visiting prior to filing k1 - proof of ties to home country?

[mel.d 0]

I'm going to visit my boyfriend in June. I will be staying with him for 80 days. We met online just under three years ago, been together just over two years and met last Oct/Nov when I went to the US for just under four weeks on VWP.

Last time, at POE (LAX) when asked where I was staying, I said "with a friend", as we hadn't met in person and I felt strange telling strangers I was "with" someone I hadn't met yet, and there was still the off chance we wouldn't work out as a romantic couple.

This time, I feel that saying a friend would be a lie, and I don't want to lie and risk my potential future visits. We have discussed our options and will probably file for a K1 visa at some point in the next year, using this trip to gather further evidence for the petition, as well as for me to decide if I could actually live over there. I'd go back after the trip to save up for the move.

My anxiety lies in the fact that, having read a lot on here, the word "boyfriend" may trigger more questions and require proof of ties to Australia. The problem with that is, I am self employed and will be between clients for now as I am moving back to live with my grandmother in another city. So I won't have proof of work or proof of a lease. Part of moving in with her is to save for the eventual move to the states and the visa/AOS process, and partly to spend time with my elderly grandmother, whose health has vbeen declining.

I am wondering what other ties I could prove? Will needing to spend time with aged and frail relative count, or do I need to find other things?

I also don't have much cash on me. This isn't a huge problem because we aren't the sort to spend lots of money, we'd rather stay home and spend time together than go travelling and whatnot. I have read that lack of funds can be a reason dor denial of entry. My boyfriend likes to pay for me (Southern gentleman...I'm so not used to this...) but I insist on paying my own way, too.

Sorry for the essay. I'm probably working this into more of a problem than it really is.

[Pitaya 2,576]

Take a look at the pinned thread at the to of the forum page, Yes you can Visit.

Edited May 7, 2015 by Pitaya

[Boiler 43,429]

Nope, that got the answer I expected and very quickly. I asked about ideas for proving ties to Australia when I go to visit my boyfriend next Tuesday. I've just moved interstate and back to my grandmother's to save for the K-1 process, I am self employed and taking 80 day trip before securing clients in my current city. I'm only bringing a couple thousand dollars because we're homebodies, and I've probably worked up more stree and anxiety than I need, but would have liked some reassurance and/or ideas.

Sorry for hijacking the OP with my gripe :/

This question comes up a lot and usually from people who have no real ties.

And it is not something you can manufacture.

On a more positive aspect you very rarely get asked question beyond the usual

[mel.d 0]

This question comes up a lot and usually from people who have no real ties.

And it is not something you can manufacture.

On a more positive aspect you very rarely get asked question beyond the usual

Yup. I have no intention of lying. It only gets you caught out in the end. I figure Australia is a low fraud risk, I've left on time before, I can get a letter of lodging from my gran and just rely on being able to honestly answer that we're using this trip for face to face time, plus getting evidence for k-1 application if questioned further.

[Ryan H 3,790]

Inadvertently hidden thread restored.

[Kim Mertens 54]

I didn`t even know about the existence of this forum when I first visited my then boyfriend. We also weren`t engaged and I had no clue what a K1 visa even was. Just like you, I went there on the VWP. When I had to go through the checkpoint the officer asked me what my reason for a visit was and I didn`t know saying boyfriend could cause problems. I just told them I was visiting my boyfriend for the first time. He asked how we had met, I told him the truth, through video gaming. He asked me what he does for a living or if he still goes to school, I told him that he had just graduated biology and chemistry. Then he asked me if I was excited I said yes and smiled, he wished me good luck, smiled back and gave me my passport back

I had no proof of ties whatsoever, I live with my parents and I homestudy so I don`t have to attend classes, I can schedule my exams whenever I want to. They didn`t ask for it.

I`m not sure if having to take care of an elderly relative does anything but if they ask you where you live you could just say you live with your grandmother because her health is declining and someone has to be there to take care for her. Then they`ll probably ask you who will when you`re gone, just reply honestly.

Get proof of ties you Can get but don`t start about it unless they ask you I`m sure you`ll be fine!

Good luck, and enjoy your time together