Visiting the USA to see my girlfriend on an ESTA should I say girlfriend or friend?

[Skychi 0]

Hi all, I am 29 years old male with a full time job (Technical Engineer for Local Government) in UK London, I have visited the USA twice within the last year (under 2 weeks), the last time I travelled was in mid May 2022 for 10 days and both times I have them I was visiting friends and family, I’m getting a little worried that it is becoming suspicious. I have scheduled another visit last August for 9 days to spend time with her (almost running out of vacation days from work) lol

 

Should I just tell them I am visiting my girlfriend for an X amount of days/weeks? 
Am I allowed to visit my girlfriend on n ESTA?

 

Does anyone think this will be a problem? I would like to hear some of your past experiences.

 

[Rocio0010 5,599]

You can visit, but it’s up to the CBP discretion whether they’ll let you in, based on your frequent visits.

Lying is never a good idea. Anyone telling you to lie here is violating the TOS

[JPD91 49]

I had no issues flying from the UK and saying I was visiting my girlfriend (now wife), I had return flights booked which is all they ever checked. 

 

I visited frequently as well:

• September 2019 - 2 weeks
• November 2019 - 1 week 
• January 2020 - 2 weeks
• February 2020 - 1 week 

Then covid happened. 

Edited June 7, 2022 by JPD91

[beloved_dingo 1,981]

24 minutes ago, Skychi said:

 

Hi all, I am 29 years old male with a full time job (Technical Engineer for Local Government) in UK London, I have visited the USA twice within the last year (under 2 weeks), the last time I travelled was in mid May 2022 for 10 days and both times I have them I was visiting friends and family, I’m getting a little worried that it is becoming suspicious. I have scheduled another visit last August for 9 days to spend time with her (almost running out of vacation days from work) lol

 

Should I just tell them I am visiting my girlfriend for an X amount of days/weeks? 
Am I allowed to visit my girlfriend on n ESTA?

 

Does anyone think this will be a problem? I would like to hear some of your past experiences.

 

Many, many people here on VJ have visited loved ones while on ESTA (fiancés, spouses, relatives, etc.)

 

There's nothing suspicious about visiting the USA and using the Visa Waiver Program as intended (visiting and returning home). Just tell the truth and don't overstay. Bad idea to lie about the relationship with your girlfriend.

 

Keep in mind that it is always up to the CBP officer at POE whether to admit you into the U.S. or not, but for instance my husband visited several times before we were married (as my boyfriend and later as my fiancé) and he never had an issue. 

[Verrou 1,962]

You are definitely allow to visit gf with esta. Just be honest when they asked you questions

[Daphne . 1,913]

I visited my (now husband) 12 times over the course of 2,5 years. All of them on an Esta and half of them with a CR1 (spousal visa) application pending. I usually stayed 1-2 weeks per visit and told them I was visiting boyfried/fiancé/husband. 

Edited June 7, 2022 by Daphne K

[P055UM 289]

1 hour ago, Skychi said:

 

Hi all, I am 29 years old male with a full time job (Technical Engineer for Local Government) in UK London, I have visited the USA twice within the last year (under 2 weeks), the last time I travelled was in mid May 2022 for 10 days and both times I have them I was visiting friends and family, I’m getting a little worried that it is becoming suspicious. I have scheduled another visit last August for 9 days to spend time with her (almost running out of vacation days from work) lol

 

Should I just tell them I am visiting my girlfriend for an X amount of days/weeks? 
Am I allowed to visit my girlfriend on n ESTA?

 

Does anyone think this will be a problem? I would like to hear some of your past experiences.

 

Always be honest. Lies (no matter how big or small) have a horrible habit of unravelling, particularly in pressure situations, not to mention the fact that lying to CBP is fraud. They’re unlikely to bat an eyelid at a visit of a couple of weeks. However, of course, it is always at the discretion of the CBP officer that you interact with.
 

In my experience when I was visiting, the amount of hassle went up in line with the length of stay. Visited for 75+ days once - got a bit more hassle, but they still let me in. 

[African Zealot 1,455]

A third visit to a “friend” within a year is unusual, don’t you think? You’re better off being honest and saying girlfriend although girlfriends are also friends.

 

I watched an edition (or two) of Border Patrol where immigration officers generally didn’t take it too kindly finding out that the “friends” the travelers were visiting were not “just friends” 😉

[Scandi 4,176]

I never had an issue visiting on ESTA and letting CBP know I was visiting my American fiance. 

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

17 hours ago, Skychi said:

 

Hi all, I am 29 years old male with a full time job (Technical Engineer for Local Government) in UK London, I have visited the USA twice within the last year (under 2 weeks), the last time I travelled was in mid May 2022 for 10 days and both times I have them I was visiting friends and family, I’m getting a little worried that it is becoming suspicious. I have scheduled another visit last August for 9 days to spend time with her (almost running out of vacation days from work) lol

 

Should I just tell them I am visiting my girlfriend for an X amount of days/weeks? 
Am I allowed to visit my girlfriend on n ESTA?

 

Does anyone think this will be a problem? I would like to hear some of your past experiences.

 

Of course it’s looking suspicious, because you were less than forthcoming with the truth. As you’ve seen above, many people have regularly visited SOs with no problem. What becomes a problem is when you try to mislead CBP.

[mam521 2,126]

Echoing the others.  Be honest.  If the relationship turns to something more, you don't want a black mark on your record to impact any potential future immigration endeavors.  

 

You are at the discretion of the CBP officer for allowing you in.  If you're that concerned, take some evidence of your ties to home evidencing your need to return.  Shouldn't be an issue though.  

[Crazy Cat 42,033]

Deleted..... I quoted wrong member...LOL.

Edited June 8, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[Genzo10 16]

2 hours ago, mam521 said:

Echoing the others.  Be honest.  If the relationship turns to something more, you don't want a black mark on your record to impact any potential future immigration endeavors.  

 

You are at the discretion of the CBP officer for allowing you in.  If you're that concerned, take some evidence of your ties to home evidencing your need to return.  Shouldn't be an issue though.  

 

What do you mean black mark, it's if the CBP deny him the entry, the person gets a black mark on passport?

 

thank you

[mam521 2,126]

43 minutes ago, Genzo10 said:

 

What do you mean black mark, it's if the CBP deny him the entry, the person gets a black mark on passport?

 

thank you

a withdrawn application or denial go on record with CBP.  This information is available to USCIS.  

[Genzo10 16]

17 minutes ago, mam521 said:

a withdrawn application or denial go on record with CBP.  This information is available to USCIS.  

 

Thank you very much, my fiance when he cames in US to visit, the CBP did not ask any question after he scanned his passport, does that mean there is no record?