Yes, you can visit!

[capriwithlove 4]

Probably matters why you were refused and whether that is still relevant.

Was denied because I was suspected with intent to immigrate to the USA.

[Dutchster 1,107]

It will be more difficult to get in after being denied already with that kind of suspects but strong home ties, as earlier told, can help you to prove them you're just visiting.

[Kat&Jon 85]

I just returned from visiting Jon in England. I was there from April 7th through April 25th. My experience this time was much more pleasant than my last time!

My officer actually smiled and asked me how my flight was... this is a first for any UK CBP officer I have encountered so far... he only asked me how long my stay was and I told him it was the 18 days and that I had to return to work the next day after I got back. This was all he asked me before he stamped my passport and let me through. It was amazing! I had printed out my trip booking and brought a copy of my mortgage statement just in case but he didn't ask me to see anything. I am just guessing since I watched him look through my passport and see my other UK stamps he probably figured I would leave just as I said I would.

Hurray for friendly CBP officers! They seem so few and far between...

Edited May 3, 2016 by Kat&Jon

[Dutchster 1,107]

But if you aren't in the K1 process yet (which I assume because your signature says "will be filling K1 Visa when certain things settle..") , I don't see any problem of getting in? I've been getting in before 4 times -not during K1- and I was always permitted staying without problems.

[Kat&Jon 85]

We have had some people getting denied entry before they started the process if you read back through all the many pages of the thread, so I just like to post an update that I was able to get in.

The time prior to this trip I almost wasn't let in because they thought I would stay in the UK since I said visiting my boyfriend and the CBP officer I had that time was super suspicious of me staying in the UK. They did pull me aside last year and ask me extra questions which I provided the truth for but was not prepared for with paperwork evidence, but after about 30 minutes of grilling me they finally let me in. I considered myself lucky after my last attempt.. was a headache!!!

[MickeyB 15]

.

[wbeem 568]

So, excluding criminal or fraudulent activity...has anyone run into issues with being denied entry while attempting to visit while their K1 is in progress? I haven't heard of such a thing (especially seeing all of the success stories on here), yet my attorney tells me it's not a wise move. During the interview it seems relatively common of the officer to ask if you have had any issues getting into the USA, and of course if I was denied I would have to be honest. But other than that it's never affected anyone's case negatively?

Attorneys are known to discourage engaged couples from visiting during the application process. Most of us who have visited during the process, with the correct documentation to show that we have intent t return, have had no issues. Attorneys seem to prefer to deter their clients from visiting because, I suppose, they don't want anyone to complain and say they got bad legal advice if they get denied.

I was never asked when I visited during our 10 month long K1 application process, except for the last time, when I truly thought the IO was going to turn me back at the immigration desk. I was asked a lot of questions and every time he asked if I had proof of xyz I reached for my bag to pull it out (letter from employer, NOA1/2, etc) but he never actually asked to see anything

It usually boils down more to the immigration officer who processes you more than the airport where you arrive. Be prepared, take your proof of going the legal route to pursue your immigration and whatever evidence of ties to your home country you can take and you should be fine. We waited so long for approval that those visits were like magic tonics and I have no idea how I would have coped without them. It was worth the stress on the flight over!

[Tom169 54]

I've just successfully entered on the VWP even though I have a K1 at the medical stage.

I went through automated passport gates in Atlanta. I thought maybe the computers would detect my nearly completed K1 (as they probably search for more than an officer would). My rational behind this is that an officer will use intuition and be less likely to start clicking into my files than a computer simply hitting everything.

I carried proof, but none was needed in the end. The CBP officer didn't ask anything about it. Simply asked where I was headed.

[Limey 551]

Attorneys are known to discourage engaged couples from visiting during the application process. Most of us who have visited during the process, with the correct documentation to show that we have intent t return, have had no issues. Attorneys seem to prefer to deter their clients from visiting because, I suppose, they don't want anyone to complain and say they got bad legal advice if they get denied.

In fairness to attorneys they are following the advice from the US govt itself...

