K1 Fiancé Visa

[Keith Hunter 2]

Hello,

 

I have some questions regarding my story on US immigration, it’s early days in the process but I want to get a rough idea of past experiences and the likelihood of acceptance.

 

So me and my girlfriend met online roughly 10 months ago, we clicked immediately, the chemistry was there the connection was nothing like either of us had ever experienced, it was amazing.

 

Roughly 5 months had passed and we decided to meet in person, I filled out my ESTA application online, but at the time I was receiving benefits for depression which I didn’t consider a severe medical condition, so when the question was asked, I ticked no.

 

Same with my employment history, I listed my former employer, I didn’t think anything of it at the time.

 

After I was approved I was delighted, not knowing at the time how easy it was and not knowing the ESTA only allows you to knock on the door, I completely underestimated US CBP.

 

When I arrived in Detroit on my way to Pittsburgh I was asked several questions, where I completely chocked and disclosed my medical history, I panicked... the officer then followed with a whoops and took me into the custom room where I sat and waited for several hours before I was seen to.

 

Honestly I thought everything was going smoothly, there was a lot of unease and anticipation but it was expected, I was completely honest with the CBP officer, we actually got on pretty well.

 

Everything was going well until he asked how much money I had with me on my travels, I wired my girlfriend my money to avoid the conversion taxes, I wasn’t expecting them to ask to see money in hand.

 

Ultimately on the scrip this was my reason for in-admittance, but when I was told I wouldn’t be accepted into the US I completely broke down, they started asking me questions corresponding to my ESTA when I was distraught, where they clearly saw that I wasn’t completely honest.

 

He told me if it was up to him he would allow me into the US, but there were protocols he must follow and there wasn’t enough concrete evidence for him to determine my intent, I was on a round trip for 10 weeks with £80 to my name after my money was wired to my girl.

 

He also gave me a form with a list of panel physicians where I have to attend a medical prior to my visa interview.

 

They sent me on a flight back home after 8 hours in customs and that was that, since then me and my girlfriend have met in England and we plan to fly to Canada in May where I plan to propose to her.

 

I’m just worried that the repercussions of me lying on my ESTA will come back to haunt me at my K1 Visa interview. 
 

I’m a genuine guy and wouldn’t lie intentionally, yes I was inaccurate on an electronic piece of paper, but face to face I was 100% truthful.
 

If anyone can share some insight it would be much appreciated, thank you 😊 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NoMansLand2020 298]

7 minutes ago, Keith Hunter said:

Hello,

 

I have some questions regarding my story on US immigration, it’s early days in the process but I want to get a rough idea of past experiences and the likelihood of acceptance.

 

So me and my girlfriend met online roughly 10 months ago, we clicked immediately, the chemistry was there the connection was nothing like either of us had ever experienced, it was amazing.

 

Roughly 5 months had passed and we decided to meet in person, I filled out my ESTA application online, but at the time I was receiving benefits for depression which I didn’t consider a severe medical condition, so when the question was asked, I ticked no.

 

Same with my employment history, I listed my former employer, I didn’t think anything of it at the time.

 

After I was approved I was delighted, not knowing at the time how easy it was and not knowing the ESTA only allows you to knock on the door, I completely underestimated US CBP.

 

When I arrived in Detroit on my way to Pittsburgh I was asked several questions, where I completely chocked and disclosed my medical history, I panicked... the officer then followed with a whoops and took me into the custom room where I sat and waited for several hours before I was seen to.

 

Honestly I thought everything was going smoothly, there was a lot of unease and anticipation but it was expected, I was completely honest with the CBP officer, we actually got on pretty well.

 

Everything was going well until he asked how much money I had with me on my travels, I wired my girlfriend my money to avoid the conversion taxes, I wasn’t expecting them to ask to see money in hand.

 

Ultimately on the scrip this was my reason for in-admittance, but when I was told I wouldn’t be accepted into the US I completely broke down, they started asking me questions corresponding to my ESTA when I was distraught, where they clearly saw that I wasn’t completely honest.

