visit the US after NOA1

[Heidi9292 10]

Hi there,

I am planning to visit my bf and his family in December for two weeks (holidays!). I visited America multiple times (last trip was in August) before and lived/studied in NYC (where my bf lives) for three years. Normally I don't worry about entering the U.S since I have a good travel history to prove my honesty. However, since I am now applying for K1 visa I am afraid things will change a bit.

 

I already booked the tickets. I want to know, do I have to mention my K1 first when they ask my purpose of visit? Normally I just told them I'm on vacation or I'm traveling for work (which was true) and they never interested in asking more details. Could I do the same this time to avoid unnecessary questions? Or do I need to tell them upfront that I am here to visit my fiance, who is an American citizen, we have a k1 under processing? Would they be able to see my k1 application from their system at the custom?

 

Thanks in advance

Edited November 13, 2019 by Heidi9292

[billding 59]

Lie and you'll be banned for life .

[NikLR 13,232]

You are taking vacation visiting your fiance for the holidays.  You don't have to mention the I-129F unless asked.  I always said I was visiting my husband.  I kept my visits short, 10 days, and packed appropriately (like just a carry on and backpack.)   Since its the holidays a small carry on likely is normal.  Bring evidence of your intent to return. 

[SalishSea 18,123]

50 minutes ago, Heidi9292 said:

Hi there,

I am planning to visit my bf and his family in December for two weeks (holidays!). I visited America multiple times (last trip was in August) before and lived/studied in NYC (where my bf lives) for three years. Normally I don't worry about entering the U.S since I have a good travel history to prove my honesty. However, since I am now applying for K1 visa I am afraid things will change a bit.

 

I already booked the tickets. I want to know, do I have to mention my K1 first when they ask my purpose of visit? Normally I just told them I'm on vacation or I'm traveling for work (which was true) and they never interested in asking more details. Could I do the same this time to avoid unnecessary questions? Or do I need to tell them upfront that I am here to visit my fiance, who is an American citizen, we have a k1 under processing? Would they be able to see my k1 application from their system at the custom?

 

Thanks in advance

Always, always tell the truth when it comes to CBP and US immigration.  

 

You are allowed to visit.  Just be truthful about your plans, and you will be fine.

[Heidi9292 10]

30 minutes ago, billding said:

Lie and you'll be banned for life .

It's not lying, it's not like when they ask me why I am here I say I am here to visit a friend. I'm just saying usually they ask me pov I told them I'm here for vacation and that's the end of the conversation. Sometimes I say it's for work because I do have to travel to nyc for work despite my relationship status.  I mean can I do the same or I should point out "I am here to spend the holidays with my soon to be family in laws."

[Duke & Marie 1,389]

I normally say visiting family when asked purpose, when they ask who, I say husband... they then usually ask a couple more questions about my employment and return ticket..

 

answer honestly, in short sentences, don’t tell them anything more then asked.... eg I don’t say oh I’m visiting my Fiancé and have a pending K1 application... just say visiting fiancé 

[Duke & Marie 1,389]

3 minutes ago, Heidi9292 said:

when they ask me why I am here I say I am here to visit a friend. 

He’s not your friend anymore, he’s your fiancé I’d recommend using that term... but be ready to prove intent to go home until k1 processed... eg, carry rental lease, return ticket, job or employment leave confirmation... 

[billding 59]

13 minutes ago, Heidi9292 said:

It's not lying, it's not like when they ask me why I am here I say I am here to visit a friend.

 

Fiance not friend

Quote

I'm just saying usually they ask me pov I told them I'm here for vacation and that's the end of the conversation. Sometimes I say it's for work because I do have to travel to nyc for work despite my relationship status.  I mean can I do the same or I should point out "I am here to spend the holidays with my soon to be family in laws."

Gray area. Some say for vacation and never run into any problem. Keep in mind that come the k1 inteview, adjustment of status, and even beyond, they can access your records and know what you said at POE. If they think there's a misrep, they can deny you and in the future deport you.

