Some concerns about visiting the US again...

[Katz 0]

Hey guys! I have a question for you...

In January, I plan on going back to the US again to visit my fiance, but this time for about 6 weeks (the first time 'round I was only there for three). Like in April, I will be using the VWP.

I have two main concerns:

1. It is quite likely that our petition (according to the processing timelines) will be approved in January sometime (maybe even earlier, like in November), possibly during my 6 week visit.

2. I plan on quitting my (new) job about three weeks before I leave, and then get a new one when I come back.

Do you suppose I will have major problems at the Point of Entry? I know that they have the right to refuse entry for any reason, and the fact that our petition is very close to being (hopefully!) approved (that and I just quit my job for a long-ish stay) might look a little... fishy to them.

What do you folks think? Should I get tourist visa just to be "safe"? I'd like to get your opinions/experiences on travelling during the visa process. Thanks.

[~Nini~ 2]

I don't foresee any issues arising from your impending approval. Like you, I went to visit my fiance while our application was processing, and we actually received the approval while I was visiting him in the US. The subject of my application never came up while I was clearing through immigration - the officer was more interested in the length of my stay and the reason for my visit.

Be sure to bring with you evidence that shows the proof of ties that you have with your home country (rental agreement, proof of return ticket, etc) so that you can show intent of returning at the end of your trip. The only issue that may come up to the officer is that you'll be unemployed at the time of your trip, which might raise questions about how you'll support yourself while in the US.

Keep in mind that you run the risk of being turned back, even with proof of ties to the home country. But this question comes up every week - a lot of people visit their US fiances while their application is in process, and the majority are successfully cleared through immigration with no trouble.

Good luck

[Katz 0]

I don't foresee any issues arising from your impending approval. Like you, I went to visit my fiance while our application was processing, and we actually received the approval while I was visiting him in the US. The subject of my application never came up while I was clearing through immigration - the officer was more interested in the length of my stay and the reason for my visit.

Be sure to bring with you evidence that shows the proof of ties that you have with your home country (rental agreement, proof of return ticket, etc) so that you can show intent of returning at the end of your trip. The only issue that may come up to the officer is that you'll be unemployed at the time of your trip, which might raise questions about how you'll support yourself while in the US.

Keep in mind that you run the risk of being turned back, even with proof of ties to the home country. But this question comes up every week - a lot of people visit their US fiances while their application is in process, and the majority are successfully cleared through immigration with no trouble.

Good luck

Thank you so much for your reply. I feel more nervous about the unemployment aspect more than anything... I can't remember if they asked me any questions about what I did back home when I went through the POE last time (first time overseas so I was very nervous! Haha). I will have quite a bit of spending money to take with me... But showing proof of my ties back in Australia is a good idea...

[weedebz 0]

last time I went I was a self employed photographer and the wee guy casually asked "so you can work anywhere in the world then?" I, without thinking, said yes.....the wee guy looked at me and I realised what he was hinting at so I just added I had wedding bookings to honor back home and showed him my PDA with bookings....my wee heart was going like nuts. Thankfully he let me through and even said he wished he could do what I did instead of being stuck in his wee booth.

As long as you can show some tie...any tie....you should be fine!

[Katz 0]

last time I went I was a self employed photographer and the wee guy casually asked "so you can work anywhere in the world then?" I, without thinking, said yes.....the wee guy looked at me and I realised what he was hinting at so I just added I had wedding bookings to honor back home and showed him my PDA with bookings....my wee heart was going like nuts. Thankfully he let me through and even said he wished he could do what I did instead of being stuck in his wee booth.

As long as you can show some tie...any tie....you should be fine!

Wow! You were lucky! Thanks for sharing your experience with me. I'm starting to feel a little less nervous about the whole thing now.