ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Just returned from 9 days in the US and getting through immigration was a breeze. I went through Boston Logan International and they only asked me how long I was staying and that was it.

Gillian
English MuffinFemaleEngland2007-10-09 07:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (stiggy @ Dec 21 2008, 06:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Eeek! Now Im nervous about my upcoming trip to see my boyfriend in March!
Here's my situation... its a doozey wacko.gif

My ex-husband and I have been living under the same roof for a while. Ive always been a stay at home Mom, and Ive just lived in a seperate room, doing my own thing... and taking care of the children during the day. Its worked for us, for me to save $$ for when I move out (we've been seperated for 10 months). He doesnt pay any child support, since we all live under the same roof, and he pays the mortgage/bills/food. I live off of $350 I get a month, from the government just for my own little expenses.
Anyhow, a couple of weeks ago he got arrested, and charged, and theres a restraining order on him right now from coming close to the house. So obviously, he does not live here. However, as part of the "child support", he pays the mortgage and the household bills (electric/phone/cable) and buys the groceries for the kids to eat. So since Im a stay at home mom, I obviously dont pay rent, since hes covering that instead of paying me child support.
So, I got NO job (since I watch my kids), and I got NO lease/rent, since my ex pays for it unsure.gif
In March, Im planning on going to visit my boyfriend for about 3 weeks, hes coming back from an oversea's tour with the military, and getting out of the military at the time. And then looking for a full time job. And same with me, when I leave to go visit, when I get back, Ill be looking for a job for me too , to get on my feet. Thats why were visiting now, after not seeing eachother for a few months, and knowing when we both get our jobs around the same time, our jobs wont give us the time off for vacation time to visit eachother.

Were not planning on getting married till November anyways.. but still.. this is nerve wracking.

The last two times I crossed to go visit him they were pretty easy
Early Nov 2008 - POE - Pearson Airport in Toronto ... asked 1) where I was going 2) who was I visiting.. I said friends (was going to see friends and my bf), and 3) how long was I going to be. Told him a week. He said have a great trip, stamped my passport and that was it.
End Nov 2008 - different POE since I had a different flight interary ... 1) where are you going 2) why are you going so close since your last visit 3) who are you visiting 4) what are you doing there 5) whats your job back home 6) whats your marital status 7) whos watching your kids 8) where are you staying 9) how are you paying for your trip (answer was credit card lol). 10) do you pay rent.. I said no, i lived with my exhusband and he paid it in leiu of child support. After that drilling, she stamped me and passed me through.

Each of those two times though I didnt have my return ticket on me. Just my confirmation # , since I ordered them online and never printed them.

But now , I'll for sure print my intenerary. And Ill bring my custody papers. I really hope thats enough. I highly doubt my ex will write a letter for me stating I live in this house and that Ill be back on so-and-so date... especially with that restraining order placed on him by the police.

So, Im at a loss. I really dont know what else I can gather other then my confirmation print out of my itenerary, and my custody papers.
Were thinking of going on a cruise, so Im hoping that if I print out proof of a 5 day cruise might help too?


I don't know if you have to say anything other than you're going on a cruise. Bring the cruise booking sheet, your itinerary, and you should have no problem.
CarlawarlaFemaleCanada2008-12-22 09:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
After Jan 12 she will need to register her travels with ESTA because she is travelling on the VWP.

http://www.cbp.gov/l...tt/esta_faq.pdf
QUOTE
Effective Jan. 12, 2009, citizens or nationals from all VWP countries will be required to obtain an approved travel authorization via ESTA™ in order to be eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP.


She should be all set but again, it's ultimately up to POE officer.
KimandRussFemaleNew Zealand2009-01-02 12:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Jan 2 2009, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
After Jan 12 she will need to register her travels with ESTA because she is travelling on the VWP.

http://www.cbp.gov/l...tt/esta_faq.pdf
QUOTE
Effective Jan. 12, 2009, citizens or nationals from all VWP countries will be required to obtain an approved travel authorization via ESTA™ in order to be eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP.


She should be all set but again, it's ultimately up to POE officer.



Which is a piece of cake to fill out, I just did mine yesterday.

I have a bit of info which people might find useful. From experience I have found that you are likely to get more questions at POE if you are visiting some remote area in the US rather than a well known city or town which sees a lot of tourists. I think it opens up questioning along the line of if your not touristing, what are you doing?


Laura+TomFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-02 13:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (Fre @ Jan 2 2009, 06:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well she would be visiting me. I heard that you can only spend 180days a year in the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. So I would think it is safe for her to spend 90days again being it has been half a year since her last visit (which was her first btw)


There's no set amount of time, granted you should probably spend more time in your home country than the US. Ultimately it's up to the officer at POE what they see is as acceptable.
Laura+TomFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-02 13:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (stiggy @ Jan 2 2009, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This ESTA stuff... do Canadians have to fill it out now too before flying into the states?


