Entering the US with spouse waiting for NVC

[welkin 16]

Hi all,

 

My husband (from South Korea)’s immigration application is being reviewed at NVC (I-130 approved) and we’re planning to meet in Canada next week, sightsee a bit, before entering the US together (not to immigrate yet, but for him to stay with me for a while). We’re a bit paranoid of him getting rejected at the border and really want to minimize the chance of that happening because we have so little time together. So we’re wondering when we enter the US, does it help or hurt his chance of entering if we stand in the same line at the border and enter as a couple or stand separately (so I’ll go to citizen line and he goes to visitor line)? Or does this not matter? Anything else we should do or not do?

 

thanks in advance to any tips people might have!

[pushbrk 12,884]

I would enter separately, but have a simple, generic, but true answer, for the purpose of visit, and an ongoing or return ticket out of the USA.

[carmel34 3,633]

3 hours ago, welkin said:

Hi all,

 

My husband (from South Korea)’s immigration application is being reviewed at NVC (I-130 approved) and we’re planning to meet in Canada next week, sightsee a bit, before entering the US together (not to immigrate yet, but for him to stay with me for a while). We’re a bit paranoid of him getting rejected at the border and really want to minimize the chance of that happening because we have so little time together. So we’re wondering when we enter the US, does it help or hurt his chance of entering if we stand in the same line at the border and enter as a couple or stand separately (so I’ll go to citizen line and he goes to visitor line)? Or does this not matter? Anything else we should do or not do?

 

thanks in advance to any tips people might have!

His entry at CBP will be up to the officer.  They will likely seed his immigration application in their system, so he should be prepared if questioned about it, state that he will only stay for a short visit to see you when asked the purpose of his visit.  It would also be a good idea if he had documents with him to show strong ties to South Korea (job to go back to, property owned, etc.).  He should pack light and not bring multiple bags.  They always assume immigrant intent, and in his case it is clear with the approved I-130.  Good luck!

[welkin 16]

Update: this was in Calgary airport’s pre clearance. We stood in different lines, but when officer asked me if I was traveling with anyone, I answered that I was with my husband. He told me to wave him over, we passed quickly without any problems. Thanks again everyone!