Yes, you can visit!

[Limey 551]

Hi everyone, I'm sure this has probably been answered before but there are so many comments on here I thought I would just ask again. My fiancé and I are going through the k1 visa route and have just submitted extra evidence. I haven't seen him since Christmas when he came to the UK to visit for two weeks and I really want to go and visit him (coming here is out of the question as he is in the usaf and saving his holiday for our wedding and honeymoon and already visiting his family) I want to know if anyone has recently been to the USA from the UK while waiting on their k1 visa and been allowed to visit. I'm just worried because this time last year when my fiancé moved to GA from being stationed in England I went with him for three months and I got questioned and nearly got sent back and I'm worried if I go and visit they will see this and just send me back straight away. (That was at Atlanta but looking to fly to Orlando)

Please help

Charlotte

I travelled to the US twice while in the k1 process - once after NOA1 and again after NOA2. Many others here have done that and had no problems.

Each case is different and its up to the immigration officer you get, but the basic rules are the same

1) don't give more info than they ask. If they ask why you are visiting, its "leisure". Where are you staying - give the town/city, no more.

2) don't lie. If they ask who you are staying with and how you know them, be honest - say fiance, not "a friend" that might later look dishonest.

3) a three month trip is more likely to set off alarm bells than a 3 week one

4) take all your K1 docs with you. Show them that you're going the correct route, and have no intention of breaking US immigration laws. Any other docs you have to show ties are good. I previously took itineraries from upcoming european trips I had, letters confirming dental appointments in UK etc.

If you have the same experience as most here, you'll find the question doesn't even arise, and you're stamped in with no problems. Orlando is a pretty big tourist destination, so they are probably used to Brits showing up on holiday.

[StephanieC 43]

Just sharing our visit experience. My fiancé arrived Tuesday from Canada. His point of entry was Toronto. Customs went very smooth. They asked the reason for his entry, how long, if he has a job back home and for return flight. In preparation, we got together the NOA1 (which they will already see anyway in the computer I reckon), and a letter from his boss showing he is taking two months leave. The customs officer told him he could stay a total of 6 months and and stamped his passport. Easy.

[Clk89 0]

Ok so I have booked my flights for the 18th of July for two weeks, I'm flying to Stanford FL. What do I need to take with me as proof for customs?

I have already asked my work for a letter to say they expect me back on the 10th of August

I shel get my fiancé to send me some of the visa paperwork he has received.

Any help is appreciated

Thanks

Charlotte

[goolia 54]

Thought I'd share my recent visit experience.

Just got back from visiting the SO for the first time since submitting our application. Went for an extended weekend and was prepared with a bunch of documentation (proof of return flight, USCIS case status update, work schedule, etc). Luckily, was given zero hassle. This was at Newark (flying from Toronto) and the officer legitimately only asked me when I was staying until. I am going again in a couple weeks though so we will see what that's like.

[enibas 2]

I flew to NYC beginning of June and my POE was JFK. The officer didn't ask any questions regarding the ongoing Application for the K1 Visa. Only asked if i'm entering on a visa or ESTA. Done! Very easy and very smooth

[beppykins 9]

I'm gonna be visiting my fiance in his home country (England) for 2 weeks and have a few questions. He has currently scheduled his medical, we've got his letter from the Embassy in London and are far along in the process.

I have been questioned by their customs officers in the past and have a "restricted stay" sticker on my passport from a few years ago when I was staying for 6 months and the officer was wary about me. That sticker now makes the officers look over my stuff a little more thoroughly and ask me more detailed questions. I did not extend my stay or anything though.

My question is...should I be immediately up front with the customs officer about the fact that I'm visiting my fiance to give him necessary paperwork for his interview and to meet his family? I will have proof of all of our visa process with me. I'm just debating on whether I should give as little info as possible (say I'm there for touring and be vague about where I'm staying since I'll be at my fiance's house), or just lay it all out on the table immediately. I wanted to get a second opinion if anyone can help.

In case anyone was wondering, I did get through UK customs fairly easily. The customs officer asked where I would be staying, I answered "Birmingham" she asked who with and I said, "My fiance." She asked if he was a UK citizen, I said yes. She asked if I would be moving there, or would he be moving to the US. I said he's moving to the US. She asked if we had already started our visa process, and I said yes and told her I had some of the letters showing how far along we are in the process and said his medical is in the beginning of July. I showed her one letter (NOA2) and she was satisfied.

She seemed to be in a good mood, so that helps. Me and my fiance had a nice two weeks together.

[Gillian+Mike 6]

Hi guys, just thought I would share my experience! It was just fine. I'm visiting my fiancé for 2-3 months (I've been filling in leaves at work and am no longer there) so I figured it was a great time to come for a few months. Anyway, I bought a return ticket for 2 months even though I wasn't sure of the dates yet. I told the customs officer I was visiting my fiancé and he said "cool" and stamped my passport for 6 months (Canada B2). Asked how long I was there. I said 2 months. He said enjoy your trip! That's it! LOL. I had so much paperwork in my backpack for proof of ties and our visa and he didn't even ask for a return ticket. So relieved.

