Yes, you can visit!

[Anne__ 0]

Hi everyone, I'm getting really nervous about going through immigration next week and being turned away! Was wondering if anyone had any advice...

I'm staying for three weeks, and I'm taking one bag... my parents are flying out 10 days after me and we're flying home together (first time our families are meeting!), so I was thinking about taking my parent's itinerary to show we're leaving together.

Thing is, I've just finished my master's degree and I'm unemployed and living at home - so I don't have a proof of employment or rental agreement. Is there anything else I can take to show I don't intend to stay/marry there? I'm going to take my NOA/NOA2 and receipt of my medical exam to show we're doing everything legally. I'd appreciate any help, I'm really scared!!

[Anna Grant 169]

Don't worry too much. I entered the US twice without having a job or a proper home to go back to.

The most important item is your return ticket. By all means, take your parent's itinerary as well as that will show that you're getting the same flights going back.

Do you have anything to show that you have to go back? Car and car insurance? Phone contract? Have a look at this list here:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1visit

Don't lie to immigration about your reasons for coming to the US but don't volunteer extra information.

[Anne__ 0]

Don't worry too much. I entered the US twice without having a job or a proper home to go back to.

The most important item is your return ticket. By all means, take your parent's itinerary as well as that will show that you're getting the same flights going back.

Do you have anything to show that you have to go back? Car and car insurance? Phone contract? Have a look at this list here:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1visit

Don't lie to immigration about your reasons for coming to the US but don't volunteer extra information.

Thanks Anna - I hadn't seen that page on the website and that really helps.. I have car insurance so I'll take that too. (One more question, sorry!) When you are initially asked what your purpose of the visit is, should I straight out say "I'm visiting my fiancé" or should I keep it to "leisure" or "visiting" and wait until they ask for more details?

[divikaki 8]

Does it help that my fiance and I will be traveling together to and from the US? I currently live in his country, and we have a 4 week trip to the States planned in Dec/Jan.

[Kev-N-Ann 45]

Don't lie to immigration about your reasons for coming to the US but don't volunteer extra information.

This is the best advice.

My fiance came through POE a week ago, and because this was her third visit this year, she was taken into a room for second inspection. She had proof of ties to her country, such as property ownership, lease agreement, utility bills, etc, proof that our petition was approved and she MUST return for her interview at the embassy. The agent did not want to see any of these papers. He only asked questions, repetitive questions, trying to catch her in a lie. Questions such as who are you coming to see? How did you meet? Are you married? Do you intend to get married? How do you pay your bills?

[trbasat 2]

I'm gonna visit my girlfriend in December for 2 whole months. We are currently in the K-1 process (NOA1) and as many other I am afraid I might be denied entry.
What if I simply say "I'm visiting friends"? I was an exchange student in 2010 and this is also how I met my girlfriend. And if I say that I am not lying since I'm not only gonna visit her but also other people (including my host family) from back then. If they ask me where I stay I'm obviously gonna say that I have a girlfriend and that we have applied for a K1 visa.
Do you guys think this is a safe thing to do? I mean I'm not lying just not giving them more information then necessary...

Edit: I visited her before this year in August for 3 weeks and said exactly that without any problem (we haven't filed for the k1 back then though). However since this is the second time this year and this time for much longer I'm afraid they will cause trouble.

Edited November 12, 2013 by trbasat

[Anna Grant 169]

I'm gonna visit my girlfriend in December for 2 whole months. We are currently in the K-1 process (NOA1) and as many other I am afraid I might be denied entry.

What if I simply say "I'm visiting friends"? I was an exchange student in 2010 and this is also how I met my girlfriend. And if I say that I am not lying since I'm not only gonna visit her but also other people (including my host family) from back then. If they ask me where I stay I'm obviously gonna say that I have a girlfriend and that we have applied for a K1 visa.

Do you guys think this is a safe thing to do? I mean I'm not lying just not giving them more information then necessary...

Edit: I visited her before this year in August for 3 weeks and said exactly that without any problem (we haven't filed for the k1 back then though). However since this is the second time this year and this time for much longer I'm afraid they will cause trouble.

If you are asked by the CBP officer who you are visiting, you are going to have to say fiancee (she is no longer your girlfriend if you have submitted your petition for a fiancee visa!).

Only answer the questions you are asked but never lie. Your last visit was before you were officially fiance and fiancee.

Make sure you take evidence of your ties to your home country - check this list here - http://www.visajourn...content/k1visit.

Last year, I visited my fiance for 89 days from July to October and then went back for 90 days from 1 December. I was asked who I was visiting and said 'fiance'. I had all the proof of my ties but was not asked for it. The only thing I have ever been asked for was for my trip this April when they asked to see my return ticket.

