned when I visited during the K-1 stage. Only the basic, standard questions "What's the purpose of your visit?" "Visiting my fiance" "Have fun"

I packed my work schedule with me and ask HR and my store manager if they could provide me a letter detailing the known of my vacation, the length and when I am expected back at work. I also had NOA1 with me to show I want to do everything the legal way, if they would question me. The only time I had to be in Secondary was in April 2015, when I came back to the US a little too fast again. (six weeks in between the visits, to continue the roadtrip).

But it honestly all depends on the CBP officer that day, whether you are visiting during the visa process or not.

Edited November 29, 2017 by Dutchster

[baggles 60]

I arrived 10 days ago in SFO. I was so scared because I had a "SSSS" on my ticket, so I thought I would have been a nightmare to arrive. 

Instead, it all went pretty smoothly. 

When asked for the purpose of my trip I said "to visit my fiance". He then asked me a couple of questions, like where we met, how long have we been dating, when is the wedding going to be,  etc. I offered to show him my copy of the NOA 1 and he took a look at it and then let me go wishing me a happy stay in the US. 

Honestly, this is my third time here and of all, this time was the easiest. It took no longer than 3 minutes (it took more time to scan my fingerprints) and the officer was very nice to me. 

I hope my experience will help you guys! 

[acidrain 325]

On 11/28/2017 at 7:41 PM, Bethany92 said:

Hello everyone! 

We're pretty far in the visa process, the case is now at the US embassy (Montreal, Canada) and we have an MTL#. We have a trip planned, we're going on a cruise! But I'm super afraid they won't let him cross the border with the process being so far along. We've had this trip planned for 10 months, and we honestly thought he'd be in the country by the time the trip happened...

 

He's planning on bringing his itinerary that has his return tickets listed and proof of employment in his home country. Do you think that will be enough? He has tried calling people all day for an answer but hasn't been able to get through at any actual border offices or other US immigration-related offices. The best he got was calling someone at NVC and all she could do was recommend proof of employment. His family is also going on the cruise with us, but he's not traveling with them to get there, so they can't vouch for him. 

The fact you are so far along is actually a good thing because it shows you are almost finished the process. You are more likely to complete your application than to immigrate illegally which is what the border is most afraid of.

 

My passport is flagged so I have experienced the scrutiny at the border 3 times now. Every customs official can focus on different things but here is my suggestion:

1) letter from employer or letter if attending school (this can include for your children) (important)

2) copy of your lease or proof of home ownership (important)

3) copy of your travel itinerary and return flight home

4) copy of your bank statement outlining proof of rent, utilities, job (this also shows ability to pay for trip)

5) I take photos of the inside of my place to show my belongings are there and offer my landlords number if they want to verify anything

6) copy of your car/house insurance

7) copy of your cell phone bill

8) I show USC spouse's employment letter too (sometimes they ask what his situation is)

9) showing if you are taking any courses, classes to come back to

10) any gym membership or if you are part of a community organization

11) Facebook conversations or text messages making plans with friends/family when you get back

12) medical, dental, hair or other appointments making plans to come back to (including any weddings, funerals or big events)

13) if you have pets an arrangement someone is looking after them or your place for a period of time

AND

14) MOST IMPORTANTLY - a copy of your immigration application - they always ask and ensure I am following the process legally

 

All of this is complete overkill and I put all of my documents in a binder carefully labeled. The above suggestion is the cookie cut way to do things. Almost everyone will cross without any sort of issue and won't need to show anything. But if your worried it's better to be prepared than not. From talking to customs I get the feeling most people show up with a piece of paper hoping it's enough.

 

Yes it's perfectly legal to visit or go on a trip to the US while your immigration petition is pending. I've verified this with Vancouver, Seattle and Vegas airports along with our lawyer and the border 3 times when I've crossed. As long as you go on short trips every so often there is no problem. Good luck

[capavasi 11]

This is my experience with a B2 (6 months) visa while having a k-1 pending. 

 

I quit my job in May and planned on visiting my fiancé and getting to know his family and friends over the 3 months, because I didn’t know at that time I was able to visit for 6 months. 

I was definitely grilled at the POE. (YEG airport), I didn’t know any of this info back then, needing “ties” and what not. The woman pressed me asking why I don’t have a return ticket, why I quit my job, if I was able to call my old employer right then and there to confirm I worked there last week, ect. I didn’t really understand why I was getting hassled so badly as it’s just Canada/USA.

 

Back then it was very scary and confusing, also probably a red flag for them (as I was packing 4 suit cases with me full of my belongings to get a headstart with the moving process). I was sent into a room while I waited for another IO to ask me more questions about my intentions. After about 45 minutes of being confused and terrified I was informed that I could stay for 6 months but it was only due to him. He said for future reference do NOT try it again without a return ticket. I had to leave the USA before my b2 visa expired (November 3). Came home November 2.

 

Currently in Montreal! Just had my medical exam done today (took 4 hours, what a drag. Free WiFi though). Waiting for my interview next week. 🤞🏻

[MK2017 29]

 

Hi everyone, 

 

I'm with a dilema and would like to know if anyone here have experienced that or have any advice. My currently situation is: 

We got our NOA1 in August 8 and are unde 115 days waiting for the NOA2. I got a job offer, right after we sent our package and the boss was on board to wait for me until January. But since the whole K1 process is so delayed I dont expect to be in the US by January anymore, probably March or April. 

Because of grant issues and deadlines the boss can't wait for me past January and we were talking about the possibility for me to go there now, start the training over all the process and get some things done, as an unpaid internship. He is a old professor of mine and I would stay at his house during this time and when we receive the NOA2 i would come back to brazil to do the medical and interview.

I'm concern if this could jeopardy my K1 process, since as soon as I get my WP I will be hired by the University 

Can anyone help me with this???

 

Thaks in advance  

[Boiler 45,447]

1 hour ago, MK2017 said:

 

Hi everyone, 

 

I'm with a dilema and would like to know if anyone here have experienced that or have any advice. My currently situation is: 

We got our NOA1 in August 8 and are unde 115 days waiting for the NOA2. I got a job offer, right after we sent our package and the boss was on board to wait for me until January. But since the whole K1 process is so delayed I dont expect to be in the US by January anymore, probably March or April. 

Because of grant issues and deadlines the boss can't wait for me past January and we were talking about the possibility for me to go there now, start the training over all the process and get some things done, as an unpaid internship. He is a old professor of mine and I would stay at his house during this time and when we receive the NOA2 i would come back to brazil to do the medical and interview.

I'm concern if this could jeopardy my K1 process, since as soon as I get my WP I will be hired by the University 

Can anyone help me with this???

 

Thaks in advance  

Is this a J1?

[MK2017 29]

2 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Is this a J1?

No I have a B1/B2 visa that I used in 2015 to do a training in a governamental company in Atlanta and now Im seeking this new training in Cleveland. He offered me a J1 at the beginning, but since I had already filled for the K1 I couldn't take the J1  

[Boiler 45,447]

1 minute ago, MK2017 said:

No I have a B1/B2 visa that I used in 2015 to do a training in a governamental company in Atlanta and now Im seeking this new training in Cleveland. He offered me a J1 at the beginning, but since I had already filled for the K1 I couldn't take the J1  

Sounds more like a J1, why could you not take that?

[MK2017 29]

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

Sounds more like a J1, why could you not take that?

For what I researched, since the final intention over the K1 is to immigrate, once you get married and so forth I couldnt apply for a non immigrate visa, such as the J1, that has an established time of 2 years that can be renewed for few more years, but that is strictly a non immigrant visa.  

 

Hope that I could express this in a non confusing way