Yes, you can visit!

[thehonks_96 0]

On 7/1/2024 at 7:44 AM, Yareth said:

So, I would like to share my recent experiences crossing the border as a K1 applicant, to show that it is still very possible.

I was fairly nervous about traveling to the US to see my fiancé, as I've had some uncomfortable conversations with CBP officers whenever I would visit before applying for a K1.  I fly on staff travel/standby, which means I rarely have a ticket to go back. My job allows me to visit fairly frequently for sometimes long periods of times (6 weeks in the summer). So the CBP officers are wary. I've always pointed out that I am an educator and am also a homeowner. This information usually convinces the officers that I'm not intending to immigrate.

 

Still though, it's no fun after a long flight (as we all know) so I applied for Global Entry and it's a game changer. If you are eligible, take it. I've had it ever since applying for a K1 and it's fantastic. No lines, no questions. Just a quick glance and the officer says "you're good to go". (no guarantees though they can still question you as much as they like)

I know the option isn't available to everyone, but consider it if it's possible for you.

Thanks so much for this; just signed up for global entry now. You really feel it’s a game changer for k1 applicants? 

[OldUser 7,317]

14 minutes ago, thehonks_96 said:

Thanks so much for this; just signed up for global entry now. You really feel it’s a game changer for k1 applicants? 

It's good for everybody honestly. I got it on work visa, then used it while removing conditions. Still have it, it's great. By the way, many credit cards (even some no fee cards) cover Global Entry, if you don't want to pay out of pocket.

Edited Tuesday at 03:05 PM by OldUser

[thehonks_96 0]

Can you use an ESTA repeatedly? Ie spend 90 days with your fiance (USC) whilst waiting for K1 approval, return home for a few weeks, then come back again? 

[yuna628 9,700]

21 minutes ago, thehonks_96 said:

Can you use an ESTA repeatedly? Ie spend 90 days with your fiance (USC) whilst waiting for K1 approval, return home for a few weeks, then come back again? 

An ESTA is not a visa, it is a background check authorization, that if passed, allows you to get on a plane. The VWP is what allows someone from certain countries to visit the US, visa free for up to 90 days. It is extremely unwise to stay the maximum allowed time, as you run the risk of overstaying. It is also extremely unwise to continue to make such lengthy repeated visits, without giving the same or larger amount of time spent in your home country. VWP is an important privilege that can be revoked if abused or if an officer feels you are abusing it.

 

There were times when my then fiancé would visit me twice a year. Once in spring and again in fall or winter. These visits were obviously separated by many many months in-between and never anywhere close to the allowed cutoff date.

[thehonks_96 0]

29 minutes ago, yuna628 said:

An ESTA is not a visa, it is a background check authorization, that if passed, allows you to get on a plane. The VWP is what allows someone from certain countries to visit the US, visa free for up to 90 days. It is extremely unwise to stay the maximum allowed time, as you run the risk of overstaying. It is also extremely unwise to continue to make such lengthy repeated visits, without giving the same or larger amount of time spent in your home country. VWP is an important privilege that can be revoked if abused or if an officer feels you are abusing it.

 

There were times when my then fiancé would visit me twice a year. Once in spring and again in fall or winter. These visits were obviously separated by many many months in-between and never anywhere close to the allowed cutoff date.

Sure, thank you. although I note that apparently you can come back if you go somewhere that is considered very far removed and an absolute exit, ie returning to the UK for a time? From what I read anecdotally, not firm evidence. 

Edited Tuesday at 04:17 PM by thehonks_96
Manners!!!

[OldUser 7,317]

22 minutes ago, thehonks_96 said:

Sure, thank you. although I note that apparently you can come back if you go somewhere that is considered very far removed and an absolute exit, ie returning to the UK for a time? From what I read anecdotally, not firm evidence. 

Coming back shortly after departure from the US is a flag that can lead to questions and potential visa / ESTA revocation, regardless of country you went to. Whether it's Mexico or Australia, if you come back to the US too soon, it's a risk.

[thehonks_96 0]

2 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Coming back shortly after departure from the US is a flag that can lead to questions and potential visa / ESTA revocation, regardless of country you went to. Whether it's Mexico or Australia, if you come back to the US too soon, it's a risk.

Understood, and what Yuna was saying! Just worth an ask as I wasn’t sure, and saw mixed results when searching online. Thanks both. The VWP is indeed a privilege.  

[gracieUK 0]

Hi all, 

 

Wondering if you can help me please!

 

I am from the UK and just got engaged to my fiance from WI, US. We wanted to file for the K1 in march time, after i possibly visit him. However, his sisters wedding is in September in the states and its really important to me that I go as we are very close and I have already bought the tickets.

 

My question is should I avoid filing for the visa until after her wedding or will I likely be fine to visit after filing?

 

The trip for her wedding is for 10 days, I have proof of employment but no rent/mortgage as I recently moved in with my parents. I am planning on travelling light with a small bag so hopefully that would show I'm not staying

 

Thanks so much

[Boiler 45,948]

Regular short visits should not be an issue, it is when you push it, then it can be problematic 

[BananaSmoothie 3]

Used this thread when my fiancé wanted to visit for Christmas for a month with an approved I-129f! Thank you! 
 

He brought things such as the approved notices and his itinerary, but the officer didn’t question him any more than usual at the POE (actually, even less - fiance told me he looked like he had a long day). 
 

Definitely reassured us to be ready!