Yes, you can visit!

[wbeem 568]

I'm going to visit my fiance in the US for the first time since filing for the K1 visa. Immigration officers always ask the reason for the visit. I intend telling them I am there to visit my fiance and his family.

[aara1988 1]

Hi. I was in a lot of mental pain for months before my trip to the US with a filed K1 visa, but in the end everything went perfectly well. Phew!

I arrived in Philadelphia end of August and we had got our NOA1 beginning of July. I was going to stay in the US with my fiance for 2 months, and what really scared me was that I had already visited for 2 months (March-May) this same year. 4 months in such a short time as a tourist in the US? They were going to ask me questions for sure.

Anyway, as well as many of you, I just moved back to my parents' place while waiting to be able to go to the States. And I am freelancing (since recently), so I couldn't bring a rent or job contract. I had my bank statements with more than enough money, some papers from the Social Security and the IRS, both our letters of intent and my return flight ticket.

I was convinced that I was going to get a second interview, but I was also praying not to. In the end, the woman in immigration asked me all the questions I was expecting but didn't ask to see any papers nor she sent me to the second interview. Questions were like: What's the purpose of your visit? Since when have you and your boyfriend known each other? Does he visit you in Spain? What do you do for a living? Is it ok for your work to stay here for 2 months? Are you going to freelance when you are in the States? (Here I said "no", but the truth is that I had to finish a project. I just didn't know how legal that was) Have you visited the States before? So you have already been here for two months and now you are coming for two more months, how is that? (I wish I remembered what I answered to this. I guess it was something like: it's easier for me to visit my boyfriend. Which is true) When are you going back? And some other normal questions...

Then, she started taking my fingerprints and I couldn't believe that it was over. Yay! But suddenly, she told me that her computer was slow and started making small talk... And she asked me if she was "hearing wedding bells". I answered that I wasn't going to get married in this trip, but probably in the future. Maybe she saw something in her computer, but I'm pretty sure that she was just making small talk because she had already taken my fingerprints.

And now I'm very happy because I just got my NOA2 and that means that I won't have to come here under a VW anymore. So no more terrifying interviews! (But the one in the embassy, hehe).

Good luck to you all!

Edited October 1, 2014 by aara1988

[samlog 25]

My poe was at Dulles Washington DC; I`m not working at the moment so I was nervous because I didn`t have strong ties to show and for my surprise it was very easy and the custom lady was very friendly. She asked me the purpose of my trip; I said ~visit fiance. She asked for how long I said 34 days. Then she asked "so you guys are going to k1 process?" I said yes and then she replied "so do you know all the perks, just make sure of coming back on the right time".

[jpm2083 0]

can someone visit from a country like france without the fiancee visa and marry within those 3mo, essentially skipping the visa process?

[wbeem 568]

can someone visit from a country like france without the fiancee visa and marry within those 3mo, essentially skipping the visa process?

It can be done, but you would have to prove that you entered the USA without the intent to marry. Given that you are asking the question, you will probably have a hard time proving that and being honest about your intentions.

The bad news is the length of time this process takes, which is ridiculous. The good news is that you can visit while your application is being processed.

[Quith 0]

Anyone come in after their NOA 2 was issued and interview date set? I scanned a few pages back and couldn't find anything.

[wbeem 568]

Anyone come in after their NOA 2 was issued and interview date set? I scanned a few pages back and couldn't find anything.

It shouldn't make any difference. The fact that you are already so far in the proper application process should demonstrate that you are doing things the right way. Well, that's my theory, anyway.

[miyon83 7]

Anyone come in after their NOA 2 was issued and interview date set? I scanned a few pages back and couldn't find anything.

This is what i am gonna do in Dec! I don't think it will be a problem. Hopefully...

Edited October 23, 2014 by miyon83

[sandra3711 52]

Flying to D.C tomorrow! Hopeful for an easy immigration line experience

[TimClevenger 0]

All of you seem to have no problem with visiting. The US Consulate in Indonesia wasn't so nice. We filled out the paperwork, handed it to the clerk, in 3 mins he handed it back denied. No questions, no ability to appeal. I have considered visiting her, but finding a job needs to be my priority.

Met online : May 2009

Visited in Indonesia: Aug 2009

Attempted visitor's VISA: Aug 2009

Returned to America, Sept 2009

Returned to Indonesia: Oct 2009 (5 years)

Returned to US to process VISA July 2014 Notice Date; Aug 6

I don't see how any relationship can stand this period of time apart. I think you all were approved because you came from Canada or England (technically, we all did . . no one here is indigenous) I-129F's with notice date Aug 22 are already approved. I'm suspecting mine will be denied. I was a fool to come here. Now I may never see my fiance' again.