 

He told me if it was up to him he would allow me into the US, but there were protocols he must follow and there wasn’t enough concrete evidence for him to determine my intent, I was on a round trip for 10 weeks with £80 to my name after my money was wired to my girl.

 

He also gave me a form with a list of panel physicians where I have to attend a medical prior to my visa interview.

 

They sent me on a flight back home after 8 hours in customs and that was that, since then me and my girlfriend have met in England and we plan to fly to Canada in May where I plan to propose to her.

 

I’m just worried that the repercussions of me lying on my ESTA will come back to haunt me at my K1 Visa interview. 
 

I’m a genuine guy and wouldn’t lie intentionally, yes I was inaccurate on an electronic piece of paper, but face to face I was 100% truthful.
 

If anyone can share some insight it would be much appreciated, thank you 😊 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You said you were receiving benefits for your depression yet you didn't think it was a "severe" medical condition? 

 

You also admit to lying on the form, yet you wouldn't intentionally lie... At least not in person? 

 

I have no idea of the repercussions from what has happened. Hopefully it will not affect your eligibility in the future. 

 

 

[Keith Hunter 2]

Yes I was receiving benefits, but I didn’t perceive it as something that would have a major impact and I figured when the question was asked, they were looking for diseases rather than mental conditions, like 80% of the UK is depressed, so I didn’t think anything of it.

 

I didn’t lie, in my mind I was honest It just may have came off that way.

 

Thanks for your reply 👍

[Keith Hunter 2]

I’m just hoping it won’t bite me in the (removed), especially considering how much these forms total, proving the relationship will be easy, but I have the tendency to overthink and this has been bothering me for some time.

Edited March 10, 2020 by Unlockable
inappropriate language

[Boiler 45,980]

I can see why you were refused, there are elements to your story which are pkane weird, you sent money to somebody you have never met.

 

I doubt that it would result in a Misrep charge, well just what you have said, more a Medical issue and that is something for the Consulate Doctor. They are predominately looking for evidence you are no danger to anyone else.

 

Presumably your GF can meet the finacial requirements to sponsor you.

 

Looking at your timeline and assuming you are going for a K1 you have some time to sort yourself out, summer of 2021, I would focus on that.

[Keith Hunter 2]

10 minutes ago, Boiler said:

I can see why you were refused, there are elements to your story which are pkane weird, you sent money to somebody you have never met.

 

I doubt that it would result in a Misrep charge, well just what you have said, more a Medical issue and that is something for the Consulate Doctor. They are predominately looking for evidence you are no danger to anyone else.

 

Presumably your GF can meet the finacial requirements to sponsor you.

 

Looking at your timeline and assuming you are going for a K1 you have some time to sort yourself out, summer of 2021, I would focus on that.

That’s true but believe me when I tell you our relationship was a lot deeper than that, I won’t go into details but It was my choice.

I’m all cleared up for depression, have been for some time it was just a low point in my life.

 

And yes I’m familiarised with the process times I spend most of my time reading forum posts, peoples stories or watching YouTube videos.

 

She has been working off the books for some time so is currently in the process of finding a new job with better pay, so we’ll be looking at her family relatives as a cosponsor, hoping that works.

[jaysaldi 213]

57 minutes ago, Keith Hunter said:

I wired my girlfriend my money to avoid the conversion taxes, I wasn’t expecting them to ask to see money in hand.

 

Wiring money to someone to avoid "conversion taxes" really makes no sense at all. If you send someone 1000 British pounds, Western Union or your bank will charge a fee and they will convert the currency. I don't know why you wouldn't have just converted the cash at a bank or exchange booth in your country before you flew or after you arrived in the USA.

 

 

 

57 minutes ago, Keith Hunter said:

When I arrived in Detroit on my way to Pittsburgh I was asked several questions, where I completely chocked and disclosed my medical history, I panicked.

 

Out of curiosity, what question would CBP have asked that prompted you to respond by saying you suffered from depression?

