CAD Citizen Hoping to Visit Boyfriend on B-2

[onebluebird 0]

Hi everyone!

 

I'd like to visit my boyfriend for a month, leaving next week on October 12th, and I'm a bit worried about being denied. They gave me some hassle when I went last time for a week in August (though ultimately they let me visit), so I'm just wondering what I can do to increase my chances of not being turned away.

 

I have a return ticket to show (leaving November 24th) and a reason I should be back by a certain date (need to catch a flight out of Toronto with my parents to go to Cuba for our family vacation on November 26th).

 

The problem last time was that my ties are not strong enough I think. My whole family is in Canada and I have a long term lease for my apartment in Canada, but I'm unemployed on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) so I'm guessing my lack of job and finances are a worry.

 

What else can I do or prepare to help my case? I have travelled to the US several times this year, and have never overstayed, but in August they took me to the back room and grilled me quite a bit before finally letting me proceed, so I'm really nervous about this trip.

[powerpuff 6,685]

I’m guessing the frequency of visits is what has triggered the scrutiny. There’s nothing much you can really do; you can’t furnish strong ties when you don’t have them.. if you’re nervous then I’d postpone the trip so that you’re not visiting too frequently. That decision is up to you and we can’t predict what CBP will do on your next visit. 

[powerpuff 6,685]

Forgot to add: any reason you applied for a B2 visa if you’re a Canadian citizen? Canadians don’t need B2 visas to visit the US.

[onebluebird 0]

4 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

Forgot to add: any reason you applied for a B2 visa if you’re a Canadian citizen? Canadians don’t need B2 visas to visit the US.

You are absolutely right, I am just getting confused with terminology. I thought the paperwork I fill out is called a B-2, but you're right, I don't get a visa. I just get interviewed at the airport and that's where I'm really nervous. So sorry!

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

26 minutes ago, onebluebird said:

Hi everyone!

 

I'd like to visit my boyfriend for a month, leaving next week on October 12th, and I'm a bit worried about being denied. They gave me some hassle when I went last time for a week in August (though ultimately they let me visit), so I'm just wondering what I can do to increase my chances of not being turned away.

 

I have a return ticket to show (leaving November 24th) and a reason I should be back by a certain date (need to catch a flight out of Toronto with my parents to go to Cuba for our family vacation on November 26th).

 

The problem last time was that my ties are not strong enough I think. My whole family is in Canada and I have a long term lease for my apartment in Canada, but I'm unemployed on ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) so I'm guessing my lack of job and finances are a worry.

 

What else can I do or prepare to help my case? I have travelled to the US several times this year, and have never overstayed, but in August they took me to the back room and grilled me quite a bit before finally letting me proceed, so I'm really nervous about this trip.

You are on their radar.  I suggest you visit the US less frequently.  Your boyfriend can visit you instead.

Edited October 8, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[onebluebird 0]

12 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

I’m guessing the frequency of visits is what has triggered the scrutiny. There’s nothing much you can really do; you can’t furnish strong ties when you don’t have them.. if you’re nervous then I’d postpone the trip so that you’re not visiting too frequently. That decision is up to you and we can’t predict what CBP will do on your next visit. 

 

I'm sure you're right, I'm just wondering if there's something I can bring to help show them that I'm not going to stay, or if having too much "evidence" is suspicious on its own. For example, should I print out my return ticket and the ticket to Cuba, or would having all that on me be worse?

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

1 minute ago, onebluebird said:

For example, should I print out my return ticket and the ticket to Cuba, or would having all that on me be worse?

Those are meaningless. Neither helps nor harms.  People cancel tickets every day.  

[onebluebird 0]

2 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

You are on their radar.  I suggest you visit the US less frequently.  Your boyfriend can visit you instead.

 

That's what I was afraid of. I have no ill intent or desire to stay, I just want to see my boyfriend and it's far easier for me to travel than for him (as he has a full time job).

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

2 minutes ago, onebluebird said:

 

That's what I was afraid of. I have no ill intent or desire to stay, I just want to see my boyfriend and it's far easier for me to travel than for him (as he has a full time job).

How many times have you traveled to the US in the past 12 months?

[onebluebird 0]

Just now, Crazy Cat said:

How many times have you traveled to the US in the past 12 months?

I travelled to the US first in February for a short term fashion design program (4 months, it's not a valid program for a student visa, and I told them that's what I was there for), met him and we started dating in April, then I went home for a couple of weeks in May, came back to the US to finish fashion design program, came home end of June, then visited him in August for a week.

[powerpuff 6,685]

2 minutes ago, onebluebird said:

I travelled to the US first in February for a short term fashion design program (4 months, it's not a valid program for a student visa, and I told them that's what I was there for), met him and we started dating in April, then I went home for a couple of weeks in May, came back to the US to finish fashion design program, came home end of June, then visited him in August for a week.

IMO, that is way too frequent, you’re essentially spending more time in the US than out. And the next trip is for a whole month. CBP can see that as abusing your visiting privileges which is evidenced by them pulling you into secondary on the last visit.

[onebluebird 0]

Just now, powerpuff said:

IMO, that is way too frequent, you’re essentially spending more time in the US than out. And the next trip is for a whole month. CBP can see that as abusing your visiting privileges which is evidenced by them pulling you into secondary on the last visit.

 

I see. I understand. Should I still try to take my trip next week (and obviously gracefully accept it if I am denied)? Will trying next week hurt my chances of visiting later on?

[powerpuff 6,685]

3 minutes ago, onebluebird said:

Should I still try to take my trip next week (and obviously gracefully accept it if I am denied)?

I can’t make that decision for you.

 

3 minutes ago, onebluebird said:

Will trying next week hurt my chances of visiting later on?

That’s a very real possibility.

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

14 minutes ago, onebluebird said:

I travelled to the US first in February for a short term fashion design program (4 months, it's not a valid program for a student visa, and I told them that's what I was there for), met him and we started dating in April, then I went home for a couple of weeks in May, came back to the US to finish fashion design program, came home end of June, then visited him in August for a week.

There you go. That's why you were singled out.  It could appear you are trying to live with him in the US as a non-immigrant.  

Edited October 8, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

Don't be surprised when CBP says "Don't come back without a proper visa".  Also, don't be surprised if they just let you enter again.  Just my opinion.  

Edited October 8, 2023 by Crazy Cat