Visiting fiance-to-be

[james_michael_hill 0]

Hi there

Im not sure if this is a bit of a stupid question, but thats never stopped me before so here goes... Im planning to go visit my girlfriend in July to propose to her. Last time I visited her back in Feb I told the nice man at immigration that I was going to visit a 'friend'. Should I tell him the same thing this time round or confess that Im visiting the States to get engaged? I kind of get the impression that their not too keen on people doing that as they think your going to run off to Vegas or something! Anyone any experience with this?

And if I do pretend Im just visiting a friend again, has anyone any 'creative' places where I could hide the ring? Box included mind you!

Seriously though - any advice would be much appreciated as the whole 15 hour trip to the Deep South is stressful enough without expecting to be turned right back round when I get there!

[silverbutterfly228 0]

Since you are not engaged yet I wouldn't mention it. Your not lying about it since she isn't your fiance yet. this could save hassle. When i crossed the boarder at christmas I knew my fiance was going to propose when I was there but I didn't tell the POE people that. I just said I was going to visit my boyfriend for two weeks. no problems. I would tell them you are going to visit your girlfriend. that's still being honest.

creative idea for the ring? don't really know 1 except my experience. my fiance took me on a walk around town and we stopped at a park which had a big pine tree with white christmas lights. we were tall enough to go under the tree and the branches hung down low enough you couldn't see out all that well. our own little world. he propose there. man did the ring sparkle with all the lights reflecting off of it. but now it isn't winter.

[Jasman0717 9]

Welcome to VJ and have a safe trip

[trey 0]

Hi there

Im not sure if this is a bit of a stupid question, but thats never stopped me before so here goes... Im planning to go visit my girlfriend in July to propose to her. Last time I visited her back in Feb I told the nice man at immigration that I was going to visit a 'friend'. Should I tell him the same thing this time round or confess that Im visiting the States to get engaged? I kind of get the impression that their not too keen on people doing that as they think your going to run off to Vegas or something! Anyone any experience with this?

And if I do pretend Im just visiting a friend again, has anyone any 'creative' places where I could hide the ring? Box included mind you!

Seriously though - any advice would be much appreciated as the whole 15 hour trip to the Deep South is stressful enough without expecting to be turned right back round when I get there!

I would not mention the engagement plans. You're not lying if you say you are visiting a friend. Hiding the ring....? If you're meaning from customs, I wore mine on a chain around my neck when I went through customs and carried the empty box in my luggage. But that was so it wouldn't get lost. I wouldn't worry about cutoms finding it. If you are meaning hiding it from your prospective fiancee, my opinion is simple is better. It's not where the ring is hidden; It's how/where you propose.

[Miranda&James 8]

Just tell him you're seeing your girlfriend, that's what James always said and no problems.

Where in the South is your girl from? James is also from the UK and I'm from Alabama

[Ladylethal 12]

I had a similar question, last time when I got a turist visa to go see my sweetie, I said I was visiting a friend, and they kept asking me if he was my friend or boyfriend, and I insisted he was my friend.

Now when it comes to my interview (and already now at the USCIS) my passport visa especifies that my visa was "To Puerto Rico to visit a friend". Will that be a problem for us? Since I am saying we were already dating when I got that visa, they'll look at my visa and read "to visit a friend" could that become a problem?

I had nightmares where I got the same guy and he went "Aha! And you kept saying he was just a friend! Liar!"

[mrswooten4ever 0]

Yup you are visiting your friend/girlfriend and as you aren't engaged yet there shouldn't be a problem. Have a safe trip and let us know when you file your petition.

Oh BTW Where in the UK are you from and where is your Sweetie from? I'm in Liverpool and Mike is in Memphis, TN

Good Luck

Adele

[KarenCee 3]

Congratulations on your upcoming engagement! Good advice already so I won't add to it. I'm from the Deep South too...wherebouts? I'm in Georgia

[C_S 0]

I’ve visited my then boyfriend in US with a tourist visa several times. And I never had problems at POE. The last time I was there (last December) we were already engaged and I said I was visiting my fiancé. They only asked me how long I was staying, when was the last time I’ve been there, and if I had a job in Brazil. I think that as long as you show that you are going to return to your country the visits are not a problem at all.

Simonne

[Miranda&James 8]

Seems we have a lot of UK boys and Southern girls in here!

[rejane 1]

I visited 3 times my now husband before to do the k1 isa.

As i arrived to the POE they asked me what was the purpose of my visit... I only told them visiting a friend.

Be sure to show a plane return ticket ... a document fro mwork might be good as well... Just to be sure.

Good luck

[james_michael_hill 0]

Hi guys

Well thanks for all the helpful advice. I especially like the idea of wearing the ring on a chain round my neck - very Lord of the Rings!

Oh and Im from London and my girlfriend is from just outside Jackson, Mississippi. Its strange - there does seem to be alot of us Brit lads marrying the Southern ladies!

Thanks again

James

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Lived in the Deep South (mostly metro-Atlanta, GA; but also two stints in Memphis, TN and one in Dallas, TX) 1994-2000, and half of 2004--and still dreaming of the day I can move BACK to Atlanta or Dallas (Memphis is OK, as it had improved on the desi restaurant front--FIVE, including one South Indian in 2004 vs only TWO in 1996; but much less cosmopolitan than Dallas or Atlanta).

[chris10 0]

Anyone had any problems at POE by saying they are visiting their boyfriend/girlfriend? When I last visited I said friends and they asked whether male/female how long for etc i said both. Again im not sure what to say this time when i visit in 2 months. Im scared to say girlfriend incase they turn me away as silly as it sounds.

I guess it might sound even more suspicious if you just say friend.

[ajames79 0]

Hiya...Congrats and good luck with the engagement!!

Just thought I'd add to the list of southern girls and British boys!

I am in Western North Carolina....and He is in Yorkshire UK....

Honestly in all the times I have been over to see Chris, I only mentioned once I was going to see my "boyfriend' and that was the only time I got asked 1000 questions!

as for engagement ideas...be creative...remember this is something to be remembered for ever and I am sure you will think of something special!

Welcome!!