So cherish your approvals.

[Pheebs1201 269]

Has anyone had experience visiting during this process using an ESTA or is it necessary to apply for a B2 visa?

Also, as I am in the very early stages, is it necessary to mention the K1 application at immigration?

[wbeem 568]

Has anyone had experience visiting during this process using an ESTA or is it necessary to apply for a B2 visa?

Also, as I am in the very early stages, is it necessary to mention the K1 application at immigration?

I'm going in on an ESTA for Christmas this year. I will answer every question honestly. They always ask the purpose of your visit. I am going to spend the Holidays with my fiance and his family. This usually leads to more questions. Yes, we have filed for a K1. As I type this, we are awaiting NOA2. We may have received it by the time we travel, which is fine. I am taking proof of ties (job, house, school for daughter, etc). I don't see it being a problem. How long are you planning to go for? Just be careful what you pack in your luggage in case they decide to take you for a secondary screening. For example, don't take your wedding dress and resumé and entire collection of CD's ... you get the picture.

I emailed the London Consulate and this is the response I received by email:

Thank you for your email.

You are not prohibited from traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) whilst your K-1 visa application is being processed, provided you are otherwise qualified. However, you will be required to show that your visit is temporary and that you have a residence outside the United States that you do not intend to abandon. However, if there is a pattern of frequent travel, the strength of your ties outside the United States could be questioned. If the immigration officers at the U.S. Port of Entry are not satisfied you are a bona fide visitor, you will be refused admission. Please note that as each case is different, there is no set documentation required as proof of your ties outside of the United States.

Sincerely,

Consular Information Unit

[Pheebs1201 269]

I'm going in on an ESTA for Christmas this year. I will answer every question honestly. They always ask the purpose of your visit. I am going to spend the Holidays with my fiance and his family. This usually leads to more questions. Yes, we have filed for a K1. As I type this, we are awaiting NOA2. We may have received it by the time we travel, which is fine. I am taking proof of ties (job, house, school for daughter, etc). I don't see it being a problem. How long are you planning to go for? Just be careful what you pack in your luggage in case they decide to take you for a secondary screening. For example, don't take your wedding dress and resumé and entire collection of CD's ... you get the picture.

This is very helpful thank you. We are flying together (as he is currently visiting with me) on December 8th and I had planned to stay until January 21st so that I get to spend my birthday (mid Jan) with him as well. I am concerned however, as I plan to return a month later (Feb 25th) for a couple of weeks as his sister is getting married and I am invited. I am worried that these two visits so close together may cause problems. I'm unsure what to say at immigration second time round as I am there for the wedding, but of course will be seeing him also.

Any thoughts?

[bmorgan 11]

This is very helpful thank you. We are flying together (as he is currently visiting with me) on December 8th and I had planned to stay until January 21st so that I get to spend my birthday (mid Jan) with him as well. I am concerned however, as I plan to return a month later (Feb 25th) for a couple of weeks as his sister is getting married and I am invited. I am worried that these two visits so close together may cause problems. I'm unsure what to say at immigration second time round as I am there for the wedding, but of course will be seeing him also.

Any thoughts?

My fiancé visited me in the us while our k-1 was being processed twice, with two months in between the trips. He didn't have close ties to his country but had enough and got through with no problem. He is still here and we are traveling to his country in November for the interview. As long as you have ties and don't overstay, you won't have a problem!! And once before he was traveling and only had 1 month between visits (with the vwp) and had no problem then

Hope that helps!

[wbeem 568]

This is very helpful thank you. We are flying together (as he is currently visiting with me) on December 8th and I had planned to stay until January 21st so that I get to spend my birthday (mid Jan) with him as well. I am concerned however, as I plan to return a month later (Feb 25th) for a couple of weeks as his sister is getting married and I am invited. I am worried that these two visits so close together may cause problems. I'm unsure what to say at immigration second time round as I am there for the wedding, but of course will be seeing him also.

Any thoughts?

Just tell the truth. Take proof of ties and be prepared for extra questions. Some people have also taken the first page of their I129F. If applicable when you get to the stage of any of these visits, take a copy of your NOA2 or confirmation of any appointments (medical/interview) which may have been scheduled. In my mind, once you have reached a certain stage in the proper legal process to get the appropriate visa, you are less likely to stay illegally. There are no guarantees and as you can see from the consulate response to my message, it varies from one case to the next. Best suggestions I can offer is to be honest about everything, don't volunteer information, but answer truthfully to anything you are asked and bring any evidence you can possibly get to show your intent to return when you are supposed to.