[shellymarie 24]

yayyy! enjoy your trip!!

Hi guys, just thought I would share my experience! It was just fine. I'm visiting my fiancé for 2-3 months (I've been filling in leaves at work and am no longer there) so I figured it was a great time to come for a few months. Anyway, I bought a return ticket for 2 months even though I wasn't sure of the dates yet. I told the customs officer I was visiting my fiancé and he said "cool" and stamped my passport for 6 months (Canada B2). Asked how long I was there. I said 2 months. He said enjoy your trip! That's it! LOL. I had so much paperwork in my backpack for proof of ties and our visa and he didn't even ask for a return ticket. So relieved.

[TiffanyJennifer 0]

I'm currently sitting in the airport, already passed customs waiting to board my flight to the USA. No problems going through customs. Only asked me 3 questions. Of course you can visit!

[Mena28 35]

I am heading out tomorrow for my second visit since NOA1. I am so excited to see my fiance again :-)

Bringing

• work letter,
• apartment letter,
• travel insurance
• flight itinerary (for going there and back)
• copy of NOA1
• and the appointment thing and deposit confirmation for my wedding dress that I get to try on again in August.

Anything I important I am forgetting?

Edited July 12, 2015 by Mena28

[xstarlet 4]

Hey guys,

I'm gonna visit my fiancé from July 20th - August 17th. We already got our NOA2 and I already had the medical exam. I'm currently waiting for the embassy to send me Pack 3.

Since we are in no rush, we wanna do the paper work for the affidavit of support together plus we haven't seen each other since February.

Now, I already quit my job so I don't have a letter saying I'll be back at work, I don't rent an apartment cause I own a condo. So do you think it'll be okay if I only have my return flight ticket, all the paperwork for the k1 visa including NOA2 and the medical exam and maybe prove that I'm still paying for my condo?

I can't think of anything else. Help?!

I am heading out tomorrow for my second visit since NOA1. I am so excited to see my fiance again :-)

Bringing

• work letter,
• apartment letter,
• travel insurance
• flight itinerary (for going there and back)
• copy of NOA1
• and the appointment thing and deposit confirmation for my wedding dress that I get to try on again in August.

Anything I important I am forgetting?

You have more than I do

I'm sure you'll be fine!

[Mena28 35]

Fingers crossed!

Owning a condo is good - you have proof of that?

[xstarlet 4]

Fingers crossed!

Owning a condo is good - you have proof of that?

I'm super nervous and yes I technically have it attested by a notary

[Pekan 11]

Here is how my story went..

I already had a B visa before we applied for K-1 visa.

I studed in the states under J-1. (both degree and non-degree)

So, This was not my first visit. However, it was expected to be the most stressful one.

I prepared every single document that could be necessary. The purpose of my visit was mainly for attending the wedding of my fiance's sister. Therefore, I had my tux in my suitcase. That was a big concern for me because that could make them think that I intend to have my own wedding.

Anyway, I had these documents.

-A letter from my lawyer, explaining my rights and intention for visiting and that I am fully informed the consequences of getting married withouth K-1 visa.

-A letter from the university I work for that I am allowed to go abroad and my job is permenant and awaiting for me upon my return.

-Proof of regular income

-Proof of family tights

-wedding invitation

-my travel plan

-return ticket

Another concern I had was I was flying directly to TX. This might sound I am streotyping ( yes I am ) but I also expected to have a really hard time since I was/am going to have a gay marriage. I thought the officier might possibly have hard feelings about the situation since it was a hot topic in the states. I talked to my partner and we agreed on that we at least have a chance if we try.

So I flew from Istanbul to DFW.. Looooong very long trip. I get very moody when I am exhausted. I hoped that I could menage to put a nicer look on my face when/if I get interrogated..

Arrived DFW.. I was the first person at the passport control..

Me: Hello.
Officier : Hi. Where are you from?

M: Turkey
O: What's the purpose of your visit? (While checking his screen and my passport)
M:Attending a wedding I am invited. (Trying to avoid mentioning my fiance and giving spesific names)

O: How do you know them? ( I thought just saying they were friends. but that could not satisfy him. )

M: She is sister of my fiance. ( My heart skipped a beat)

O: Oh ? How nice! Sounds fun.

M: Yes it does. (Trying to look cool and calm)

O: Well, I'd give you 6 months but your passport is expiring soon. So I am giving only 2. Have a nice stay.

M: Thank you.

I was in about 15 minutes after the plane landed. No single document I had to show..

[Sabrina&Chuck 32]

So I just got back from visiting my fiance in the US /EWR / NEWARK NJ.

The officer did not ask where i'm staying just how long and what I will do and why so long (16 days)