Edited November 14, 2013 by Anna Grant

[trbasat 2]

If you are asked by the CBP officer who you are visiting, you are going to have to say fiancee (she is no longer your girlfriend if you have submitted your petition for a fiancee visa!).

Only answer the questions you are asked but never lie. Your last visit was before you were officially fiance and fiancee.

Make sure you take evidence of your ties to your home country - check this list here - http://www.visajourn...content/k1visit.

Last year, I visited my fiance for 89 days from July to October and then went back for 90 days from 1 December. I was asked who I was visiting and said 'fiance'. I had all the proof of my ties but was not asked for it. The only thing I have ever been asked for was for my trip this April when they asked to see my return ticket.

Okay so I have to tell them that I'm staying/visiting my fiancée if they ask further? Or do I have to say that right from the start. Yes we are engaged, but saying "visiting friends" includes that since we aren't married yet or am I wrong?

And I'm just scared because I really don't have many binding ties right now. I live with my parents and don't have a job right now (I'm attending college until April though).

[djv-tco 29]

Okay so I have to tell them that I'm staying/visiting my fiancée if they ask further? Or do I have to say that right from the start. Yes we are engaged, but saying "visiting friends" includes that since we aren't married yet or am I wrong?

And I'm just scared because I really don't have many binding ties right now. I live with my parents and don't have a job right now (I'm attending college until April though).

It's best to be truthful when going through customs. I suggest whatever question is asked by the CBO officer, answer truthfully. If it's a yes or no question, answer with a yes or a no. Do not provide further details unless explicitly asked. There is no hard and fast rule but it's always best to have good intentions.

For example:

• If asked where you will be staying, provide the address.
• If asked with who will you be staying, provide the name.
• If asked what your relation to that person, tell them.

To quote another VJ member, "Read carefully, interpret literally, and answer truthfully & accurately."

[trbasat 2]

It's best to be truthful when going through customs. I suggest whatever question is asked by the CBO officer, answer truthfully. If it's a yes or no question, answer with a yes or a no. Do not provide further details unless explicitly asked. There is no hard and fast rule but it's always best to have good intentions.

For example:

• If asked where you will be staying, provide the address.
• If asked with who will you be staying, provide the name.
• If asked what your relation to that person, tell them.

To quote another VJ member, "Read carefully, interpret literally, and answer truthfully & accurately."

Alright, thanks!!

So if they ask for the nature of my trip I should just respond: Visiting my fiancée?

And I won't have to / shouldn't mention the K1 unless they explicitly mention it / require evidence / binding ties?

[Anna Grant 169]

Alright, thanks!!

So if they ask for the nature of my trip I should just respond: Visiting my fiancée?

And I won't have to / shouldn't mention the K1 unless they explicitly mention it / require evidence / binding ties?

No. First question will be 'What is the nature of your trip to the US?' The answer to that is 'Vacation' and the only 2 answers should be 'business' or 'pleasure'.

The second question is likely to be 'Where will you be staying?' Then you can say 'With my fiancee'.

[dianaguava 0]

I am from Canada and I crossed the border (Windsor/Detroit tunnel) yesterday to visit my fiance. This was my first time crossing since we became engaged. The crossing was tough, as since I had a fiance and mentioned us going through the visa process and presenting a copy of our NOA2 after many questions, they almost didn't admit me. One officer said that since my fiance had filed a petition for the K1, that I am technically inadmissible because I have told them that I am an intending immigrant. I thought that having a copy of the NOA2 would be helpful, but the first officer I talked to said rather abrasively, "Who are you talking to? Are you talking to me? Do you know who we are? We ARE immigration" when I mentioned that I didn't have the original, that my fiance did, and that I would be getting it to bring to my visa interview, and that a copy wasn't enough. They asked many questions, such as where we met, when we were getting married, if I was moving in today, and wanted the address of the place I would be staying at... it was really intimidating and when I thought it'd be an easy crossing, it was definitely the most difficult. I was told that I would now be under a lot of scrutiny because of us going through the visa process, even though I said I would NOT be moving until I cross with an approved visa. I am planning to visit again in December for the holidays and am afraid I won't be able to get in. So many of you had easy crossings, and it seemed to help many if you had a copy of the NOA2, but man... that was frightening to go through!