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1247/~/travel-while-k-1-fiance%2Ffiancee-visa-pending

Can I travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure while my K fiancé/fiancée visa is pending?

You can travel however you may be subject to scrutiny.

Travel under another visa status or the visa waiver program is not advised for K-1 fiancé/fiancée visa applicants prior to the approval of their K visa as they have already indicated their intention is to marry in the U.S. For more information about Nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé (e) K visa visit

To me the approach taken in the real world makes much more sense - if you have the ability to use VWP you could arrive in US and overstay or get married. Those who are pursuing K1 are less likely to do that, since they have spent money doing it properly.

[chipmunk92 11]

I've just successfully entered on the VWP even though I have a K1 at the medical stage.

I went through automated passport gates in Atlanta. I thought maybe the computers would detect my nearly completed K1 (as they probably search for more than an officer would). My rational behind this is that an officer will use intuition and be less likely to start clicking into my files than a computer simply hitting everything.

I carried proof, but none was needed in the end. The CBP officer didn't ask anything about it. Simply asked where I was headed.

That is great news! Glad you didn't have any trouble.

My fiancé will arrive at JFK on Friday! I am so nervous but he has lots of proof so hopefully he will have a painless experience as well.

[kumakun 12]

My fiance just arrived in Honolulu this morning and got through...but encountered some hassle! Fortunately he was prepared with copies of his round-trip itinerary, letter from his employer, copies of our NOA1 and NOA2, and a complete copy of our I-129F petition. (Also a copy of an email exchange between me and our lawyer discussing next steps after NOA2.) We followed advice on this site to "Answer each question directly and honestly; provide answers only to the questions which are asked; do not offer additional information unless requested to do so by the officer; answer yes/no questions with only a "yes" or a "no". Do not provide additional information unless asked." Customs at Honolulu is automated now but entrants still need to talk to an officer. He was asked the purpose of his visit and he said "vacation." Then he was asked if he was visiting anyone and he said (as we had prepared) "yes, my fiance." The officer yelled at him and called him a liar! "You should have said the purpose of your visit was to visit your fiance. You're not on vacation!", she said. (Um, yes he is, he's on vacation AND visiting me!). But he had all of the documents he needed to establish that he did not intend to stay beyond May 23, and got through a barrage of questions. As others have said on here, if you're prepared with evidence and are honest, then it all comes down to the officer...unfortunately he got a hostile one! Welcome (back) to America! But thank goodness he got through...can't wait to see him this afternoon!!

[chipmunk92 11]

My fiancé came into JFK this afternoon and had no trouble at all! They asked what he was here for and he answered "holiday" and they asked him what he does for work in England and he answered "football coach" and then they said "have a great holiday" and that was it!!!

I am so relieved and so excited to have 2 months with him!!!

[AP16 30]

Well, in my case, my fiancee will be visiting me with her mom next month here in Brazil. We'll send the I-129F package on monday. I can't visit anyway, since my tourist visa was denied, God knows why.

[capriwithlove 4]

Hello,

Planning to visit my fiance next week in the USA. I'm traveling from Toronto International Airport.
I have a part-time job as of the last week, so I am going to try to somehow bring any sort of documents from my employer as proof of employment.
As well as...

• K1 NOA1
• lawyer emails (contract payment form and NOA1 email)
• lease agreement
• mail sent to my city address
• contact information (where I'll be staying, contact info of fiance and friends, etc.)
• social assistance documentation (recent welfare forms, etc.)
• plane ticket receipt emails
• recent account balance statements
• appointment emails

Anything else that is good to bring to the POE to show proof of ties? :-)

(I should note, I've been denied entry from USA POE before due to lack of ties when I said I was visiting my friend at the time; since we have filed the K1 petition and such)

Edited May 18, 2016 by capriwithlove

[Dutchster 1,107]

I think you should be fine. Maybe ask your boss to type you a letter stating you've been working there -since date- and stating that you're coming back on a certain date? But do not underestimate the fact that however, they can deny you entering again because you lied the last time (unless they don't know you lied) Be honest, whatever they ask you. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Good luck!