No you don't as Canada is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Only countries that are under the VWP have to complete ESTA.

Edited by Laura+Tom, 02 January 2009 - 02:44 PM.

Laura+TomFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-01-02 14:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Please keep in mind that this account relates an event that occurred Before I discovered Visa Journey, so don't hold my/our ignorance against us, as we know better now!

Atlanta, March 2008:

Nik was traveling back with me, with the intent to stay with me for 87 days. He?d been laid off, and I some how convinced him that while he had no work obligations, he should come and stay with me - you know, to see if things could go anywhere.

We combined my first trip to the UK with his flight back - so we had the same UK-US itinerary. When we got to Immigration, I asked if, since we were travelling together, I could go into the non-US residents line with him. I figured this way, one or the other of us wouldn?t have to wait very long for the other to clear. We stuck together like any other travelling party, all the way up to the podium!

I handed the immigration officer my passport (A man between 35-45 - very serious/stern, but not mean. At least he spoke at a reasonable volume so no need to ask for repeat questions!!) - I imagine looking quite giddy at taking my boyfriend home with me, and was asked if this man was my husband (I think I surprised him, expecting a foreign passport when I handed him a US passport?) Well, no, he wasn?t. So, Nik was asked to go stand behind the ?next in line? line. I naturally was let in with no problems, and he indicated that I should go along towards customs while he motioned Nik forward?.

I?m not sure how much I helped things by standing impatiently (obviously) just 25 feet away. I could hear all the questions. He had the usual questions - Why are you visiting. Obviously, to visit me. How long would he be staying, 87 days (raised eyebrows). But we DID have a return ticket/itinerary with us, and there was an indication that 87 days were chosen in case of some airline problems, he could still be out within the required maximum stay. What sort of work do you do, and possibly a question or inference about what sort of work that allows 87 days in the US with one?s girlfriend!!! He answered that he helps his parents out in the shop they own. Perhaps he thought that parents at home might be good enough proof of ties more than the ?job?. Fingerprints were taken, passport was stamped, and after this short delay, ?welcome to America? There were no jokes. All business, and I don?t remember the guy ever cracking a smile!

It seemed to take forever, so maybe I can?t remember the other questions he was asked (if any - obviously not memorable), but I don?t remember any admonishments not to get married.

Edited by Nik+Heather, 19 February 2009 - 12:32 PM.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-19 12:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (firdaus @ Feb 19 2009, 10:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
all these sucess stories make my fiancee chances good....now here is the situation my fiancee is from germany she is finished with school and wants to come visit in april...my sisters weddin is in april aswell...now that she decided to come i diddint want it to be a 2 week thing i want her to stay for the full 3 monthes mean while we can start planning our wedding NOT PLANNING DATES just picking out a place her dress food and so on.... i understand that proof of returning is very importent...but what type of proof should she bring because she finished school does not work and lives with her family....were both young shes 18 and im 19 ...thanks in advance!!!



Return ticket is a good "proof"

Other than that, there is nothing else she has available.

Bobby+UmitMaleTurkey2009-02-19 22:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Nik came through Atlanta from Gatwick this afternoon. He had more than just the run of the mill experience through immigration (but he got through, YAY!) (Nik->Seems normal to me though. I guess I must learn to stop mumbling nervously, and make more eye contact.)

So, he got to the podium and handed over his passport and boarding pass for transferring flight to Phoenix (customs form, I-94, etc).

The usual questions followed:
"Business or Pleasure?"
'Pleasure'
"How many days are you staying?"
Nik says he gave a 'shifty' sort of answer (Two weeks "and a bit" and counting days wasn't quickly calculated. I.e. not though to count exact number of days previously).
"Who are you going to see?"
'A friend'
"What do you do? What does she do?"
'IT, she's an engineer, mechanical'
"How did you meet?"
'On the internet'
How much cash are you carrying?
Zero
And support yourself how?
Credit Card for expenses
"Here are your documents, I'm sending you in for an interview...follow the blue line, through the double doors"

(EEK)

The doors were a little confusing, and there was a staff member who never looks up was relatively unhelpful...

