Why no visits after K-1 process has started?

[BlissfulNW 0]

Does anyone know why, once we begin the K-1 visa process, my Canadian fiancee cannot visit me in the States until the visa is approved? We live about 300 miles apart and visit each other frequently - me driving there or her visiting me by train. Everything I've read states that she cannot visit me again until the visa process is finished. I'm just curious to know why.

I don't mind driving to visit her for the 6-9 months we'll wait, but don't understand the rationale prohibiting entry into the States once we're in process.

Oh well, I shouldn't complain too much. It's not too hard for me to see her, and we have telephone and webcams as well. I know some of you on this site have gone without seeing your love for months and months - that must be very hard.

I expect to submit the I-129F tomorrow - Cross your fingers for us.

Thanks,

Steve

[Shub 78]

It's perfectly fine for her to come visit you.

However, upon entering the US, she may/will have to show proof of ties to Canada that would compel her to go home, otherwise the immigration people may think that she intends to immigrate (i.e. and not to return to Canada).

[reeses16 8]

That's incorrect. She can visit. If asked, she needs to be able to show that she doesn't intend to stay in the US.

[TheATeam 0]

Yeah, she can visit, just don't be surprised if she's asked for proof of ties to Canada when she crosses the border. This won't always happen, but it may and it's best to have proof ready or she may be denied entry.

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Yeah, she can visit, just don't be surprised if she's asked for proof of ties to Canada when she crosses the border. This won't always happen, but it may and it's best to have proof ready or she may be denied entry.

[BlissfulNW 0]

I want to thank everyone for your comments. I guess I took the following quote in the "Fiance and Marriage Visas" book by Bray too literally. Bray states in a gray box titled "Stay Put During the Application Process" in Chapter 5 that, "... once you've submitted any part of your fiance visa application, you're unlikely to be granted a tourist visa." So Christine WILL be able to visit me in the States - very nice!

Thank you all again - this is a great web site.

[Meridien 0]

It is true that most people will have a hard time getting a tourist visa to visit the US while K1 is pending. Luckily, Canada is one of the countries that does not require a visa for visiting the US, so it's usually not a problem. There's a good thread somewhere in here called 'Yes, you can visit' that has lots of good info and personal stories of visiting while K1 pending, see if you can track it down.

[Toshtishtash 1]

Here it is

Very helpful thread indeed

[Kass 0]

My fiance' came to visit and he went straight through Philly. They asked him, where he was visiting, how long and why and then ended with have a nice visit. So basically nothing to report. He did however have on him proof that he would be going back to the UK, but they never asked. However, I would not push pask a weekly visit.

Good Luck.

[eric_and_teresa 10]

It is true that most people will have a hard time getting a tourist visa to visit the US while K1 is pending. Luckily, Canada is one of the countries that does not require a visa for visiting the US, so it's usually not a problem. There's a good thread somewhere in here called 'Yes, you can visit' that has lots of good info and personal stories of visiting while K1 pending, see if you can track it down.

I got the book, and the author is referring to what Meridien said.

[raymaga 25]

Steve:

While my fiance (now husband) and I were going through the K-1 Visa process, we visited each other every single weekend. Either he would come to Canada or I would go to the U.S.

I am the Canadian citizen, from the Vancouver area (like your fiance) and drove across the border to the Seattle area (like yourself) with no problems. I always had proof of ties to Canada with me, such as lease/mortgage documents, most recent pay stub, etc. and always told the truth about my visit to the U.S. I didn't volunteer any information, I simple answered the officers questions truthfully. If the officer asked the purpose of my visit, I told them I was going to visit my fiance. I did get asked if I had heard of the K-1 Visa, and I told them that yes we had, and we were awaiting approval.

There is never a 100% guarantee that your fiance will be allowed to enter the U.S., but with proof of ties to Canada, she will probably be fine.

Best wishes.