 

You do realize you're not guaranteed entry right? It's possible that you'll travel halfway across the world only to be denied entry

Edited November 13, 2019 by billding

[Heidi9292 10]

1 hour ago, billding said:

Fiance not friend

Gray area. Some say for vacation and never run into any problem. Keep in mind that come the k1 inteview, adjustment of status, and even beyond, they can access your records and know what you said at POE. If they think there's a misrep, they can deny you and in the future deport you.

 

You do realize you're not guaranteed entry right? It's possible that you'll travel halfway across the world only to be denied entry

I understand that. Like I said before, I have been to America multiple times and lived in NYC before. I studied and worked legally in the US, I had my SSN, driver license etc. Even it is not guaranteed, I would not worry about entering the US with my travel visa if I don't have my K1 filed. I did this many times before, for work, for fun, with my parents, with boss, on myself etc. I never violated any rules or overstayed my visa. I have a good history up to now.

 

I am not sure should I say I am here for a vacation with my fiance or I can still say I am here for a vacation. Would I get myself into unnecessary troubles by mentioning my fiance first?

[Heidi9292 10]

1 hour ago, Duke & Marie said:

He’s not your friend anymore, he’s your fiancé I’d recommend using that term... but be ready to prove intent to go home until k1 processed... eg, carry rental lease, return ticket, job or employment leave confirmation... 

I understand that. If I say I am here to visit my friend, it would be a lie. However, I am asking do I have to point out I am visiting my American citizen fiance and celebrating holidays with him? Should I keep that information to myself until they ask "who are you celebrating with?". Because in the past they never ask who I was visiting (considering I lived in there before, it is natural for me to visit after I moved away), or why I chose nyc for holiday/vacation. So I am not sure would I get myself in trouble if I mention this American fiance before they ask.

Edited November 13, 2019 by Heidi9292

[Duke & Marie 1,389]

2 hours ago, Heidi9292 said:

I understand that. If I say I am here to visit my friend, it would be a lie. However, I am asking do I have to point out I am visiting my American citizen fiance and celebrating holidays with him? Should I keep that information to myself until they ask "who are you celebrating with?". Because in the past they never ask who I was visiting (considering I lived in there before, it is natural for me to visit after I moved away), or why I chose nyc for holiday/vacation. So I am not sure would I get myself in trouble if I mention this American fiance before they ask.

Just visiting fiancé for holidays 

[debbiedoo 2,339]

my husband came down every month from canada while the k1 was pending, and was always honest about who he was visiting (fiancee) but sometimes canada is a little different.

 

Do not lie, keep it short, simple, and honest.

 

take evidence to prove your ties to your country (a letter from your employer stating your date of return to work, apartment lease, etc). my husband was never asked for these things but he did always have them on him.

[Limey 551]

11 hours ago, Heidi9292 said:

It's not lying, it's not like when they ask me why I am here I say I am here to visit a friend. I'm just saying usually they ask me pov I told them I'm here for vacation and that's the end of the conversation. Sometimes I say it's for work because I do have to travel to nyc for work despite my relationship status.  I mean can I do the same or I should point out "I am here to spend the holidays with my soon to be family in laws."

He's not a friend if you're engaged to him. He's your fiance.

 

Just tell the truth. If they ask the reason for your visit, its vacation, you don't have to say who you are visiting. If they ask who you are visting, or staying with, then tell them its your fiance. If they ask whether he's American then tell them. Its perfectly fine to travel during the k1 process (see the sticky thread at top).

The fact that you have k1 in process helps - you can assure them you understand the immigration rules, and are doing things properly by going the k1 route.

I very much doubt you'll have any problems, but in any case its better to be denied entry for telling the truth than denied entry for lying. Telling the truth won't affect your k1, but getting caught lying probably will.

[Lnvall 7]

She doesnt say shes visiting a friend. She says its NOT LIKE that situation when you just visit a friend.

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

Keep is simple, you are overthinking. Your reason for visiting is to visit your fiancé for the holidays. Plan and simple.