2 other guys were in there - 1 just from the row in front of him was there. Also, a Dutch lady turned up as well. The other guy was a full time student studying for his PhD ("What are you studying?" "How long are you staying?" etc)

The officer greeted him pleasantly, "How are you?" etc.
"Who are you going to see?"
'My fiance Heather xxxx' (in full disclosure mode now)
"Is this the person you came to see in March 2008?"
'Yes'
"How long did you stay then?"
'88 days - 90 days'
"Why did you stay so long?"
'To spend time with her'
"How long are you staying this time? Where is your itinerary?"
Did not have it printed out - Printer ink issues - At this point the officer was distracted, and Nik remembered he'd written it all down

He pulled the paper out of his bag, and waved it triumphantly, also explaining that it could all be looked up online! Of course, on the back of the handwritten itinerary was the Hawaiian itinerary (we are going to a wedding next week).
"Oh, you're really on holiday!"
'Yes'
"You have your bag here. May I see it?"
'Yes' *bag plopped on counter*
The officer went straight for the envelope with all the proof of ties I made him bring after reading this thread!! (Nik - the officer's eyes lit up as soon as he found it")
'Ah, thats in case you asked me to establish 'proof of ties'
Front of envelope has his boss's boss's name on it. First page is his letter of approval of leave from XX date to XX date. Second page: NOA1! (The officer seemed to get excited about this!) Yes, we ARE doing things properly...
"Oh, she's alright then, she's petitioned for you."
'I'm aware we can't get married now...' etc.
Then he started stamping things, and he was soon on his way!

Nik-> big relief!
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-25 23:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (tyriun_j @ Mar 30 2009, 12:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I want to run this by everyone whos ran into customs ALOT

I am currently going to Canada in 2 days to see my fiance. We haven't submitted our I-129F packet yet due to a real bad mix-up with the USPS. When I went through last time, All they asked me was how long I was staying, who I was seeing, and purpose of the visit. This time around, I have quit my job cause I am in the middle of a move back to Arizona. How difficult is it going to be when I hit Canadian Customs?

Heres what I have to show proof of ties back to the US:

- If needed, Copy of the entire I-129F packet, minus my fiancé's G-325A and Letter of Intent
- Proof of loans that I'm paying on ( car loan, personal loan, and school loans )
- Copy of my cars registration showing that I own it
- Proof of my address change for everything in my name ( Credit cards, cell phone )
- Roundtrip ticket/itinerary ( probably the best proof I got since it shows I am coming back )
- Copy of the U-Haul reservation that I have for when I get back to Utah to move the next day to Arizona

( For anyone asking why didnt I fly out to Canada once I was in Arizona, tickets are ALOT more expensive compared to flying from Salt Lake City )

I also have my aunt/uncle's phone numbers on hand as well to confirm my move down there. I'll have my fiance's numbers as well to confirm anything too.

If anyone has anything that may help or confirm anything here, please let me know.

Thanks Guys!!!


You should be fine. You have a lot of evidence to show that you have no intentions of remaining in Canada. Enjoy your visit.
Kathryn41FemaleCanada2009-03-30 19:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
My opinion is that you should be honest. I have read that they cannot see any pending visa petitions in their computer.

Our experience (and I have read the experiences of others which concur) is that if you show your NOA1 (this shows that you DO know the legal process AND are following it) and have a RETURN TICKET (with itinerary to show that), people frequently don't have many problems, even if they say the word "fiance"

Other things which are helpful are letters from your employer stating that you are merely on vacation and are expected back by a certain date (should match the date on your RETURN TICKET), lease, etc.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-10 17:45:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (Gil + Pel @ Jun 10 2009, 03:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmm... I c. thank you so much for your answer. I hope I will be fine... a copy of NOA1 would be ok right ?


Copy is fine. Everything went really well for Nik when he pulled out a printed out copy of the NOA1 which I had scanned and emailed to him.
Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-06-10 18:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (John&Desi @ Jul 2 2009, 12:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone. I'm new here and I just found out that i can actually visit my fiance in the states. I went through all the posts in the this tread and it was very helpful. It definitely encouraged me to go on and try to visit my baby. I have a few questions thought ... I got really confused about the visa waiver countries and when i checked my home country ( Bulgaria ) was not in the list of the VWCs. So I was wondering if visitors from VWCs do need an issued visa from the american embassy int their countries or they actually go only through officers questions when they get to the POE in the US. Im really confused ... did i got it right that if i have a tourist visa issued from the american embassy in my country i still can be turned down by the officer at the POE. I would like to hear if anybody from a non-visa waiver country have any experience with visiting the US during the K-1 visa process.


thanks in advance blush.gif


Yes, people from Visa Waiver countries usually tend to visit on the VWP even during the K1 process. I have heard less encouraging results for countries where a tourist visa is required. You are more than welcome to try, if you are willing to loose the money (generally around $131) you spend on applying for a tourist visa.

Yes, even if you have a visa in your passport, you may still be denied at POE if you do not convince the officer that you will return. The visa merely gives you permission to board a conveyance and present yourself to a border official. It does not guarantee that you can get in.

Each couple must individually assess the cost of the airfare and other things and determine if it is an amount that their finances can safely absorb if they are denied at PoE.