 

49 minutes ago, Solaris81 said:

I’m a genuine guy and wouldn’t lie intentionally, yes I was inaccurate on an electronic piece of paper, but face to face I was 100% truthful.

This is a bad spin on it. Just make sure you are 100% forthcoming on the K-1 visa petition and hope for the best.

[Boiler 45,980]

36 minutes ago, Keith Hunter said:

That’s true but believe me when I tell you our relationship was a lot deeper than that, I won’t go into details but It was my choice.

I’m all cleared up for depression, have been for some time it was just a low point in my life.

 

And yes I’m familiarised with the process times I spend most of my time reading forum posts, peoples stories or watching YouTube videos.

 

She has been working off the books for some time so is currently in the process of finding a new job with better pay, so we’ll be looking at her family relatives as a cosponsor, hoping that works.

She needs to sort out her tax situation, a requirement whether or not she needs a Joint Sponsor.

[Keith Hunter 2]

2 hours ago, jaysaldi said:

 

Wiring money to someone to avoid "conversion taxes" really makes no sense at all. If you send someone 1000 British pounds, Western Union or your bank will charge a fee and they will convert the currency. I don't know why you wouldn't have just converted the cash at a bank or exchange booth in your country before you flew or after you arrived in the USA.

 

 

 

 

Out of curiosity, what question would CBP have asked that prompted you to respond by saying you suffered from depression?

 

This is a bad spin on it. Just make sure you are 100% forthcoming on the K-1 visa petition and hope for the best.

You wire through PayPal, there is no bank charge and it automatically converts at the current rate.

 

They asked my line of work, I told them I’m on benefits for depression, I was tired and just came off a 13 hour flight, but regardless I was honest.

 

 

[Keith Hunter 2]

2 hours ago, Boiler said:

She needs to sort out her tax situation, a requirement whether or not she needs a Joint Sponsor.

How long exactly would she have to work on the books to receive a tax report?

[Boiler 45,980]

12 minutes ago, Keith Hunter said:

How long exactly would she have to work on the books to receive a tax report?

Not really much different from the UK, if you are not on the books you are self employed and file your own taxes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jaysaldi 213]

1 hour ago, Keith Hunter said:

You wire through PayPal, there is no bank charge and it automatically converts at the current rate.

 

 

 

 

OK but in the future I think it's smarter to just carry cash, which you change into the next country's currency before you fly or when you arrive. The chances of someone mugging you at the airport or on the plane are very, very low and this is much safer than sending the cash to someone else even if you trust them.

[Boiler 45,980]

11 minutes ago, jaysaldi said:

OK but in the future I think it's smarter to just carry cash, which you change into the next country's currency before you fly or when you arrive. The chances of someone mugging you at the airport or on the plane are very, very low and this is much safer than sending the cash to someone else even if you trust them.

I think I entered once with $15 in cash, Credit Card are easier.

[Keith Hunter 2]

43 minutes ago, jaysaldi said:

OK but in the future I think it's smarter to just carry cash, which you change into the next country's currency before you fly or when you arrive. The chances of someone mugging you at the airport or on the plane are very, very low and this is much safer than sending the cash to someone else even if you trust them.

The airport rates are awful, the conversion rate was pound per dollar where as converting over PayPal it was £1 per $1.29, add a few zeros on there and it sharp adds up.

 

 

[jaysaldi 213]

21 minutes ago, Keith Hunter said:

The airport rates are awful, the conversion rate was pound per dollar where as converting over PayPal it was £1 per $1.29, add a few zeros on there and it sharp adds up.

 

 

I don't recommend changing large amounts of money at an airport. Or at hotels.  There are banks and currency exchange booths in the city centers of most major cities in the UK that give excellent rates. Or you could change the money at a bank or currency exchange place on arrival in the USA.  Experienced travelers don't send their money to other people to hold for them and give them upon arrival. Carry cash or use ATMs.

 

The Canadians may ask you to show cash on hand too, be prepared for that.