BettyMai

Thank you for your comment! Yes, dealing with CBP is always super nerve wracking! I’m trying to gather as much proof of ties to home country as I can, but still haven’t really decided whether I should go or not.. Of course it’s always a risk- but I think if you have as much proof as it sounds like you do, you should hopefully be ok! Good luck to you and your husband! I hope you get through customs without any problems!

Thanks so much you for your comment! Yes- I’ve heard horror stories of people being denied entry, but also many like you, who has been lucky and entered without problems, so it’s very hard to decide whether to risk it or not! It’s really just up to the person to convince CBP that they’re going to return home.. which can be hard without many strong ties to your home country! It makes me feel a little less worried that the lawyers you talked to didn’t seem concerned about it at all though! I’ll try to gather as much proof as possible and be prepared for being questioned- and only do a short visit, if I do decide to go.. and hopefully it’ll go ok, like it did for you All the best to you and your fiancé as well!!

Oh whoa! I’ve never heard of anyone getting a 5 year ban! But if that’s true, then I really don’t want to risk it. Thank you for your comment!

Thank you so much for your reply- that makes me feel a bit less worried! I’ll send you a PM later! Tak! :)

Thank you so much for your very nice reply, I really appreciate it! I hope you are right- but like you also said, you really never know and it’s up to the CBP to decide. Your comment made me feel a little less worried about it though. :)

Yes - I am currently applying for jobs and hope that I’ll get hired before possibly leaving in march… Thank you for your reply!

Thank you so much for taking your time to write such a long reply! I really appreciate it. If I had stronger ties to Denmark, I wouldn’t be so worried about going to secondary. I’m applying for jobs atm, and maybe if I got hired somewhere, that would make it a bit easier. And yes you’re right, it would definitely be a better idea to space out my trips more. I would have to miss either the memorial or the wedding though- but I guess that’s just the way it is for now. I’ll have to just look forward to when I hopefully get the visa, and me and my husband can stay together!..

Thank you for your reply! Yes you are right. I might just have to stay in Denmark for now..

Hi everybody :) My husband (26, who is a USC) an I (24, Danish) filed for i-130 back in July 2022. We have been married since November 1st 2021. Last time I was in the US was from July to September 2022. I am currently planning a trip to see my husband in the US in March, because it will be one year since his father passed away, and my husband and his family are having a small memorial. I am only planning on staying for about 2 weeks, because I’m worried the customs officer will be suspicious if I stay for longer, while my i-130 is pending. I didn’t really think it would be a problem to enter the US when it’s only for a short period of time and I do have a good reason to go, but now after doing some research, it looks like you need a LOT of ties to your home country, otherwise you can get denied entry. The problem is, that I basically have no strong ties to Denmark. I’m currently unemployed, staying with my parents so I own no property etc… Another thing is, I’ve previously gotten two extensions on my ESTA while visiting the US back in the beginning of covid. (First time was because my flights kept getting cancelled when I tried to go back home to Denmark, second time I got really sick and was unable to board my flight and leave the US. I have proof of both, and will bring them, if I go to the US.) I’m afraid that the extensions will also be a problem when I try to enter the US… Of course I will leave the US after my short stay, and would never try to commit visa fraud. But I am afraid that it looks like I would, with my i-130 pending and no strong ties to Denmark. So my question is: Do you think I’ll be able to enter the US? If I only stay for about 2 weeks and of course bring my return ticket? Or would it be too risky/is the chance that I’ll get denied too big? I know that it’s completely up to the border control officer to decide, so none of you can tell me exactly what will happen- but what is your guys experiences with traveling on ESTA while waiting for a visa, with no strong ties to your home country? And is a memorial a good enough reason to go? I so badly want to be there for my husband during this time. I’m also planning on going to the US in May, for my sister in law’s wedding. If I do end up going in March, will it then be harder to enter again in May, even if that is also just for a short stay? Thanks!!