Nik+HeatherFemaleUnited Kingdom2009-07-02 15:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
QUOTE (LoveWaits @ Jul 16 2009, 03:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Great thread! Thank you very much! Wish there were experiences from people who need a tourist visa (ie: Russians), but if we decide to take the leap I will post from our experience. We are thinking of having her visit in September, about the midway point of our K1 process. Hoping her having property and a son back in Russia, plus return ticket will be enough to convince them to let her in. Why would we jeopardize our K1 by doing something stupid like having her stay here illegally?!


I would appear that there are lots of people from Russia that can't get a tourist visa, and others that can. Perhaps the Russia forum could best help you in that regard. If she's not admitted to the US, she'll be turned back, and it will NOT affect your K-1 process. Having a return ticket is not enough at all to convince anyone that they'll return to their home country because a return ticket can be cancelled. It's good to show I guess if she has everything else to show her ties to her home country. Is she working? Bringing a letter from her employer would be the best evidence of return.
CarlawarlaFemaleCanada2009-07-17 08:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Im doing the k1, stayed a week in december, stayed a month in february. i'm unemployed and had no issues. i had more issues before we started the k1 process.

i was refused entry twice in 2008. and since we started the k1 process and informed the border officers about it and bring proof of it with us every time, i have had no issues whatsoever. in face they see us cross so many times now they joke about it and kinda say hurry up and get married :P
KimbearFemaleCanada2010-03-01 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Make sure he brings evidence of the work he is coming to do and has round trip tickets. If he works for someone maybe they will give him a letter stating his schedule on company letter head with a contact number for verification.
NigeriaorBustNot TellingNigeria2010-03-28 22:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Hey Guys, I hate to sound ignorant here but here I go:

My Girlfriend and I are in the k1 process (NOA1 received) she does not have a tourist visa but her Brother lives in the US (greencard) for the last 12 years. Can she actually come here to see him and me at the same time? he only lives 150 miles from me. I thought if you didn't have a visa you immediately got turned back at customs.


she needs a tourist visa to enter the US, if she decide to apply for a tourist visa it will be denied because now is running the process to apply for K1 visa
dakay ?FemaleColombia2010-06-10 19:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
I will be visiting for the month of October and I'm a little concerned with the whole "binding ties" to my country. My job (a casual position) will be ending at the end of September, so I won't have proof to go back to. I am living with my parents and while I pay rent, my name is not on the lease... all I will have is our NOA1, a return ticket, and carry on luggage. I've never had an issue at the Ottawa airport, so I hope everything goes smoothly.
Penny LaneFemaleCanada2010-08-23 09:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Just a thought: Seeing as you mentioned you pay rent to your parents, perhaps you could get one or both of them to write out a letter as your landlord stating that you pay rent in $XX amount and are contracted to be living there until XX date. Then have them sign it and get it notarized. I know it's not as good as a a real lease but I'm sure its better than nothing if you're worried about it. I would also take a copy of your NOA1. Get your Fiance to mail it to you (If you haven't already) but obviously don't bring that out unless they bring it up first. Don't give them any more information than is explicitly asked of you.

Some other, albeit much weaker, forms of evidence of ties to Canada would be things like bank statements and any recurring bills that you have, cable/internet, cell phone, insurance (car or renters, seeing as you wouldn't have health) or any other contracts or recurring bills you can think of.

In all liklihood they won't ask to see any of these things but it wouldn't hurt to be over-prepared just in case.

I vaguely remember someone posting on this thread (a number of pages ago) a list of things they had brough and from what I can remember, it seemed pretty extensive. If you have the time and inclination you could probably skim through the pages to find it. But anyway, good luck and definitely let us know how it goes in October!


Thanks :) He is sending me the NOA1 (though I already have a copy of it) and I will have a return ticket. I'll bring my bill that shows I pay for all the internet/cable/home phone in the house. The letter from my parents is a good idea, I will definitely do that even if it's only for my peace of mind. I've never had a problem visiting, never overstayed a day on any visits, and am only bringing a carry on! Hopefully all of this works in my favour. :)
Penny LaneFemaleCanada2010-08-25 17:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Yeah my fiance is bringing a carry-on only as well. I'll mail him the NoA1 (even though sending the original does make me nervous in case it gets lost in the mail or something).


