Has anyone entered the US using ESTA while their K1 visa application was in process and gone through preclearance?

[Maddison 0]

 

I am currently applying for a K1 visa and am waiting for NOA2. In the meantime, I plan to visit my fiancé in Los Angeles.

I am able to take a long vacation, so I plan to use ESTA for a stay of about 88 days.

Additionally, I will be traveling via Vancouver, Canada, where I expect to undergo preclearance.

Has anyone had similar experiences?

I am very anxious about both the long stay on ESTA while my K1 visa is being processed and the preclearance, which I have never experienced before.

If anyone has experience with preclearance in Vancouver or with a long stay on ESTA while a K1 visa application is pending, please share your experiences and advice.

[Rachel n Tyler 35]

I've visited but only for 15 days. They might interrogate you a little more due to the length, but you should be fine.

 

Be aware that you need a seperate visa for Canada

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

I would expect some scrutiny, might be smooth.  I would not overstay...period.

Edited June 10 by Crazy Cat

[powerpuff 6,685]

*** Thread moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures ***

[NorthByNorthwest 347]

4 hours ago, Maddison said:

 

I am currently applying for a K1 visa and am waiting for NOA2. In the meantime, I plan to visit my fiancé in Los Angeles.

I am able to take a long vacation, so I plan to use ESTA for a stay of about 88 days.

Additionally, I will be traveling via Vancouver, Canada, where I expect to undergo preclearance.

Has anyone had similar experiences?

I am very anxious about both the long stay on ESTA while my K1 visa is being processed and the preclearance, which I have never experienced before.

If anyone has experience with preclearance in Vancouver or with a long stay on ESTA while a K1 visa application is pending, please share your experiences and advice.

 

I entered the US (for work) on ESTA the week before my K1 interview without issues. You may well face extra scrutiny for the 88 day stay, that's cutting it pretty close. You're pretty much one bad-weather-mass-flight-cancellation mess away from overstaying, which could cause you problems in other countries in the future (Think "Have you ever overstayed a visa in any country?" questions on landing cards... ) even if it doesn't necessarily mean an issue for your K1 application.

Personally I would give myself more margin than two days, but I like to play it safe, there are other countries that will put you in detention for a one day overstay.

 

Preclearance is no different than a regular CBP check really. As others have mentioned you need at a minimum an eTA for Canada, or actual visa, depending on your nationality.

[apnzz 228]

I recently (3rd June) entered the States from the UK whilst having a k1 in process. No issues what so ever, I even prepared proof of employment ties to UK etc and the officer didn't ask for anything at all. Varies officer to officer. My stay is only a month long. I would expect them to be very cautious of your stay length, 88 days is seriously cutting it close & risky. More likely that they'll want to see ties to your home country than in my case.

[beloved_dingo 1,976]

I would cut the visit shorter than 88 days. Too many unexpected situations could occur that cause an accidental overstay. And, as others stated, it may cause extra scrutiny as well. 

 

Have you visited the US before? 

[MeghanK 629]

My husband used to visit the USA from Vancouver on ESTA about once a month without issue while his K1 was pending. Through both YVR pre-clearance and via land borders. Granted he was a perm resident in Canada at the time (Irish citizen/irish born) and only ever stayed 2-7 days at a time in the US.

 

I agree with other posters, might be safer to cut down a little  on how long you're staying. Also bring documentation for ties to home. My husband always had his on hand but was never asked for it. 

[Rosaly 32]

I traveled to the US to visit my fiancé 2 months after receiving our NOA1. i only stayed for 2 weeks though. i had prepared a lot of documents and such to be able to proof i would be returning to the netherlands after my visit. this wasnt needed though.

When i went through customs (Atlanta airport) The guy didnt even look at my passport ( camera recognition i suppose?) didnt even ask anything really, Just asked me the typical business or pleasure question and wished me a pleasant stay. 😂

 

Like was said earlier, 88 days is indeed riskier, they may ask you extra questions

But still: a friend of mine was allowed entry all times she went to visit her husband (spouse visa) but every time she was taken to those offices in the bakc for extra questioning. But even after overstaying the 90 days once before, she was allowed back in and again stayed for about 2 months.