Visiting US partner with my B1/B2 Visa

[m.rose 0]

We ideally would like to get me a visa which allows me to move in and work for some time like normal couples would to get to really know each other before deciding to marry, but that seems basically impossible?

 

I currently hold a valid B1/B2 visa which apparently allows me to stay for up to 6 months at one time without working.

 

I'm nervous about this as I'm not sure how they will view this as me not trying to immigrate or work illegally, neither of which I plan to do at all. I have enough money saved up to be able to support myself so am not worried about showing proof for that.

 

I am also unsure about if I definitely need a leaving ticket out of America or is the proof of funds enough?

and when I have to leave, how long do I need to have been gone for before I'm allowed to return potentially for another 6 months?

 

I feel like I have a million questions but now I can't think of anything else.

 

Thanks in advance for any helpful stories of similar experiences and advice on how to go about this the right way.💗

[appleblossom 2,434]

You're right, there isn't really a 'try before you buy' option, unless you qualify for an employment based visa maybe?

 

I wouldn't plan to stay for 6 months, that might raise red flags but also if you get stuck for some reason (i.e. you're ill or can't get a flight - remember that Iceland volcano that erupted a few years ago and grounded all flights for quite some time?), then you don't want to risk overstaying. So plan a bit less, take lots of proof of ties to your home country (ideally leave of absence from a job if you have one, property, etc), proof of funds, and a return ticket. 

 

Ideally stay out of the US for as long as you were in before trying to return i.e. if you stayed for 5 months, then be outside of the US for 5 months before you go back. You could try entering again sooner, but it would be risky. 

 

Good luck. 

[Boiler 45,439]

Doesn't NZ have a working holiday Visa for Americans?

[smilingstone 167]

I wouldn't say it's normal for LDR couples to procure work visas to feel out the relationship before committing to marriage. It seems that the norm is to visit when you can while living/working in home country until the visa is approved. You just have to take the leap, but if there's any uncertainty, then it would seem you need more time. 

 

You can visit on a B visa but as others note, you should provide strong ties to your home country as sharing that you have a USC partner (if you are asked, you must be truthful) conflicts with the intent of a tourist visa. You may not experience any difficulties but it's sensible to plan for it. 

 

"Easiest" route would be H visa, but this is not easy by any means. Any employer sponsoring for a H visa has to show they can't employ a citizen for the role, so typically only specialist areas. 

 

Good luck! 

 

[Boiler 45,439]

There are several types of H Visa, none require you to show there is no USC fit for the role.

[P055UM 281]

Working is likely a not possible, or at least annoyingly tricky.
 

You already have to best route figured out by using the B1/B2. Come here for a while, get to know your partner, their life, their city etc etc. You won’t be able to work but honestly you wouldn’t learn all that much from it anyway.

 

I did this kind of thing on a ESTA when we were LDR. The long stay got a little more scrutiny at the PoE than normal, but ultimately it was fine. Just be honest in all the questions they ask, make sure you bring plenty proof of ties to home country, have a return ticket and plan on leaving well before the expiry of your I-94!  

[Boiler 45,439]

Visiting is very different to living somewhere.

[SalishSea 17,797]

8 hours ago, m.rose said:

We ideally would like to get me a visa which allows me to move in and work for some time like normal couples would to get to really know each other before deciding to marry, but that seems basically impossible?

 

I currently hold a valid B1/B2 visa which apparently allows me to stay for up to 6 months at one time without working.

 

I'm nervous about this as I'm not sure how they will view this as me not trying to immigrate or work illegally, neither of which I plan to do at all. I have enough money saved up to be able to support myself so am not worried about showing proof for that.

 

I am also unsure about if I definitely need a leaving ticket out of America or is the proof of funds enough?

and when I have to leave, how long do I need to have been gone for before I'm allowed to return potentially for another 6 months?

 

I feel like I have a million questions but now I can't think of anything else.

 

Thanks in advance for any helpful stories of similar experiences and advice on how to go about this the right way.💗

Using a B visa to try "living" here is risky (you risk losing it).  CBP may wonder how you can afford to stay for so long without working, and you may not realize that working remotely is also not allowed.

 

More frequent, shorter trips is generally recommended, in order to get to know each other.

[Sarah&Facundo 595]

My now-husband and I experienced this same thing. We were young and we really wanted to have him come to the US, see how he liked it, live with me for a bit like a normal couple, etc. before taking that next step. But, as you already noticed, that doesn't exist. I knew him in person already and spent time in his country. He applied and received his B2 visa, came a few times and spent a few holidays with my family, and then we had to make the decision---marry or break up because we couldn't do this forever. We ultimately decided to take the chance, do the K1, and get married. We have been married 6 years now and we are very happy with that decision, but I totally understand the hesitancy! Good luck!

[m.rose 0]

23 hours ago, Boiler said:

Doesn't NZ have a working holiday Visa for Americans?

yes but America doesn't do the same and my partner doesn't qualify being over 30 now 😕

[Boiler 45,439]

US has a J but no that is not the same, shame he does not qualify for the WHV as that would seem the best fit.