Make sure you both have a copy. :) I had my fiance scan a copy to me. I have the electronic version and the paper copy of it and he has the electronic version as well in case something happens to the original.
Penny LaneFemaleCanada2010-08-26 09:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
I figured I can chime in here now that I'm happily in the US for the next month :) I went through in Ottawa on Tuesday, and while it was the most I'd ever been questioned, it still wasn't some terribly intimidating experience. I was nervous because I'm recently unemployed and I live with my parents, so had no lease to show them and no employment letter. All I had in hand was a return ticket and my NOA1. I was honest and polite and it helped immensely. Usually I get asked where I'm going, and they send me on my way. This time was a little different and went like this:

POE: How are you today?
ME: Great thanks, how are you?
POE: Good, thank you for asking! Nobody ever asks. Where are you headed?
ME: Wisconsin.
POE: What's in Wisconsin?
ME: My fiance.
POE: How long have you known each other?
ME: Six years.
POE: And he's an American citizen?
ME: Yes.
POE: *looking through my passport* Uh huh and have you met in person before?
ME: Yes, many times.
POE: Where do you work?
ME: I'm recently unemployed. I worked for the federal government up until last week or so.
POE: So what do you do now?
ME: Taking advantage of some time off and going on vacation.
POE: Do you have a return ticket?
ME: Yes I do. *gives it to him*
POE: And you have a permanent residence in Canada?
ME: Yes, I do.
POE: Show me a driver's license. I need to know you aren't abandoning your residence.
ME: *gives him driver's license* (not sure how that proves I'm not abandoning my residence, but whatever)
POE: So you're due back in Canada on November 4th?
ME: That's correct.
POE: Ok, since you have a return ticket, enjoy your trip!

It was about five minutes, really, and while I was shaking because I was terrified of getting turned away... everything was fine. :) I hadn't been in the USA since March of this year, so I think that helped as well. But if I didn't have a return ticket, I'm almost 100% sure I wouldn't have been allowed in.

Edited by Coconuts, 07 October 2010 - 01:21 PM.

Penny LaneFemaleCanada2010-10-07 13:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
No-one can tell you for 100% certain. It looks okay to me but CBP might look differently. The only way to know for sure is to try. Good luck!
VanessaTonyFemaleAustralia2010-10-09 11:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

I am planning on booking a flight to spend some time with my fiance in California, I am able to spend much more time now that I have been laid-off from work, I was given my notice on Thurday Feb. 9, I think this was a blessing, but now I don't have my work as proof of returning to Canada, I will only have my return ticket and my "notice" letter, and my K1 package. I am planning on spending 4 weeks with him before returning home, what are my odds now of visisting my fiance?

I feel positive I should be ok with my package of K1 details (still awaiting NOA2) and return ticket, but as all of you have mentioned it is up to the discretion of the attending officer. ADVICE PLEASE, I want to book my flight tomorrow


I went and visited my fiance last October for a month. I only had a return ticket and my NOA1. It was good enough for me, but I did get questioned a bit more than I ever had. Go ahead and book it, but have a plan in case things don't work out.
Penny LaneFemaleCanada2011-02-13 13:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

HI coconuts..how are you?...thanks, what else did they question, where did you leave from?


I left from Ottawa.

They asked who I was visiting, I said my fiance.
They asked how long I was staying, I said a month.
They asked if I was employed and I said no, that my contract for my job had just ended.
They asked where I was staying.
They asked for proof of residence (I had to show my driver's license)
They asked to see my return ticket.
They told me what date I needed to return by (6 months)

Nothing extensive, just more than I usually received. It was no problem, though. But he might have just been in a good mood that day, who knows. :)
Penny LaneFemaleCanada2011-02-13 14:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
Why hesitate? The worst that could happen is that they say no. Even if they do, it doesn't impact your visa at all. You'll just have to disclose it when they ask if you've ever been denied at the border. It's honestly no big deal.

Bring plenty of ties to your home country and you should be fine.
Penny LaneFemaleCanada2012-06-13 07:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

I know it wouldnt impact on my visa, I hesitate because I would have paid a trip for nothing, and it would be a very big frustration to know my fiancé is just behind the door and I can't see him...


Maybe you could have your fiance visit you instead if you're worried?
Penny LaneFemaleCanada2012-06-13 08:09:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
I personally wouldn't even mention the visa. I haven't seen anyone confirm that they can even tell a visa is in process. Simply "visiting my fiance" is a good enough answer. I'm a believer in only offering the information they're asking for. :)
Penny LaneFemaleCanada2012-06-13 08:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

I just submitted the I-129f form and my fiancee is coming to visit next month! we are of course very nervous when she gets to customs, but as a backup plan I am going to be writing a letter just in case she needs to show something to the customs agent. will this work?

Dear Sir or Madam at the United States Customs Office,
My fiancée, ---- -----, will be visiting me on the Visa Waiver Program and will be staying within the 90 day period. During her stay, we will not be getting married or breaking any immigration laws. We have already filed the correct forms for her to immigrate legally for the K-1 visa and it is in process. She will be staying at my home and I will be supporting all costs of her trip during her stay. I have attached copies of my recent pay stubs, a lease of my home, flight itinerary with return ticket booked, copy of I-129F form intended for the K-1 visa, and a document showing that our I-129F form has been submitted and K-1 visa is in process. Please feel free to call me with any questions.
Sincerely,
---- -----


I added that I will be paying everything because she has no job, no payments, and lives with her parents so she doesn't have enough "ties" to prove that she needs to go home. I hope this works and all feedback would be great!