Edited November 18, 2013 by dianaguava

[lili13 4]

I am from Canada and I crossed the border (Windsor/Detroit tunnel) yesterday to visit my fiance. This was my first time crossing since we became engaged. The crossing was tough, as since I had a fiance and mentioned us going through the visa process and presenting a copy of our NOA2 after many questions, they almost didn't admit me. One officer said that since my fiance had filed a petition for the K1, that I am technically inadmissible because I have told them that I am an intending immigrant. I thought that having a copy of the NOA2 would be helpful, but the first officer I talked to said rather abrasively, "Who are you talking to? Are you talking to me? Do you know who we are? We ARE immigration" when I mentioned that I didn't have the original, that my fiance did, and that I would be getting it to bring to my visa interview, and that a copy wasn't enough. They asked many questions, such as where we met, when we were getting married, if I was moving in today, and wanted the address of the place I would be staying at... it was really intimidating and when I thought it'd be an easy crossing, it was definitely the most difficult. I was told that I would now be under a lot of scrutiny because of us going through the visa process, even though I said I would NOT be moving until I cross with an approved visa. I am planning to visit again in December for the holidays and am afraid I won't be able to get in. So many of you had easy crossings, and it seemed to help many if you had a copy of the NOA2, but man... that was frightening to go through!

I would be very careful trying to get through again. What they told you is true. You can't be admitted to the U.S. under a visitors visa if you have a visa pending. I just had shoulder surgery, a month prior my mother had breast cancer surgery. I asked my lawyer if it would be possible for my fiance to come and help me out for a couple of weeks. He checked with the Asst. Port Director responsible for CBP in Newark. Even though my lawyer presented medical documentation for both me and my mother, we were denied. He said it was the situation.

TSC received our RFE on November 13, 2013. We are hoping this will all be done by the holidays.........

[djv-tco 29]

I am from Canada and I crossed the border (Windsor/Detroit tunnel) yesterday to visit my fiance. This was my first time crossing since we became engaged. The crossing was tough, as since I had a fiance and mentioned us going through the visa process and presenting a copy of our NOA2 after many questions, they almost didn't admit me. One officer said that since my fiance had filed a petition for the K1, that I am technically inadmissible because I have told them that I am an intending immigrant. I thought that having a copy of the NOA2 would be helpful, but the first officer I talked to said rather abrasively, "Who are you talking to? Are you talking to me? Do you know who we are? We ARE immigration" when I mentioned that I didn't have the original, that my fiance did, and that I would be getting it to bring to my visa interview, and that a copy wasn't enough. They asked many questions, such as where we met, when we were getting married, if I was moving in today, and wanted the address of the place I would be staying at... it was really intimidating and when I thought it'd be an easy crossing, it was definitely the most difficult. I was told that I would now be under a lot of scrutiny because of us going through the visa process, even though I said I would NOT be moving until I cross with an approved visa. I am planning to visit again in December for the holidays and am afraid I won't be able to get in. So many of you had easy crossings, and it seemed to help many if you had a copy of the NOA2, but man... that was frightening to go through!

I would be very careful trying to get through again. What they told you is true. You can't be admitted to the U.S. under a visitors visa if you have a visa pending. I just had shoulder surgery, a month prior my mother had breast cancer surgery. I asked my lawyer if it would be possible for my fiance to come and help me out for a couple of weeks. He checked with the Asst. Port Director responsible for CBP in Newark. Even though my lawyer presented medical documentation for both me and my mother, we were denied. He said it was the situation.

TSC received our RFE on November 13, 2013. We are hoping this will all be done by the holidays.........

Actually, a person who has a pending K-1 application can travel to the US. This is explicitly stated on CBP's website, https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1247/~/travel-while-k-1-fiance%2Ffiancee-visa-pending. However, travel under another visa status or the visa waiver program it is not advised for K-1 visa applicants.

I am also Canadian and I last visited my fiancée on November 2, 2013. Going through customs was a breeze. Being a Nexus Pass holder, all I had to do was scan my fingerprints and answer the standard CBP questions on a computer screen. I handed the printed receipt to a customs officer and off I went, no questions whatsoever. That being said, I came prepared in case they wanted to question me. I made sure I had a complete copy of the I-129F package my fiancée sent to USCIS, including our NOA1. I also brought with me proof of ties to Canada such as my apartment lease, car loan, current employment information and utility bills. I also had future travel arrangements to see my fiancée again in December.

My advice, do your homework and come prepared before traveling to the US while you have a pending K-1 application. This does not guarantee you entry but it sure does show the customs officer that you are well-informed and you know what you're going into.

P.S. I was with my fiancée when we received our NOA2. I will for sure add that to my pile of documents to bring with me on my December trip.

[igetbundles 0]

What type of Visa is recommended for a German while in the process of filing for a K1 visa to come visit for a couple of months?