Visiting my BF in the USA

[SteveInBostonI130 3,477]

3 hours ago, MelJ said:

Thank you both. 
 

Our intention is to eventually apply for the K1 so I’ll definitely look into the I-129F!

 

The company I work for is global although I strictly work for the Canadian part. Should I still withhold the fact that I was working remotely?  I have my work laptop with me. I didn’t think I was doing something illegal. 
 

Appreciate the help!

 

The #1 topic on VJ right now is about someone asking how to submit a waiver because their spouse received a 5 year ban for working during previous tourist visits the US.

 

You cannot work while on a tourist visa.  It is allowed to answer an emergency phone call or email, but not to actually work remotely.

 

K1 is an odd choice because you will not be allowed to work until you get an EAD or your AOS approved, which takes 4-8 months for the EAD (after marrying and applying) and 12-18 months for AOS.   You also cannot travel back to Canada or leave the US in general until you get your AP approved (8+months) or AOS approved.

[SalishSea 18,015]

18 hours ago, MelJ said:

Hello… I’m new here and not sure I’m asking this in the correct forum. I’m currently in the USA visiting my boyfriend. When I return to Canada I will have been here for 5 weeks. I’m worried about returning and going through customs and being questioned about my trip. This is my 4th time visiting since we reconnected 4 years ago and this current trip is the longest I have stayed to visit him. I’ve been working remotely while visiting. I don’t have any illegal intentions like looking to live here without us going through all the proper channels but I know Customs has no reason to believe that. I’m sure they will want to know why I spent 5 weeks in the US and I really have no idea how I’m going to answer their questions. Any help would be appreciated. TIA. 

You do realize that you’re not permitted to work remotely while in the US, right?

4 hours ago, MelJ said:

Thank you both. 
 

Our intention is to eventually apply for the K1 so I’ll definitely look into the I-129F!

 

The company I work for is global although I strictly work for the Canadian part. Should I still withhold the fact that I was working remotely?  I have my work laptop with me. I didn’t think I was doing something illegal. 
 

Appreciate the help!

Never (ever) lie to border patrol!

[SalishSea 18,015]

3 hours ago, MelJ said:

I can’t leave it behind. I will need it when I return to Canada. 
 

why is the K1 an odd choice? Ultimately our goal is for me to move to the US and we get married. Isn’t that what the K1 is for? I understand when all is said and done I will have to resign my job in Canada. 

Why are you worried about being admitted into Canada?  You are Canadian, right?    Your bigger worry will be when you try to come back to the US, having worked here illegally.

[Sarah&Facundo 599]

It appears you are concerned with being questioned as you leave for some reason. You don't get questioned or go through a process when you leave the US, only when you enter. If you are a Canadian citizen/resident, you won't have any issues.

[PGA 251]

18 hours ago, Boiler said:

Best not to mention you have been working illegally.

Isn't this telling them to lie...or at least misrepresent the truth? 

[Boiler 45,837]

13 minutes ago, PGA said:

Isn't this telling them to lie...or at least misrepresent the truth? 

No

 

[Ontarkie 14,345]

When the OP returns to Canada she will be questioned. It's not the same as when entering the US.

They will ask how long she was gone, where she was and if she is bringing anything back with her. Sometimes they even ask why one was gone for so long and what status they entered with. For the OP it will be her answering the questions as they come as she has only entered as a Visitor to visit her BF.  

Just keep it simple, you visited your BF stayed for 5 weeks. That's it visited (not lived there to test things out. you would be surprised how many will say lived instead of visit).

 

The next time you return to the US and make sure it is not too soon or they may ask many more questions. Leave your work lap top at home, as others mentioned you can't do work in the US.  

[observatorka 197]

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