Skip this letter. It's a bad idea. You do not get to vouch for her, she vouches for herself. Presenting this letter will just make things look very fishy. Really bad idea.

BTW, customs and immigration are different things. The customs agent doesn't care about her immigration status.
Harpa TimsahFemaleIsrael2012-11-10 12:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!
After reading this thread, I am now all sorts of worried about my fiance's upcoming trip! I will be traveling to England for ten days to spend Christmas with him and his family. Our plan was to come back on the 29th and for him to stay out the 90 days of a tourist visa under the VWP. Now I'm wondering if that's too long. I haven't seen him in nine months and we were hoping to spend a good amount of time together.

Another concern is that he will be returning to the UK from Korea a few days before I arrive. This means that he will not have any sort of letter from an employer to show customs that he has to return. He will literally just have finished his employment right before this trip. Could it be played off as a holiday/visiting fiance/leisure? Is a return ticket and our NOA1/Evidence packet enough for this to be legit? :wacko:
NovembroFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-25 18:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

im not sending immigration a xmas card

:lol:

Definitely not!
NovembroFemaleUnited Kingdom2012-11-27 17:47:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

I'm flying into JFK on April 3rd for a month and a half. We're not far away from NOA2 (in theory), so I'm hoping everything will go ok!

It's tricky because I'm renting a room from a friend so don't have any lease.. And I don't have any job ties either. It's so scary! But I'm sure if I take a copy of NOA1, and return flights, maybe a letter from our lawyer it'll be ok..

Any tips? :)


I went to NY (JFK) in January for a week (it was my birthday, bf had to go over for work, so he went ahead of me by a week so I travelled alone). Immigration officer just asked when I was going home (a week later), what I was doing (having my birthday here), who I was travelling with (my boyfriend, but he's already here for work) and then to take my picture which I made a goofy face in and she said "no, like a model!" (I think she was Polish, so it sounded particularly cute). Wished me well. The chap asking for my blue card asked me if I was on my own, and I said "sort of, but my boyfriend is already here - he'll be outside waiting to pick me up" and he said "ah, okay, have a nice time!". No problems.

Edited by lost_at_sea, 06 March 2013 - 07:43 AM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-03-06 07:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

DO the border agents know you have filed a petition? Crossing from Canada to USA

This is a pinned thread and not often reviewed by forum members.

 

You have already posted this topic in a separate thread in this forum less than an hour ago. Please allow forum the opportunity to respond to your initial inquiry. There is no need for a duplicate posting.

 

http://www.visajourn...ter-submission/


A&BMaleChina2013-07-10 10:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Hi!!! does someone know if i can ask for a tourist visa while i am waiting the USCIS to give us a respond abour our case??? I am from Colombia and it is difficult sometimes to get a visa although i have been in the US a couple of times even like an au pair, but know i am with my fiance in the K1 visa process and i dont know if i can ask for a tourist visa while we wait for the answer.

 

Any help it is appreciate

 

You probably should have started a new thread for this, hopefully a mod will pop this out to it's own thread shortly.

 

Anyway - yes, you can apply for a tourist visa, however, applying for tourist visas when you have a pending K1 may be very difficult, as to qualify for the tourist visa you need to be able to show that you intend to come home after your tourism visits. You need to be able to show strong ties to home, etc. and having an active petition that is for the purposes of settling in the USA may be a counter point against you, as you are showing you have intent to be there for good in the end - they may think you're trying to short-cut with a tourism visa.  

 

SOooo... you can always try it, but be aware that you have to make a really, really, solid case to show you're only going to use it for tourism and return home.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-11 13:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Yes, sorry! I didn´t mention it. He is Spanish, and speaks Spanish. He´s been working on his English but I doubt it´s a level to answer all those questions. The car we have is under my name. He works on an off, and his contract is up Sept. 15th. 

 

He could just come with me for the initial move, while we look for an apartment, buy a car etc, stay those 3 months and then wait for his Inmigrant Visa. But I see it could take a while. Is it really 8 months?

 

What else could be proof to tie him to Spain? Enrolment in a degree?

Thanks for your help!

 

The other post you started has some responses that you might want to take a look at. Yes, it's really 8 months.

 

If he goes with you when you go back and you say you're looking for an apartment together, buy a car etc. and he's planning to stay the whole 90 days and he has no job at home in Spain, they're not gonna let him in, imho. It'll look an awful lot like he's planning to stay put with you.

