Horror stories at POE with K-1

[Livona 0]

Hello all,

Ive been reading around recently about what’s to be expected at the POE with a K1, and I’ve noticed there are some horror stories of people being denied entry. Now I’m worrying that the worst case scenario will happen. I saw someone say they almost got denied entry because the petitioner was a student and had a co-sponsor. I’m in a similar situation where I’m a student with a co-sponsor. I’m worried something bad will happen. We are a genuine couple, and I think we have shown it with all of our papers and proof. I just hate that there’s a chance my fiancé can get denied entry at the border after everything

He already had one bad experience at the border with ESTA, so it makes me even more nervous.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

Visa Journey history says otherwise.  Where are you seeing this stuff?  I have heard of only ONE K-1 entrant being denied entry...ONE!!!!!!   That was because when the CBP officer asked "Do you plan to marry withing 90 days?", the guy said "Maybe...maybe not".  

 

Stop reading FB and Reddit horror stories.  They are not good sources. 

Among valid reasons to worry, this is NOT one of them. 

Edited September 8 by Crazy Cat

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

31 minutes ago, Livona said:

I saw someone say they almost got denied entry because the petitioner was a student and had a co-sponsor.

Never heard of that even being in the scope of CBP duties.  The visa is approved at the consulate...not at POE.

Edited September 8 by Crazy Cat

[TBoneTX 45,287]

In theory, CBP can refuse entry on any basis that a consular officer would refuse to issue a visa.

In practice, I've never heard of this happening except in the infamous example posted above.

ESTA entry and K-1 entry are in accordance with different standards.

Your fiance should get in the correct entry line (ask) and politely answer questions without volunteering unasked-for information.

Quit worrying!

[SalishSea 17,828]

2 hours ago, Livona said:

Hello all,

Ive been reading around recently about what’s to be expected at the POE with a K1, and I’ve noticed there are some horror stories of people being denied entry. Now I’m worrying that the worst case scenario will happen. I saw someone say they almost got denied entry because the petitioner was a student and had a co-sponsor. I’m in a similar situation where I’m a student with a co-sponsor. I’m worried something bad will happen. We are a genuine couple, and I think we have shown it with all of our papers and proof. I just hate that there’s a chance my fiancé can get denied entry at the border after everything

He already had one bad experience at the border with ESTA, so it makes me even more nervous.

Why do you think CBP is in any way part of evaluating public charge risk?   That is only done by consular officers.

[ilikepotatoes 57]

Hubby and I didn’t go the K-1 route, but after reading your post, I just came here to say that NONE of what I worried about during the immigration process actually happened. I let my mind run wild, and would freak out and obsess over unimportant things. If you’re getting some of these horror stories from Google, just take them with a grain of salt…Google only ever shows people’s negative experiences anyway. You’ll be fine!! 😊

[Boiler 45,486]

I remember one where the Consulate had missed an inadmissibility and they needed a waiver, not quite sure how they picked it up.

[usmsbow 801]

If you've been reading horror stories about K1 visa holders trying to enter the USA, you must be seeking them out and putting in a lot of effort to find them. Visa denial stories are common, but denied entry?? I won't say it never happens, but it's very close to that.

 

If you've been reading horror stories about entering the USA (and not specifically K1), then stop reading them :). People that tend to have horror stories entering the USA are foolish and/or are in situations that are not like yours whatsoever.

 

 

[KMG 125]

1 hour ago, ilikepotatoes said:

Hubby and I didn’t go the K-1 route, but after reading your post, I just came here to say that NONE of what I worried about during the immigration process actually happened. I let my mind run wild, and would freak out and obsess over unimportant things. If you’re getting some of these horror stories from Google, just take them with a grain of salt…Google only ever shows people’s negative experiences anyway. You’ll be fine!! 😊

This is me, I overthink everything too! I 2nd the positive encouragement to the OP.  I have not been through the entire process myself, but I am petitioning from a developing country that has a reputation.  I had a friend whose husband ended up in 5 months of admin processing at the embassy, and still got the visa.  This is one of those things where if you have a genuine relationship there is no reason to worry! 🙂

[Edward and Jaycel 165]

My fiancée just entered the US on her K-1 visa at LAX 9 days ago and she said that the CBP officer was super nice, respectful and processed her entry there at the initial interview station, did not even make her go to secondary inspection. She said that once she got to the immigration officer, she was processed in about 5-6 minutes. Don’t let it worry you too much

[DFN 4]

K1 visa is a valid government issue document, no need to worry 

[jayjayk 56]

Don't stress yourself too much. It's good to be aware of all the possible outcomes but as long as you don't do or say anything stupid (yes, that case from above!), you will be ok. Now, from personal experience (my POE was Dulles in DC), they brought me to the secondary which is normal at that airport (or maybe was, not sure), the officers asked if I had a return ticket which I didn't need to so I said "no, we will be building our life here", they laughed and told me to sit down. 10 minutes later, they told me I was good to go. Just do as they tell you and you'll be ok

[Livona 0]

I've seen I think 3 or 4 cases of people getting denied entry with K1 while searching around on this website. You're all probably right though, I need to stop looking at these things. I just get very anxious and overthink so I try to find reassurance, but end up finding things that make me worry even more 😭 I can only hope he gets a nice officer