Visiting fiance before applying for K1?

[ophelia783 0]

Hey Everyone!

I'm a long-time lurker, but first-time poster.

My fiance and I met online 3 and a half years ago, and were engaged 2 and a half years ago, on our 2nd visit. We've been visiting each other fairly steadily since, probably about 15-20 times. However, we've never mentionned at Customs that we're engaged, using 'visiting friends', 'getting tattooed', 'attending a convention', etc. as our reasons for visiting.

My concern is this: I am going to see him on August 31st for 2 1/2 weeks, and we'll be starting the K1 process during said visit. I have many ties to Canada (steady, long-term employer, lease for the last 3 years, banking records from the last 6 years, so on and so forth), so am I better off stating that I'm going to visit my fiance and we'll be starting the K1 process, not mentioning the visa application at all, or going back to the standby of visiting a friend?

Neither of us has ever been denied entry, but we've both had incidents of extended questioning, and my bags have been searched at some point or another on the last 3 visits.

Thanks,

Carly

[Jasman0717 9]

You have to show proof that you have met within the past two years. You can use pictures, plane boarding passes hotel receipts to show you have met. I don't think telling customs that you are visiting your fiancee is proof of having met. Good luck

[ophelia783 0]

You have to show proof that you have met within the past two years. You can use pictures, plane boarding passes hotel receipts to show you have met. I don't think telling customs that you are visiting your fiancee is proof of having met. Good luck

Hi Jasman,

I guess I didn't clarify my question - what is the best route to ensure I'm not turned away?

I'm really worried that the minute they hear 'fiance', they'll deny my entry, but I hate being dishonest by saying I'm visiting friends.

It's been almost a year since my last visit, and a lot has changed - I'm just really nervous!

[Jasman0717 9]

You have to show proof that you have met within the past two years. You can use pictures, plane boarding passes hotel receipts to show you have met. I don't think telling customs that you are visiting your fiancee is proof of having met. Good luck

Hi Jasman,

I guess I didn't clarify my question - what is the best route to ensure I'm not turned away?

I'm really worried that the minute they hear 'fiance', they'll deny my entry, but I hate being dishonest by saying I'm visiting friends.

It's been almost a year since my last visit, and a lot has changed - I'm just really nervous!

I wouldn't see why you would be turned away, you haven't filed the petition yet and you have really good ties to your home country. I certainly wouldn't lie to them, that can never be good. If necessary just take all your documentation about your work and ties. Do you own property? That would be a reallygood one.

I am sure there are others here who can give you good advice about what to expect in your situation. I am kind of surprised none have responded yet.

Maybe you could do the same post in the Canada forum or I could always move this thread to that forum if you would like!

Good luck

Edited August 16, 2007 by jasman0717

[StillThePrettiest 3]

'getting tattooed'?! that's imaginative

[*julez* 124]

If you haven't been to the US in a year, it shouldn't bee too difficult for you to visit. The proof you have described as ties to Canada sounds adequate. The best rule of thumb when being questioned by immigrations officers is to be truthful in answering.

[vanee 13]

My suggestions:

• Read the Yes, you can visit! thread. It's for and about people who have already applied for K-1, but it has some relevant information.
  
• Bring evidence of ties to your country. The more evidence, the better.
  
• Bring some documentation to show that you've started the K-1 process. For example, print and fill out the forms that you need and the evidence of past visits. Also be very informed about the process so that you can demonstrate your intent better.
  
• If they ask the purpose of your visit, you could say "Pleasure." If they ask who you're going to visit or stay with, I'd be straightforward at that point and say "My fiance." Otherwise, it could look like you're trying to be evasive.
  

Good luck!

[pushbrk 12,898]

My suggestions:

• Read the Yes, you can visit! thread. It's for and about people who have already applied for K-1, but it has some relevant information.
  
• Bring evidence of ties to your country. The more evidence, the better.
  
• Bring some documentation to show that you've started the K-1 process. For example, print and fill out the forms that you need and the evidence of past visits. Also be very informed about the process so that you can demonstrate your intent better.
  
• If they ask the purpose of your visit, you could say "Pleasure." If they ask who you're going to visit or stay with, I'd be straightforward at that point and say "My fiance." Otherwise, it could look like you're trying to be evasive.
  

Good luck!

I like this answer but unless the only person you'll be seeing during your visit is your fiance, I think visiting friends and family or stating a planned pleasure activity like, "Going to Disneyland" is also truthful and would raise no unnecessary red flags. Bring the evidence if you need it.

Many Canadians travel to the US frequently.

[TracyTN 237]

Hey Everyone!

I'm a long-time lurker, but first-time poster.

My fiance and I met online 3 and a half years ago, and were engaged 2 and a half years ago, on our 2nd visit. We've been visiting each other fairly steadily since, probably about 15-20 times. However, we've never mentionned at Customs that we're engaged, using 'visiting friends', 'getting tattooed', 'attending a convention', etc. as our reasons for visiting.

My concern is this: I am going to see him on August 31st for 2 1/2 weeks, and we'll be starting the K1 process during said visit. I have many ties to Canada (steady, long-term employer, lease for the last 3 years, banking records from the last 6 years, so on and so forth), so am I better off stating that I'm going to visit my fiance and we'll be starting the K1 process, not mentioning the visa application at all, or going back to the standby of visiting a friend?

Neither of us has ever been denied entry, but we've both had incidents of extended questioning, and my bags have been searched at some point or another on the last 3 visits.

Thanks,

Carly

FWIW, its not customs who are concerned about your reasons for visits/frequency of visits. Its immigration.

[vanee 13]

I like this answer but unless the only person you'll be seeing during your visit is your fiance, I think visiting friends and family or stating a planned pleasure activity like, "Going to Disneyland" is also truthful and would raise no unnecessary red flags. Bring the evidence if you need it.

I agree. Don't give more information than they ask for, and something like "Going to Disneyland" is perfect if that's what you're going to do.

My suggestion was for how to respond if they specifically ask who you'll be visiting or staying with. I got asked that the last 3 times I entered the US, and anything other than "my fiance" would have been evasive. (I know other people where he lives, but visiting them wasn't the purpose of my visit.)