 

Good proofs for home: School/College, a job, a house rental agreement/mortgage.


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-23 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

Thanks for the info! i didn´t put any tags in my previous post and now I can´t find it! Help pls!

 

http://www.visajourn...b-depends-on-it

 

(Click your own name next time, and look on the left side for "topics" and "posts")


lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2013-07-23 11:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

You have posted your general inquiry to a pinned thread speaking about visiting during the K-1 process. It is in an area that doesn't get a lot of general K-1 comments.

 

Suggest that you start a new thread by hitting the blue "Start a New Topic" button, located near the top of the main K-1 Process forum page on the right-hand side.

 

http://www.visajourn...ess-procedures/

 

Good luck.


Edited by A&B, 22 August 2013 - 11:06 AM.

A&BMaleChina2013-08-22 11:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

I am new to this whole process.  I was recently engaged in the Dominican republic and would like to begin the process of bringing my fiancé to the US. I have no idea where to start.  Do I use an attorney or a website. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!  wink.png

 

guides6ly.gif easily accessible at the top of the forum page. This is a DIY site, so you will likely not hear from many proponents of attorney-assisted immigration for most straight-forward cases.


Edited by A&B, 29 December 2013 - 12:35 PM.

A&BMaleChina2013-12-29 12:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

 

They say it's not "advised" but from everyone's experience here, it seems like most people get through as long as they have proof of ties and aren't staying incredibly long/raise flags. I'm surprised you would advise similarly seeing as how your profile states that your fiance came, was pulled into secondary, and made it out to visit just fine.....can I ask why the change of heart?

 

You'll be fine. Take the advice here to travel with plenty of "ties-home" documentation and there should be no issue. Having a pending petition can actually be great data for the officer, since it shows you're spending time and money to do the process properly (have your NOA1 in your "ties" paperwork). Some folks get pulled into secondary (and then can show all their good documentation) but in reality, it's not that common.  

 

Worst case scenario?  You get put back on the plane.  It won't harm the petition.

 

I went to the USA 3 times with a pending petition.  Zero bother.


Edited by lost_at_sea, 22 February 2014 - 11:55 PM.

lost_at_seaFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-02-22 23:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresYes, you can visit!

~~One post removed as poster has started a thread for the question~~


OntarkieFemaleCanada2014-07-29 08:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 petition information
Hello All

I had a great opportunity Saturday evening to have dinner with and spend several hours with a director at the VSC. He is currently in charge of the department that handles I-751s among other things. His wife is an adjusicator that handles YOUR petition (if it went through VSC). His wife is Russian, arrived on a K-1 and is now a citizen. This man has worked for USCIS for many years and was at several local offices before being assigned to the VSC. His wife is a friend of Alla's and we were all at a dinner party for several American/Russian/Ukrainian couples Saturday. We had a long chat, he was very open and helpful. We talked about a lot of the things we see here on VJ and I was trying to remember all the "usual questions" I read about and pin him down for some answers. I also have asked him if he will give an "official interview" for VJ. He said he will check out the site and I will call him later this week. So, anyway I will try to cover what we discussed, he was quite frank and direct in his answers, not rude, not at all, but he knows his stuff and answers without hesitation. It turned into an impromtu and fun "interview" with me trying to remember all the hot button issues I see on VJ

I told him that the number ONE and number TWO "complaints" I see are Why is the VSC taking so long and why can't we get through to you guys?

Why is VSC taking so long, what happened? I was approved in 58 days!: We had problem with labor last year and lost many workers, we hired more last November and it took some time to get them trained. Some of the petitions were sent to California and we also assign people to different tyopes of visas. They will concentrate on one tyoe, get behind on another and then shift many people back to the other type. Lately we have shifted many, almost all, adjudicators to I-129fs, so that should make people happy. They will do that until they get caught up. Summer is a busy time for I-129fs, usually about June we get slammed with them. The winter or early spring is the slowest time for I-129fs, but then it depends what they have everyone working on also.

OK, why can't we get through to you? The 1-800 line is useless. Those are contract employees and they are trained to select answers from a menu of 14 answers. They pick which one is best for your question. There are thousands of visas being processed at any time and everyone is special and everyone has special circumstances and if we had direct lines we weould do nothing but field requests by petitioners to give them priority, we just can't do it. How would you feel if your petition got bumped because some woman called and cried on the phone and then her petition got moved up ahead of yours. We simply have to operate in a way that avoids any chance of fraud, corruption or unfairness.

So what about some people get approved ahead of others? Sme petitions have problems or delays, we do not hold back others for this. If an adjudicator has problems, he puts that one aside or sends an RFE and goes on to the next. The next one may be clean and gets approved right away, in just a few minutes, they adjudicate 15-20 petitions a day per person, and the ones with problems may wait weeks for the petitioner to respond to the RFE, or maybe it is a name check they are waiting for. Petitions are assigned as they arrive, when we are working on those petitions, but they do not go out the door in the same order they came in.

G-325a, Signed or Unsigned? Unsigned.

WHAT? Ok I have seen the memo but lots of VJ members got RFEs for unsigned G-325s, what gives? They do not have to be signed,they can be signed at the consualte interview. Some adjusicators haven't read all the memos, we get hundreds of the things, and maybe they make a mistake. If you want to be sure there is no mistake, sign it. Or send a letter expalining why it is not signed and request it be signed at the interview. Do you have that memo?


It is on the VJ website somewhere You can print a copy of that and send it with the I-129f and G-325a.

Fiancee intent letter? Signed or unsigned? Signed.

What about a faxed or emailed signature? When I was adjudicating, if I could see a signature, I accepted it, but many adjusicators will not. Signed is better.

Lawyer or no lawyer? For what?

Enough said. Now a hot issue, a very controversial one. There seems to be a trend in some countries of foreign men marrying American women and the women are considerably older. There is always a question if this is a problem. It never seems to be a problem for older men/younger women (My wife is 13 years younger, his wife is also considerable younger than him) Is it a problem? For us, USCIS, no. "Free to marry".

What about the consulates or for AOS or I-751? Consulates do what they do, it is not USCIS, some of them are bastards. Kiev is easy, they approve everyone (laughs), they used to be bastards but they got easier since they first started doing those in 2005, before then you would have had to go to Warsaw, you know. For AOS if they can prove they are legitimate we do not care about age but anything that is "not normal" for the culture will draw suspicion. They probably will not get a no questions asked interview (I had told him our AOS was "no questions asked")

What about birth certificates, some people have trouble getting them? This is a problem for us also. Some people, especially our younger staff, think all the world is like the USA. I remember one, when I was in the Kansas City office, the beneficiary was from Viet Nam, she was born in 1954 there was no birth certificate. The CO asked me about this and I looked at the file. I said "Do you know what was going on in Viet Nam in 1954?" She looked at me, straight faced and said "What, their computers were down?" wacko.gif If a birth certificate cannot be obtained they can usually get something from a church, a village official, something, and send that with a letter of explanation. Or just their passport and a letter explaining the situation (this applies to AOS more than I-129f as beneficiary birth certificate is not required for the petition, but I wanted to ask anyway, it seems a common question here)

What about extra documents? Proof of relationship? We don't need it, only that they have met for the fiancee visa.

What about the consulates? Consulates do what they do, as I said, some are bastards. They get whatever we get when it is sent on. I can't tell you what NVC and consulates do, I know some are terrible and some are really easy, but I do not know all the details of each. Kiev is easy, western Europe is easy, Nigeria is horrible, but you would not believe the scams from Nigeria, I get jaded. I am surprised a lot of them get visas and then we have to deal with them.

I have to ask for a collegue, Ecuador? Bastards.

good.gif

What about changes? Are there any in the works? Is Obama ouching you guys to work faster? I am not sure Obama knows we exist. There have been no changes and no pressure other than the usual workload and shifting things around. I do not expect any immigration changes in the next year or two, at kleat not in rules or amnesty or anything like that. I do expect FEE INCREASES within the next year...across the board.

How much more? I cannot say, that is not my area, I just hear talk.

He added, "We try not to deny petitions, people really get angry and make lots of trouble. Denials usually come at the consulate or maybe AOS or sometimes even with the I-751. If we deny someone we need good reason, if they meet the criteria, we will approve it, they just have to give us what we need to approve them."

So how can I speed up my petition? laughing.gif You can't really. If it gets to be too long and if you can get a congressman or senator to call, that will get some action, but half the time those guys dont'' call or they do and the petition has only been there 3 months. Sometimes one falls through the cracks, gets overlooked, we are human. A congressman can get through and get them to dig it out if it has been too long, but I wouldn't call that "speeding it up". That's a fix for whn it is too slow.


we talked for some time more, about 5 hours altogether, briefly interrupted by Alla every now and again who had her own questions about the I-751 procedure which I posted in that forum, about VJ and other topics (his Navy days) He said he will check the site and gave me his home number. He said "call anytime but not 3 in the morning" I asked about an interview or answering prepared questions, he said possibly, he will check the site. He said many internet sites are advertisement for immigration attorneys or instructing people on how to pull scams, I assured him he would be very pleased with VJ and he thinks it is great that there is a good site for information and advice. (he never heard of VJ before this)

I can also say, that speaking to him, I heard so many of the same buzzwords or advice that I have seen right here, this is really a great site with some great folks giving some really great info.

Gary and AllaMaleUkraine2009-09-28 17:24:00